Tell Me a Story: Finding God (and Ourselves) Through Narrative

by Scott McClellan

Do you know what makes a story great? All the best stories have a few things in common. First, we need the voice of a narrator or a storyteller. Then, add interesting characters, throw them into a risky setting, and get ready for a good dose of conflict. Give those characters a purpose or goal, and that's then the real action begins. Story is our calling. It is also the next generation’s best chance of identifying with the Church and changing the world. As we become storytellers, we learn to see the world in terms of stories being lived and told. We discover deeper insights into God, ourselves, and others. God’s story is happening. We are right in the middle of a page-turner—and God is in it with us. Start seeing your life as a part of God’s story and make some great adventures happen right now!

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Writing, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2013

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author by this name on goodreads.

Pastor Scott McClellan is the communications pastor at Irving Bible Church in Texas. He's online at scottlikes.com where the about me section reads:

"I’m a writer, communications pastor, occasional speaker, family man, and fellow of infinite jest. And in case you’d like a little more detail:

WORK
I’m the new Communications Pastor at Irving Bible Church, where my wife and I have been involved for more than nine years. I also have a new book (my first) called Tell Me a Story.

Previously, I was a part of RT Creative Group from 2005 to 2012, where I started out working for Igniter Media and WorshipHouse Media. Later, I was the guy responsible for the words on the pages of COLLIDE Magazine. In the end, I was the director of Echo Conference for four years and the editor of Echo Hub, which replaced COLLIDE.

HOME
My wife Annie and I live in the Dallas area with our two girls, Elise (4) and Maggie (1). As you might imagine, the girls keep us busy. Whatever free time I have belongs to my family, writing, reading, various side projects, whatever I can help you with, making poor dietary decisions, and Tapestry — the adoption and foster care ministry at Irving Bible Church.

BACKSTORY
I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, playing in terrible garage bands and leading worship for various youth group activities. I graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2003, where I majored in History and minored in Communications."

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this book is appealing. I'd probably give it to a friend to read. The arguments for viewing life as a story are helpful. The author constantly references popular Christian (dare I say edgy?) authors (especially Donald Miller and yes, I saw Rob Bell in there). He uses the good ole' 'action stories' of our day (Star Wars and Lord of the Rings) as examples for 'living life at its fullest'. And he uses the Message for Bible quotation. In short, Tell Me A Story is a compilation of what Christians fancy make a good, thought-provoking book. Even the recommendations from authors like Jon Acuff, Amena Brown, and Brad Lomenick scream 'cool, edgy, on the ball' if you have your ears tuned the right direction. Yet, somehow, it fails to come near that.
In fact, I'd say despite my appreciation for it, the book is entirely mediocre. The very 'topic' is hardly original, as McClellan admits. It's the 'popular' conversation topic of the day (viewing your life as a story), made popular by Donald Miller. He is not alone, though. As great as the topic of this little book is, it offers nothing to the ongoing conversation.
There is very little original from McClellan. He's constantly quoting, referencing, summarizing...but stating nothing originally useful. Sure, its thin enough to make an easy read. But to what end? Maybe as an introduction?
I was willing to appreciate the book, even lend it out, until I got to the chapter on Conflict. The story of the ants and the worms? What the heck?! For someone trying to use biography to convey truths about the usefulness of story, the only major pain McClellan turns to as an example is journey towards adoption. Truly, a tumultuous experience for him and his wife, I believe it. However, it had a happy ending. Not all stories can be neatly wrapped in a bow because you are 'in the middle of it' and will rejoice later. His chapter on conflict, on pain, does not seem to honestly grasp the depth of pain humanity experiences. Conflict may make the story better, but that is hardly a mindset someone deeply grieving wants to carry. That's where he lost me. From chapter 5 on out, I couldn't really appreciate what he had to say. Eating a giant cheeseburger was the worst mistake?
This book has all the trimmings of a pop-Christian win. It doesn't live up to it. Its content is unoriginal, its author either has led a very calm life or doesn't want to give a peek into how grief plays a part in life. Story can be very useful, but it isn't the only or even ultimate lens to view life with.
Yet it isn't a bad book. I'm grateful for the free copy through the Goodreads first-reads. I just feel like it could have been a better read. Or perhaps maybe wasn't much needed as a read at all.

[Alexis Shippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When we understand the gospel and the Christian life as a story, we get a sense that we’re called to something more than an ideology or a bundle of good behaviors.”

Going through the elements of story in the highlight of seeing our lives as story in God’s grandeur narrative is a wonderful reminder of the intention of our good God.

The Great Commission has called us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth of the greatest story to ever exist! We live this manifestation of personal salvation by our story - where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Our lives are impacted by every story we’ve ever heard, told ourselves, or remembered in moments of chaos, surprise, joy, hurt, etc.

Without story, we fall victim to the silent killer, isolation. No great saint was both perfectly isolated and a faithful witnesses. We are meant to live and tell of what we’ve lived through and heard.

We cannot escape it. We are it.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking at life as story and finding the inspiration, encouragement and motivation to be worthy storytellers. A great little book that condenses a lot of disjointed thoughts about story that have been floating around in the past few years.

[Stephanie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to help you realize that Scripture and your life are not two separate things, but that you are indeed part of this wonderful grand story of God. Well written, easy to read (in a good way), and great thoughts.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something powerful about the entire concept of one's personal story, and Scott McClellan captures it well. Our God-given stories are powerful, with the potential to deeply influence others.

The one criticism I have about these types of books is that they tend to minimize the importance of teaching and instruction, while instructing others about the importance of story. Stories provide a powerful complement to Biblical instruction, but they can never replace it. (The author didn't make such a statement, but that's what came across to me because focus frequently leads to distortion.)Otherwise this book would have been one long story and not a mix of story and instruction.

[Nalinee Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a an absolute delight it was to discover that I can count myself among the great storytellers of the greatest story ever told! This book clearly articulated so many ideas that I had been turning over in my head for years. An easy but compelling read.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in this book: The title totally caught my attention. I love storytelling. And the foreword stuck it; I had to read it.

Type of book: (my take:) Evangelism, Communication, Lifestyle
(back cover:) Christian Living/Spiritual Growth/Spiritual Formation

Ideas / message / plot: Scott takes us on an incredible perspective shift about the importance of story in humanity and how that relates to our walk as Christians. Our lives are living, breathing stories--full of characters, pursuits, choices, conflicts, victories. Phenomenal!

Favorite lines/quotes: To be honest, there are highlights and underlines in every chapter and nearly on every page. Loved the Don Quixote & Dulcinea part; so true!

"Without objective, there's no pursuit; without pursuit, there's no story."

"We an either bemoan our circumstances and the fallen state of the cosmos, or we can make a decision about the kind of people we want to be."

Loved this prayer about living with conflict: "Here's another mystery to solve, God, another story to tell. Help me see it that way. Teach me to trust. Teach me to follow. Help me see the story as it unfolds."

"We are a people of hope, redemption, and story. If we won't back down, and if the source of the conflict won't back down either, then perhaps we'll make a mountain." (And aren't mountains beautiful?!)

When I finished this book, I felt: Wow! I'm changed forever. I am an introverted person so whenever I hear words spoken about evangelism and "go out and tell people about Jesus" I sort of freak out inside. I must be a horrible Christian because I can't do that! Scott's perspective reminds me that all I have to do is tell my story; live my story. He also softly encourages me to just be me but BE BOLD (like Jeff's example in the Foreword) because who knows what will happen when I do mention something to another character in my storyline about what God has done? I don't have to preach to them, I just have to tell them my story--God's story. Peter states in Acts 4:20: "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Hearing it this way--evangelizing--it's so less intimidating! I'm a storyteller; telling stories is who we are. I can do that.

Overall: Thank you Scott for this fresh perspective! As a writer and storyteller, this is an incredibly well-told, easy to read message that adds value to the reader. This book will be my next book we use in our small group at church. Full five stars. #lifechanged

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[A.C. Cuddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do you know what makes a great story great? All the best stories have a few things in common; we just need to step back from our daily routine to see them. When we recognize the elements of a great story, we begin to see our lives as a part of God’s story. We’ll better understand what He has for us, what we should believe about this story, and how we should live. God’s story is happening. We are right in the middle of a page-turner – and God is in it with us. Start seeing your life as a part of God’s story and make some great adventure happen right now!”

Tell Me A Story – Finding God (and Ourselves) Through Narrative by Scott McClellan is a compelling book that I enjoyed reading. The author brings us along as his story unfolds. By way of that, we see that we all have a story of how God is in our lives, and at the same time, we are all part of God’s great story. This is a delightful and inspiring book that will challenge how you see your ho-hum life as the beautiful story that truly matters.

*Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I was not required to give a review of this book. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first drawn to Tell Me a Story because it reminded me of Joan Didion and her often quoted excerpt "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." Much of the book echoes this sentiment along with elements of Carl Jung's archetype and Joseph Campbell's monomyth, or hero's journey. Campbell proposed that the hero's journey is initiated by a beckoning toward an adventure (e.g. the Holy Spirit speaking to the heart of man). During the journey, the hero then encounters trials or tribulations that test his character, which ultimately lead to his success.

McClellan advocates a similar journey in a Christian's walk with God. Without conflict or tension he argues, one cannot reach his or her full capacity. He also suggests interpreting The Bible in the context of its stories and plot development, rather than isolated passages or authoritarian text.

Overall, this book read much like a Sunday school devotional. In fact, it would be a great tool for a Sunday school class because each chapter is structured in such a way to allow for group discussion.

[Blake Atwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott curates a wealth of knowledge on looking at your life as an unfolding narrative into this slim volume. Referencing many a Bible story, parts of his own journey toward adopting, authors Donald Miller and Robert McKee, and even Tim the Enchanter at one point, Scott reveals that we all have stories to tell, and that telling these stories is both life-affirming and life-giving.

If his goal is to make you want to tell your own life story as seen through the grand metanarrative of the Bible's redemptive story, or to listen more intently to the stories others have lived, he's succeeded.

[Nick Charalambous · Rating 4 out of 5]

McClellan brings clarity to one of the most powerful and important aspects of Christian faith. He judiciously uses story theory to help us understand how a good stories work but he doesn't get too technical. I love that he puts significant emphasis on story-in-community as the center of the confessing church. He uses a lot of Scripture, and simply written and explained theology throughout. I wouldn't call the book theological - simply faithful. I think it would be a still stronger book if McClellan tried to offer some practical advice to the church and individuals.

[Madonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell Me a Story by Scott McClellan is a beautifully written and uplifting book. It was a little confusing in the Forward and the Preface. Then, once the actual book started on Page 23, it took off and became a real story, a real book, and uplifting. A new way to look at the Bible the way we always should see it...Not just a story; but a part of the story of each of us. I also enjoyed the references to the Bible so I could read those along as well.

Thanks to GoodReads FirstReads for this copy to read.

[Sharon Slomba · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this through Goodreads first reader giveaway. I felt most of the early chapters of the book were disjointed thoughts and references which left me tiredly scratching my head wondering what point was trying to be made with all this information. It wasn't until the last chapter that the story that was meant to be heard and shared made it's way across and leapt forth from the pages . What a story it is. Perhaps you would like to hear about it.

[Mercedes · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredible book– a great read for any believer that wants to connect with the God of Their Story. A quick but rich read that can really add depth to one's spiritual and interpersonal life. By understanding that our lives are part of a much greater tapestry of narrative, we can situate our purpose and place in this world: a gift not to be taken for granted, given by God, as shown by the authors.

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 star book. McClellan succinctly, pleasantly, and clearly explains the significance of realizing that we live out a story that is part of a larger story. It is equal parts profound and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

[J.H. Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott Mcellan is well read and articulate. He guides the reader through a new way of looking at life and faith through the lens of narrative. Ultimately, he challenges us to live a better life by living a better story.

[Aschelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking. I'm certain everytime I read this I will get something different out of it as I have both times I've read it so far.

*I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads!*

[Becky Pliego · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot.

So much that I even "forgave" the author for quoting some authors with whom I don't agree -in some instances at all (i.e. Rob Bell and Donald Miller).

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting exploration of life, creation, struggle, etc., as story. not as groundbreaking as i'd hoped, but still thought-provoking. McClellan's wry humor is a big plus.

[Grant Klinefelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whether we realize it or not, we are all storytellers. With the lives we are living and the risks we are, or aren’t, taking, we are crafting a narrative for eternity.”

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Simple and yet profound exposition on story and it's power.