Jan
6
Written by:
host
1/6/2010 7:00 AM
Society embraces brevity. Text message – up to 160 characters. Tweet – less than 140 characters. Facebook is generous, allowing 420 characters.
The brevity trend is not new. CliffsNotes began in 1958. Still today, they summarize and deliver knowledge in short bursts.
The Bible contains over 750,000 words. A fifty word summary neglects details, but is quickly read. It invites further exploration.
Today’s ministry idea embraces society’s attraction to knowledge imparted concisely. Use this idea with older children, youth, adults and families.
The challenge is to tell a Bible story in twenty words, no more, no less. Simple ideas often inspire creativity.
To summarize, one must know the entire story. Main points are then recognized. Learning occurs as the challenge is met.
Wondering what this might look like? Can it be done? Is it possible? Here are examples to peak your interest.
- Jesus said, “Feed the crowd.” Disciples were disbelieving, “Too many people!” Little boy shared. Lunch fed everyone. There were leftovers.
- A bush burning but not consumed. Moses stopped. God spoke. Moses got a new job, leading the Israelites to freedom.
- One God. No idols. Honor God’s name. Rest. Respect parents. Value life. Be faithful. No stealing. No lying. No jealousy.
- There were one hundred sheep, then ninety-nine. Shepherd searched until missing sheep was found. Shepherd rejoiced. God is our shepherd.
How to use this idea? Numerous possibilities: Sunday school, youth group, adult Bible study, a church-wide activity. Use your imagination!
Share your stories. Post stories on a bulletin board. Make a book. Put stories in newsletter or print in bulletin.
Another sharing opportunity: send stories to Different Voice. We’ll post them on our website. Many people will read them then.
Need more of a challenge? Write an article, sermon or book summary using twenty word paragraphs. It can be done!
~Sally Hoelscher
Copyright ©2010 Different Voice