STORYTELLING AND DRAMA

The no-rehearsal Nativity

(Janine Gillion, Barnabas)

Janine writes in her introduction to the book: ‘Throughout my working life I have enjoyed combining my professional work as an actor and teacher with my life as the wife of the vicar. When it was suggested that I write a manual to help others engage children in a nativity play, I thought it might seem presumptuous of me, as many churches, schools and other Christian groups produce the most wonderful, inspiring and enchanting nativities. However, I wanted to use my experience of all aspects of the preparation and performance, in order to provide a full guide for those who are starting from scratch, offer suggestions to those who want to adapt of develop their usual way of presenting a nativity, and be of use to those who may be interested in trying a different approach.’

The book also includes a script, ways of incorporating a blessing of the crib or Christingle service and ideas for costumes.

Creative ways to tell a Bible story

(Martyn Payne, Barnabas)

2014 conference recommendation by Lucy Moore

Drawing on the extensive experience of the Barnabas Children’s Ministry Team at special events, in schools and with churches across the UK, this book contains a wealth of tried and tested ideas designed to lift any Bible story off the page and into the hearts and minds of children and adults. The resource offers a range of ideas for opening up a Bible story (the way in), telling the story (the way through) and exploring the meaning of the story (the way out).

Story box Bible tales

(Eve Lockett, Barnabas)

2014 conference recommendation by Lucy Moore

2013 conference recommendation by Martyn Payne

Uses simple everyday objects and a variety of helpful prompts to encourage children to tell and share stories from the Bible, and interweave these stories with their experience of everyday life. This title encourages children to own Bible stories in a meaningful and lasting way.

Anyone can tell a Bible story

(Bob Hartman, Lion Hudson)

2013 & 2012 conference recommendation by Bob Hartman

Bob Hartman has an enviable reputation as a performance storyteller. Here are his insights into how stories work; tips and techniques; and how to retell Bible stories – plus 50 great stories to practise on. The book is structured by storytelling styles, with pull quotes and boxes to keep the central material clear, acting as both a training manual and a resource.

Telling the Gospel 

(Bob Hartman, Monarch)

2013 conference recommendation by Richard Copsey

2012 & 2011 conference recommendation by Bob Hartman

70 stories about Jesus, his birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection from Luke’s Gospel told in a wide variety of narrative forms to produce stories that will delight new Christians and Bible veterans alike. Each story is accompanied by an introduction explaining its particular place and function, with telling tips and questions. Some require audience participation: all are designed to entertain and inform. The book is produced in large clear print and strongly bound for prolonged use. The price includes a license to photocopy.

Top tips on sharing Bible stories

(Sue Brown, Andy Gray, Gill Marchant, Scripture Union)

2013 conference recommendation by Terry Clutterham

2012 conference recommendation by Lianne Smith

2011 conference recommendation by Maggie Barfield

Jesus told stories to crowds of people, who listened intently. Some understood and responded, some were puzzled and some were offended. That’s the effect that stories can have! This book explores what the Bible says about storytelling, presents some basic principles and then gives loads of ideas on how to effectively share Bible stories with imagination, enjoyment and impact.

Telling the Bible

(Bob Hartman, Monarch)

The bestselling book at the 2011 conference

2011 conference recommendation by Bob Hartman

This is a wonderful way for adults and children to enjoy and discover the Bible’s most gripping stories, all retold by a master storyteller. There are stories for individual and group performances, stories for the major Christian festivals, stories for a variety of age groups. They will be remembered long after the service or event in which they featured has slipped from memory. Each story is accompanied by ‘telling tips’ and followed by discussion questions. It is presented is a large format and clear type for easy reading.

Sue says: Sadly out of print but still available through Amazon

144 talks for totally awesome kids

(Chris Chesterton, Lion)

These presentations are pithy, visual, arresting and memorable. Most last about 10-12 minutes. Each contains a clear lesson and a vital truth. They can be used in all-age worship, at the end of a children’s evening, during house parties and camps, in Sunday school, and in school assemblies. This book contains the material from two previous volumes, 77 Talks for 21st Century Kids and 77 Talks for Cyberspace Kids.

All-age sketches for the Christian year

(Peter Shaw, Barnabas)

20 easy-to-perform sketches for major festivals and popular celebrations, including Christmas, Mother’s Day and Harvest. Entertaining and thought-provoking, the sketches only require a handful of actors, simple costumes and everyday props and will appeal to all ages. The book also contains a short practical guide to performing each drama. Ideal for injecting fun into church services, the sketches are also suitable for outreach events, youth work, children’s camps and church weekends away.

Oh no, not the Nativity 

(Andrew Barndon, Scripture Union)

Over 20 sketches for use in church services written for festivals and special events all year round as well as an assortmant of Christmas sketches. Suitable for all levels of experience and appealing to all ages, with a variety of styles and approaches. Full performance rights given and fully photocopiable.

Doing that Psalm 78 thing:

ideas for telling God’s story

(Bob Hartman, 2015 conference)

Looking at different storytelling approaches to telling God’s story. Lots of examples, including new material from Bob’s yet to be published Parables book and Play-along Bible.

Delegate rating 8/10

Discovering God through Bible bad boys

(Naomi Fox, Barbara Van Valkenberg & Angeline White, 2015 conference)

Why does the Bible tll us about so many dodgy guys? Discover how we can creatively tell their villainous stories to help children discover a just and holy God.

Delegate rating 7/10

Making storytelling fun

(Lucy Moore, 2014 conference)

Children love stories! But keeping their attention can be quite a challenge. How to turn your story-time sessions into fabulous fun – for you and your audience!

Delegate rating 9/10