Author Q&A: ‘Faith Storytellers’ book

Written By Mackenzie Walters

A conversation with author and journalist Mackenzie Ryan Walters on her book, “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story.”

Why did you write ‘Faith Storytellers’’?

I want you to know that your personal stories of faith matter:

  • You DO have a faith story to share (many stories, in fact!)

  • You CAN tell your faith story well, and that

  • Your personal story is a POWERFUL way to share your faith.

I worked as newspapers journalist for 14 years, where I learned how to structure and write stories of various lengths. I was trained to always think about the reader, to ask open-ended questions, and to notice details.

I share more of the book’s origin story in the preface, but briefly, a few years ago I took that knowledge and created a faith storytelling class at my church.

At the end, storytellers got up on a small stage in our church’s basement and shared their 6-8 minute story. One audience member told me, later, that he cried on the way home.

How did people respond to the class the book is based on?

Here’s what two storytellers who took the class told me:

“I was nervous and unsure of what I had to offer through my story. When compared to others, I considered my story to be insignificant.My faith journey has been a slow 25-year development — nothing out of the ordinary.

“However, Faith Storytellers refined my ability to see how God has worked within me. The class exposed intimate moments between God and I that I pushed aside as coincidental. Looking back, I learned that anything involving God is powerful, meaningful and worth sharing for his glory.”

— Elyse

“I never thought it possible to whittle and shape my story into an 8-minute time frame, but it has made all the difference. My confidence is stronger, my story more portable. Now I do not fear that I will lose my listener or burden him or her with too much too quickly.

“I’m able to engage and leave an impression that (I hope) is lasting and leaves the individual asking: Who is this great God who heals such deep burdens? God’s story is written into each of our lives and I’m more grateful than ever to share a small piece of His greater craftsmanship.”

— Abbie

What’s does the Faith Storytellers book teach?

Really, it’s everything I know about storytelling, both in my professional life as a national-award winning journalists and as a Christian who loves to read, hear, and understand how others are living out their personal relationship with God.

Through my own personal stories and the experience of leading a faith storytelling class, I developed a framework that anyone can follow as they craft their faith story.

It’s not just a testimonial story, either! I believer everyone has many, many stories of faith they can share if they just start looking for them.

Plus, there’s a whole chapter about a women who was so inspiringly bold as she followed the Holy Spirit’s prompting to engage others through her story.

How can I learn more?

The best way is by joining our the Faith Storytellers newsletter, we’ll be announcing when the book is for sale (tentatively late April 2024) there!

Mackenzie Walters