StoryLab: Storytelling for Congregations

At StoryLab, you will learn to tell the story of your life, to connect it with God’s story, and welcome others to do the same. Under the guidance of master storyteller Mark Yaconelli, StoryLab will be an exploration of the power of personal storytelling to build community, address social injustice, and heal individual suffering. Particular attention will be given to storytelling as a form of connection between young adults and Christian communities. Through presentation, contemplative exercises, theological reflection, and a variety of narrative practices, StoryLab participants will encounter the power of personal narratives for spiritual growth, outreach, and ministry. Join us to explore the transformative potential of storytelling. Participants should come with a story to work on.

StoryLab is supported by the Zoe Project, a Lilly Endowment, Inc. initiative at Princeton Theological Seminary that helps congregations build relationships with and support the faith of young adults. Join the leaders and young adults of the 12 Zoe Project churches in this immersive storytelling event.

Please note: Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged.

Mark Yaconelli is an author, storyteller, speaker, minister, and community activist. He is the executive director of The Hearth, a nonprofit that uses personal narratives to support individual healing and social change. He has helped to start many creative ministry projects including the Center for Engaged Compassion at Claremont School of Theology and the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is the author of five books including The Gift of Hard Things: Finding Grace in Unexpected Places; Wonder, Fear, and Longing: A Book of Prayers; and Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus With Young People.

Thursday, February 27

4:00 p.m. | Registration
6:00 p.m. | Dinner
7:30 p.m. | Session I

Friday, February 28

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
9:00 a.m. | Session II
12:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:30 p.m. | Session III
6:00 p.m. | Dinner
7:30 p.m. | Story Slam (open to the public)

Saturday, February 29

8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
9:00 a.m. | Session IV (Debriefing from Friday night)
12:00 p.m. | Event concludes

$195 Includes program, meals (Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Saturday breakfast) and coffee breaks.

Space is limited. Register early. Please read the registration and cancellation policy.

The program will take place on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St. Princeton, N.J. 08540. Onsite lodging is available at the Erdman Center, 20 Library Place, Princeton, N.J. 08540 for an additional nightly fee. Space is limited.

Information on booking a room for this event is included in the registration confirmation. Free parking in the Seminary’s library lot is provided for day and overnight participants.