Why we need sync – Grace Wheeler

As a communicator, one of the things I always used to connect with people is stories.  I tell stories about dogs, about inspiring people, but mostly about me!  This is not because I love myself, it’s because I know me best and when I share something of my life it connects with my audience.

Stories are powerful.

I don’t know about you but I can remember the stories I read as a child, curled up with my mum on the sofa or fighting sleep as I settled down for the night.  And I do so for a very good scientific reason.  When we hear stories, our brain secretes powerful chemicals: cortisol which makes us pay attention, oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mother and baby), which makes us feel empathy for the story’s characters and dopamine (also found in some ‘fun enhancing’ substances), which makes us feel good when there is a happy ending.  Moreover, brain scans during storytelling reveal that the same chemical patterns are observed in both teller’s and hearer’s brains.  It’s as if you sync your mind to the other person’s using the power of story.  It’s as if Jesus knew what he was doing when he used parables to communicate the deep truths of the cosmos.

And in youth culture stories resonate even more.  When you use Snapchat or Insta these days you are not just invited to capture a moment in time but to tell a story.  Our music videos and computer games have evolved.  The story is central to them.

What does this have to do with evangelism?

Recently I have been captivated by the idea that in evangelism, three stories collide.  We have a story, God has a story and our friend who does not yet know Jesus also has a story.  Great evangelism is about bringing these stories together through the power of relationship.  One of the first steps here is to know your own story.

Purpose, forgiveness, friendship, belonging, change, hope, life, love, adventure, guidance, mission.  All these words help young people tell a story of the difference Jesus makes in their life.  St Peter writes, ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.’  1 Peter 3:15. One of the best things we can do for our young people is to prepare them to tell their story.

As an evangelist, I am compelled by the idea that if every Christian young person knew their story, God’s story, was praying for a few mates and committed to intentional relationships with those around them, the viral potential for the Gospel could be unleashed in a new way.  That’s why at Youth for Christ we have created Sync, a Youtube channel to help young people know their story and be inspired to share it.  I would love you to check it out and run it for free with your young people.

Grace Wheeler is the National Evangelist at Youth for Christ.  You can explore the free Sync resources here and see the Youtube channel here