“I will use stories to speak my message and to explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Matthew 13:35

We use stories because Jesus did.

And Jesus used stories for some very good reasons.

Jesus is said to have told a story every time he opened his mouth. Why? His closest friends once asked him that exact question. He told them it was for those who didn’t quite see the whole picture; stories gave them a glimpse of something they couldn’t quite grasp…. yet. Jesus told stories—often made up ones, fictions—that couldn’t have been more true.

Far more than just an entertainment, an illustration, or a diversion before getting back to the real work of “teaching,” Jesus often entrusted his most important truths to the messenger of story.

We believe stories have the power to move and amaze, instruct and uncover, heal and reveal. Good stories have a powerful role to play in helping us all understand the mystery of God, the beauty of the gospel, and the wonder of his creation.

“Stories allow us to steal past those watchful dragons.”

C.S. Lewis

Have we missed the plot on stories?

In our information age it can be easy to think that sharing facts is enough to communicate big ideas. But are we missing something?

History and experience show that stories are one of the most powerful ways to pass along the ideas that matter most.

History

Throughout the past, fairytales, myths, legends, and parables have been humankind’s primary way of passing on ideas and values.

Strategy

Most of us have walls in place to help safeguard our preconceived notions. Stories are able to fly over those defenses to deliver powerful truths.

Humanity

Stories take the whole person into consideration, activating the heart, soul, intellect, and imagination all at once.

Memory

We remember stories, holding on to the details and messages they impart much longer than many other forms of communication.

Discovery

Instead of telling us what to think, stories help us uncover insight, and we tend to take more ownership of those insights.

Mystery

Stories leave room around the edges of ideas for all the things we can’t completely explain or understand.

Why are we called Bravingbird?

Throughout history a few humble birds have become heroes. When other forms of communication proved to be vulnerable or unreliable, the unique ability of some birds to navigate over long distances and treacherous terrain made them ideal messengers.

We think stories are like those brave birds.

Good stories carry meaning; they carry messages of insight and inspiration. And when told well, a good story is able to soar over the things that divide us in order to deliver a critical message to exactly the right place.

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