What is “THE STORY”?

 

The Story is a Book

THE STORY contains select passages from the Bible laid out in chronological order. It begins with Genesis, and ends with Revelation. The text comes from the New International Version with certain connecting comments between sections. The non-biblical comments are clearly visible, set apart with a different typeface. There are no traditional verse or even book divisions so that the reader can read the story, concentrating on the flow of the “plot” as it develops. There are 31 chapters of about 12 pages each. By reading and studying THE STORY, readers should have a pretty good grasp of the contents of most of the Bible.

THE STORY originated at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX. Senior Minister Randy Frazee taught through the Old Testament and Minister of Preaching Max Lucado taught through the New Testament. The material from Oak Hills was further refined by other churches around the country, and now a package of materials has been produced by Zondervan.

The Story is a Series of Messages

Pastor Rick McClain will share a series of 33 messages in Sunday worship services, based upon THE STORY. These messages will coordinate with certain materials online and our Growth Groups. The messages will coordinate with our semesters, so that there will be two breaks this year. Altogether, these messages will begin in January 2012, and continue to the end of October 2012.

The Story is a Commitment to Personal Reading

Many Christians talk about the value of the Holy Bible, and then fail to read it. This emphasis would accomplish little without a commitment to actually read the Bible.

THE STORY is available in several different formats, including hardback, softback teen edition, Kindle, CD, Audible digital audio, storybooks for children, and a kids edition in NIrV.

A bookmark with questions for reflection is being provided, as are other materials online.

The Story is a Commitment to Shared Spiritual Experiences as a Family

Research indicates that if parents will engage in shared spiritual experiences with their children, odds are very high that those children will continue to walk with God as adults. THE STORY is a call for families to go through THE STORY materials during a “Family Time.”

The Story Includes an Online Growth Group & Resources

Materials are being provided as a supplement to personal reading and as an alternate way to participate in a Growth Group, for those who can not participate in one of the three other in-person groups.

www.ChristCommunityChurch/TheStory

The online experience will consist of these resources:

  • Message recordings online, for those who cannot attend worship in-person.

  • An email each week that, among other things, will include questions for reflection as you read that week’s chapter in THE STORY.

  • Message board discussion.

  • THE STORY Podcast. Pastor Rick, along with a guest each week, will discuss the chapter, including the questions for discussion, and perhaps some follow up to the message board discussion. We’ve never done this before; so this podcast will be an experiment.

The Story Includes In-Person Growth Groups

Three in-person Growth Groups, based upon THE STORY will take place in this Spring Semester 2012.

  • THE STORY: SUNDAY EDITION
    Group Leaders: Daryl Burckel & Lonnie Phelps
    Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the Student Ministry Center

  • THE STORY: KING’S KIDS EDITION
    Group Leader: Peggy Trahan
    Sundays @ 9:30 AM in the Prayer Room

  • THE STORY: STUDENT EDITION
    Group Leaders: Debbie Evans, Jessica Harris, Josh Harris & Pastor Rick McClain
    Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM in the Student Ministry Center