Story Circles
Story Circles are gatherings where we share our stories and listen deeply to one another, building empathy, understanding, and connection.
What Are Story Circles?
Story Circles are structured conversations where participants:
- Share personal stories around a theme or question
- Practice deep, compassionate listening
- Build understanding across differences
- Recognize God's work in one another's lives
- Create space for voices that are often unheard
Why Stories Matter
Stories are powerful. They:
- Help us see the image of God in one another
- Build bridges across differences
- Create empathy and understanding
- Connect us to the larger story God is writing
- Transform how we see ourselves and others
In a world of quick judgments and shallow interactions, Story Circles create space for the kind of deep listening that changes us.
How Story Circles Work
The Format:
- Opening - We create a hospitable space and set guidelines for listening
- Prompt - A question or theme is offered (e.g., "Tell about a time you experienced unexpected grace")
- Sharing - Each person shares their story (3-5 minutes)
- Listening - Others listen without interrupting, fixing, or advising
- Reflection - Brief time to reflect on what we've heard
- Closing - We give thanks for the stories shared
Guidelines:
- Listen with curiosity and compassion
- Honor confidentiality
- Speak from your own experience ("I" statements)
- Don't interrupt, fix, or give advice
- Make space for silence
- Honor the time limits
Current Story Circles
[List any ongoing Story Circles]
Example:
Monthly Story Circle
- When: First Thursday of each month, 7:00-8:30 PM
- Where: [Location]
- Who: Open to all
- RSVP: [Contact info]
[Special themed circles - e.g., "Stories of Faith and Doubt", "Immigration Stories", "Stories of Healing"]
One-Time Story Circles
We also host one-time Story Circles around specific themes or in response to community needs. Watch our events page for upcoming opportunities.
Host a Story Circle
Interested in hosting a Story Circle in your home or for your community group?
We can provide:
- Facilitation training
- Question prompts and themes
- Guidelines and best practices
- Support and coaching
Contact us to learn more.
The Power of Being Heard
In Story Circles, something sacred happens when we share our stories and truly listen to one another. We discover:
- We're not alone in our struggles
- Our experiences matter
- God is at work in unexpected ways
- We have more in common than we thought
- Everyone has wisdom to share
Join us for a Story Circle and experience the transformative power of sharing and listening.
Related Practices
Story Circles complement our other community practices:
- Community Groups - Ongoing small group relationships
- Community Meals - Shared meals and fellowship
- Worship - Encountering God together
Together, these practices help us become the beloved community God calls us to be.