Overview
Where Every Voice Tells the Sacred Story
Living Stories is an innovative approach to preaching that transforms the traditional sermon into a shared, interactive experience. Formed in the Episcopal liturgical tradition, this method invites people of all ages to engage with Scripture through tactile storytelling, open-ended wondering questions, and communal reflection.
Our Vision
Living Stories aims to reimagine preaching as a participatory act, fostering connection, curiosity, and belonging. By bringing the Gospel to life with visual and tactile elements, we create space for every voice to engage, co-create, and interpret the sacred story in community.
What Makes Living Stories Unique?
Intergenerational Participation: Living Stories is designed for the entire congregation—children, adults, and elders alike—making it a truly communal act of worship.
Scripture in Action: Stories are enacted using tactile materials, inviting participants to see, hear, and wonder along as the Gospel unfolds.
Wondering Together: Open-ended wondering questions guide reflection, allowing participants to explore how the story resonates in their lives and the world around them.
Lectionary-Based: Grounded in the Revised Common Lectionary, Living Stories aligns with the rhythm of the Church year, making it easy to incorporate into regular Sunday worship.
Facilitated, Not Taught: The preacher becomes a facilitator, creating a space for shared exploration rather than delivering a single interpretation.
Our Origins
Living Stories grew out of the creative liturgical practices at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, CA. Born during the early days of regathering after the pandemic, it began as a small experiment with families and children longing to reconnect through Godly Play and Eucharist in a church parking lot. Over time, that seed blossomed into a fully realized preaching model, now embraced by congregations across the country.
Our Inspiration
Drawing from the tactile, imaginative practices of Godly Play and the hands-on, reflective methods of Montessori education, Living Stories honors these traditions while adapting them for the communal context of Sunday worship.
Join the Movement
Today, Living Stories is transforming how congregations experience the Word of God. With workshops, webinars, and resources, we are equipping preachers and communities to embrace this participatory approach. Whether you’re curious about trying it for the first time or ready to deepen your practice, Living Stories offers a path to encounter Scripture in fresh and meaningful ways.
Let’s Wonder Together
Living Stories is more than a method—it’s a movement rooted in the belief that every voice has something sacred to offer. Come, join the journey, and help us tell the sacred story.