The Uncle Who Would Not Quarrel ~ Is based on the Bible account of Abram and Lot parting ways, which is found in Genesis chapter 13. The art of storytelling is used in several teaching methods such as the sole use of storytelling, flannel board presentations, pretend play or drama scripts, and even in pictorial teaching (using pictures to tell a story). Here we want to give an example of how to prepare a story for a Bible lesson using one of the teaching methods as mentioned.

Define Objectives for Telling the Bible Account ~ First write out your lesson objectives. This will set your focus on where to go with your story or lesson presentation. For our example we chose the following lesson objectives: Children will hear about a true-life family story, how an uncle acted as a peacemaker while recognizing a family dispute and humbly puts his nephew first as he offers a solution to their problem. Children will gain an understanding of what a peacemaker is ~ one who offers a solution to a problem in an honorable way.



Preparing Your Story ~ In 3 Simple Steps:




1) Picture Story in Mind's Eye ~ Read Genesis 13 several times. Outline the event on paper. Research for history background and location of the event. Consider using costumes or props if applicable.

Outline (Example):

Abram and Lot both rich, needing land & water to live.

Herdsmen in strife with one another.

Abram recognizes the problem and offers a solution.

Abram humbles himself and offers Lot the first pick ~ using peacemaker skills, putting others first.

Lot agrees with Abram's solution and chooses what looks best for him.

Abram is blessed with land in Caanan, as promised by God.

History Background (Example):

Abram and his family return out of Egypt to Canaan.

Palestine being a highland country, the entrance from Egypt by its southern boundary is a continual ascent.

Abram and Lot's families were considered nomads until now.

Location (Example):

Locate on a map the route Abram and Lot took from Egypt to Canaan. Use a map during your presentation.

Find pictorial of land location to get a feel for the story's setting. Inject climate and setting descriptions into your presentation.

2) Make Your Storyline Makes Sense ~ Determine the "Lesson to Learn" and explain it either in the intro of the story or as the ending. Be sure your story has a good beginning and a clear ending. Choose the verses you will use word for word and those you'll paraphrase.

Lesson to Learn (Example) ~ We can learn much from Abram about how to respond to family conflicts using peacemaking skills such as:

Be the one to be first to resolve a conflict if it involves you.

Give others the first choice, even if it means not getting the things we want.

Make family peace a priority.

Word for Word Verses (Example) ~ Here are a few word for word verses we think works well in this storyline:

V2 - Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

V8 & 9 - So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. "Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."

V10 - And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.

V11 & 12 - Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.

V14 thru 17 - And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are-northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you."

3) Practice, Practice Practice then Tell, Tell, Tell ~ Memorization is the key to good storytelling. With each story you recite, the more practice you gain. It's not likely you'll be perfect the first time you tell your story. But, if you love sharing God's Word with children and have prepared it reasonably well, you will surely give exhortation to your listeners and yourself. And, each time you tell the Bible account, you and your story will improve.

Enjoy yourself, exhort your listeners, and praise God for the Bible accounts He has given us to tell, especially to our children.

 

Author of "Plant the Word"
Co-Owner TrainUpChildren.com