Telling Sacred Stories:
Part 1
Telling Sacred Stories is the first of a two-part storytelling course that empowers you to unlock and tell your stories about God’s power made perfect in weakness. This course focuses on the shape and power of story in Scripture, and how to tell our stories of Christian life and faith in the shape of biblical narrative. Reflecting on Scripture, select writings from Patristic and contemporary authors, students will be able to differentiate between closed stories that tend to lack relational dynamism; and open-ended stories that invite people into deeper reflection and relationship.
Students will also be able to identify key elements of powerful stories. And ultimately will be introduced to a process for telling personal stories that glorify God, deepen faith and strengthen relationships.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Discuss the role that story plays in forming and deepening relationships.
Identify key elements of biblical narrative.
Combine a theological foundation with a rhetorical framework for telling personal stories that glorify God, deepen faith and strengthen relationships.
Course Format & Schedule
Live Zoom Sessions:
Tuesdays, 8:00–8:45 p.m. ET
Dates:
TBD
Access Period:
TBD
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How does story bring us into communion with God and with one another? What role do stories have in our Orthodox Christian faith? How can stories share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others?
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What is the role of story in scripture? How does the Crucified Messiah reveal God's power through vulnerability?
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What is the shape of biblical narrative, what does it mean for a story to be open-ended and how does this engage hearers?
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What are your stories of faith? How can stories strengthen faith and strengthen communities? What are the opportunities for evangelization with faith-based storytelling?
Meet Your Instructor
V. Rev. J. Sergius Halvorsen PhD
Assistant Professor, Homiletics and Rhetoric
J. Sergius Halvorsen has taught at St Vladimir's Seminary since 2011 where he also serves as director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. In addition to teaching homiletics and rhetoric, he also teaches courses in Christian education and the sacred art of narrative. He is a priest of the Orthodox Church in America, and is attached to Holy Transfiguration Church in New Haven, CT. He is an accomplished liturgical musician and has contributed to a number of "Archangel Voices" recordings. He lives in New Haven, CT.
Tuition & Registration
Course Fee: $200
Refund Policy: No refunds after __
To participate, you’ll need to create a username and password during registration. All course materials and recordings will remain available through the end of the access period.
What’s Included
4 live discussion sessions (~45 min. each)
4 pre-recorded lectures
4 slide presentations to accompany each lecture
Optional reading materials
Access to session recordings and all course materials throughout the access period
You may submit questions ahead of time for each live Zoom discussion with your professor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. This is a non-credit, non-transferable enrichment course designed for personal spiritual and theological growth.
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No. While the course is grounded in the Orthodox tradition, it welcomes students of all Christian backgrounds and those exploring Orthodoxy.
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No problem. All live Zoom discussions will be recorded and available to watch anytime during the access period.
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After registering, you'll use the login credentials you created to access the course platform. All content will be available from __
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No, readings are optional and provided for those who want to explore topics more deeply.
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Not at this time. This course is for personal enrichment and does not offer a certificate of completion.