Overview

The first apostles relied on different spiritual content than we practice. They were laser focused on the life and stories of Jesus. We need a serious review of the church's spiritual content. In years of ministry, author Verlon Fosner has discovered a surprising truth: the power of the stories of Jesus to capture the imagination of secular people. Agnostic and atheistic people sit back to the usual Bible teaching, but they love talking about the life of Christ. Tell them a story, and they lean forward. The church? Meh. Jesus? Let's talk. As pastors and leaders in Christian faith, we have been taught to form our sermons and teachings based on modern principles of interpretation using such big words and concepts as hermeneutics, exegesis, contextualization, and etymology, all built on a foundation of systematic theology. While these are helpful, what do we remember? And what do secular people like? Something much simpler: the stories of Jesus. The first followers were consumed with the words and minutiae of what happened when Jesus walked the earth. It flowed into their conversations, preaching, evangelism, and discipleship. Jesus knew this would happen, too. When he told a story, even the sinners listened. That's why he told his first disciples to prioritize his words and stories. They are the only spiritual materials on this earth stalwart enough to withstand the storm. If we the church are to regain the power of the gospel and the ability to garner the attention of a secular world, we would be wise to recapture the focus of the 468 Jesus Stories.

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9781963265217

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Jesus took his listeners on three types of field trips: physical trips (engaging in experiences), mental trips (asking questions), and emotional trips (telling stories). Verlon Fosner helps us to explore and engage with these emotional field trips, which draw us in to experience the kingdom in new and glorious ways. When we make Jesus' stories the priority, we connect deeply with the heart of Jesus. Verlon not only takes Jesus seriously; he also takes Jesus' stories seriously. This book helps to show us how we can take these stories seriously, too. - J.R. BRIGGS, author of The Sacred Overlap, Founder of Kairos Partnerships Revolutionize your faith and ministry with Story Priority. This game-changing book makes a powerful case for reclaiming Jesus stories as the heart of Christian teaching and outreach. With a unique blend of personal anecdotes and ancient church wisdom, Fosner boldly challenges the preoccupations of contemporary theology and reveals the rapturous touch of Jesus stories on all audiences. Get ready for a thought-provoking and inspiring read that will reignite your passion and purpose. - LEONARD SWEET, author of Designer Jesus, professor (Drew University, George Fox University, Northwind Seminary), preacher (preachthestory.com), publisher (salishsea.press), proprietor (SanctuarySeaside.com)

Author Information

VERLON FOSNER has led an innovative congregation in Seattle, Washington since 1999. In the last decade the congregation transitioned from a traditional proclamation church into a multi-site Dinner Church called Community Dinners (www.CommunityDinners. com). In this decade when more US churches are declining than thriving, Verlon sensed that a different way of doing church was needed for their 97-year-old Seattle congregation. After a long season of trial and error (and mostly error), their hearts became stirred by the manner of church that was practiced during the Apostolic Era.Verlon holds a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and has written several books, including Dinner Church, Dinner Church Handbook, and Welcome to Dinner, Church.

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