How Churches Can Use Storytelling to Increase Engagement
Churches can use storytelling to increase engagement by sharing real, authentic testimonies that connect emotionally with people instead of relying solely on announcements and information. Stories build trust, foster community, and move people from spectators to active participants in ministry.
Why Storytelling Works in Church Communication
You know what people rarely remember? The church announcements.
No offense to the person reading them with great enthusiasm, but bullet points about next Saturday's pancake breakfast don't exactly stir the soul. What does stick? A story. A moment. A real-life testimony that makes you pause, reflect, and feel something.
Information tells. Story sells. And more importantly, story stirs. It stirs emotion, empathy, and ultimately, action.
When you tell a good story...one that's authentic, specific, and human...people lean in. They see themselves in it. And they're far more likely to engage, volunteer, give, or simply show up the next week.
The Story Gap in Most Church Communication
Most churches are great at communicating information. We've got announcement slides, email newsletters, social media posts, and the classic Sunday bulletin. But somewhere along the way, we forgot that people aren't just brains with calendars...they're hearts with stories.
Here's what happens when you only lead with information:
- Announcements get tuned out because they feel like noise
- People don't see how ministry connects to real life
- Engagement stays surface-level because nothing resonates emotionally
- Volunteers sign up less, give less, and participate less
The problem isn't what you're saying. It's how you're saying it.
What Makes a Story Connect in Church
Not every story is created equal. The ones that actually move people share a few common traits:
They're specific, not generic
Bad: "God is doing great things through our small groups!"
Better: "When Sarah lost her job last month, her small group showed up at her door with groceries and sat with her in the grief."
They show transformation, not just information
Instead of listing what ministries do, show what happens in someone's life because of them.
They're real, not polished
You don't need perfect video production or professional photography. You need authentic moments captured honestly.
They point to God, not just programs
The best church stories highlight God's work in people's lives, not just your church's activities.
Simple Ways to Start Using Storytelling in Church Communication
You don't need a film crew or a full-time content creator to tell great stories. Here's how to start:
1. Use Offering Time for Stories
Instead of saying "Thanks for giving, you make ministry happen," share a short, specific story of how giving made a difference. Show a one-minute video. Read a testimony. Share a moment of transformation.
At our church, we started doing this during offering, and engagement went up. People cried. People clapped. And people started asking, "Hey...could I share my story sometime?"
2. Turn Social Media into Story Space
You don't need fancy graphics. Just highlight one real story a week on social media:
- A quote from someone whose life changed
- A photo with a brief caption about what God's doing
- A short video or voice memo
- A "how we met" story from a ministry leader
3. Train Your Team to Be Story-Spotters
Ask your staff and volunteers: "What's one moment this week that encouraged you?" or "Who did you see God at work in?"
Then write it down. Capture it. Share it.
4. Build Storytelling into Your Calendar
Plan stories the same way you plan announcements. When you're building your church communications calendar, include space for testimonies, transformation moments, and real-life examples that support your message.
You Don't Need a Big Budget to Tell Great Stories
Let's be real: budget is often the first excuse. "We'd love to do storytelling, but we don't have the money or gear."
I hear you...but that's a myth.
Authenticity always wins over polish.
In the age of TikTok and Instagram Stories, people are used to raw content. It feels trustworthy. So if all you have is a smartphone and a quiet room? You're good to go.
Some of our most powerful stories were shot on an iPhone, recorded in someone's living room, or written down in plain text. The tools don't matter nearly as much as the heart behind them.
How Communicate Helps You Plan Story-Driven Content
Storytelling works best when it's intentional, not accidental. That's why Communicate, our church communications calendar, helps you:
- Plan stories alongside announcements so they reinforce each other
- Schedule content across channels so stories reach more people
- Collaborate with your team to capture and share moments as they happen
- Keep everything organized so you don't miss opportunities to tell great stories
It's not just about efficiency...it's about creating space for the kind of communication that actually moves people.
What Happens When Churches Prioritize Stories
When you shift from information-first to story-first communication, you'll notice:
- Deeper engagement because people connect emotionally, not just intellectually
- More volunteers because they see the real impact of serving
- Greater trust because authenticity builds credibility
- Stronger community because stories make faith feel personal, not theoretical
You're not just increasing participation...you're building a culture of testimony. You're reminding people, week after week, that faith isn't abstract. It's real. It's happening. It's changing lives.
Conclusion
Storytelling doesn't require perfection, performance, or production value.
It just requires you to care enough to ask "What's your story?"...listen...and share it.
Your church is already full of incredible stories:
- The new believer finding hope
- The long-time member rediscovering purpose
- The couple holding on through loss
- The teenager inviting their friend
These aren't content opportunities. They're glimpses of grace. They're evidence that God is moving.
Start telling them.
Want to put this into action? Start planning your church communications with Communicate — the only church communications calendar built just for ministry teams.
FAQs
Q: How do we find stories to tell without feeling invasive?
A: Ask permission. Share the vision behind storytelling. Most people want to celebrate what God's doing in their lives. When you frame it as testimony and ministry, people say yes.
Q: How often should we share stories?
A: Start with once a week. One testimony or transformation moment. Consistent storytelling builds momentum, but too many stories can dilute their impact.
Q: What if we don't have someone on staff who's a natural storyteller?
A: You don't need one. The best storytellers are often the people living the stories. Let them tell it in their own words. Your job is to ask good questions, listen well, and capture it honestly.
Q: Should stories replace announcements or supplement them?
A: Supplement them. Use stories to show why what you're announcing matters. Announcements tell people what's happening. Stories show them why they should care.
