Finding Your Voice as a Storyteller

In Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire pastor Jim Cymbala recalls his early days in ministry and the process of discovering his own voice:

"What a breakthrough it was for me as I learned to trust in God to use my natural personality. God has always despised sham and pretense, especially in the pulpit. The minute I started trying to effect a posture or pose, God's Spirit would be grieved. I had to find my own style and stay open and dependent on God."

It's tempting to imitate the captivating harshness of a Matt Chandler or the clever alliteration of an Ed Young. But as storytellers, we've been given a unique voice for our time, and our place.

It's our job to find it.

Comments

[ryan]

'Captivating harshness of Matt Chandler'

Haha.

[Nic Burleson]

That's so true and such a trap. So many people who've been given the opportunity to share the story of God want to be "the next Perry Noble" or "the next Loui Giglio" when God created them to be the first version of themselves.

[Cam]

Great statement. Imagine the freedom some could live in if they realized that even being a "speaker" was for them striking a pose. Thanks, Ben, for helping to lift those chains from folks with your work.