Christian Storytelling Guide: Writing with Purpose, Emotion, and Redemption

Written by Dr. Layne McDonald, Ph.D., DBA
Website: www.laynemcdonald.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 901-216-3531
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Facebook Group: Search: Christian Film Creators Network

1. Start with 'Why'"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." – John 1:1

Words create. Words heal. Words shape destinies.

As Christian writers, we inherit the divine call to use our stories as vessels of light. Before writing, ask yourself: Why this story? What truth am I revealing? Who needs to hear this now?

Think About Purpose:

• What made you want to tell this story?
• What message do you want people to take away?
• How can your story positively impact the world?

Find the Heart of Your Story:

• Identify the core emotional journey.
• Make every plot beat support that emotional truth.
• Use your own experiences to give the story weight.

Make It Personal:

• Connect your personal journey to the story.
• Keep a journal of why this story matters to you.

Choose Big Ideas:

• Focus on universal themes: forgiveness, redemption, identity.
• Let your story connect across cultures and faith backgrounds.

Build on Important Values:

• Center stories around mercy, love, hope, and grace.
• Let characters embody values through action.

2. The Psychology of Communication: Using the Brain for God’s GloryGod created the brain to feel through stories. Christian storytelling should stir the right chemicals to uplift, not to manipulate.

The "Angel's Mix": Feel-Good Brain Chemistry

• Dopamine: Reward & happiness
• Oxytocin: Empathy & bonding
• Serotonin: Satisfaction & peace
• Endorphins: Laughter & relief

Examples:

• Up Opening Scene (Pixar)
• Pursuit of Happyness Trailer

The "Devil's Brew": Weaponized Emotion

• Cortisol: Anxiety & stress
• Adrenaline: Fear & panic

Be careful not to manipulate viewers using fear, rage, or anxiety. Jesus taught hard truths—but always pointed toward hope.

Christian Application:

• Tell stories of hope (e.g., Jesus calming the storm)
• Highlight kindness (e.g., The Good Samaritan)
• Use humor wisely ("A joyful heart is good medicine.")

3. Tell Powerful StoriesJesus used parables to connect eternal truths to everyday life. We do the same by creating characters that feel real, face stakes that matter, and walk emotional journeys.


Story-First Principle:

• Focus on substance over spectacle.
• If a scene doesn't serve the core emotional truth, cut it.

Classic Archetypes Reimagined:

• The Quest
• The Hero's Journey
• The Tragedy
• The Comedy
• Rags to Riches
• Rebirth
• Revenge
• Love Story
• Mystery
• Underdog

All stories retell one of these blueprints. Reimagine them with faith at the center.

4. Create Lasting CharactersJesus didn’t choose perfect people. He chose complex humans who grew, doubted, loved, and transformed.

Make Them Real:

• Give characters conflicting desires.
• Show their flaws and virtues.
• Let them grow through the story.

Show the World's Diversity:

• Use characters from different backgrounds.
• Challenge stereotypes with depth and nuance.
• Show conflicting viewpoints and moral tensions.

Build Authentic Connections:

• Use dialogue to reveal emotion.
• Let relationships change characters.
• Introduce internal conflicts (faith, guilt, shame, redemption).

5. Shape and Time Your StoryEven God tells stories in arcs—Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. Yours should too.
Clear Story Structure:

• Beginning: Establish character, conflict, and world.
• Middle: Intensify obstacles and inner tension.
• End: Resolve conflict with spiritual insight or transformation.

Structure Resources:

• Three Act Story Structure
• Seven-Point Story Structure

6. Write Meaningful DialogueJesus’ conversations changed lives. Your dialogue can too.
Keep It Real:

• Write how people actually talk.
• Differentiate character voices.

Show, Don’t Tell:

• Let subtext reveal emotion.
• Avoid over-explaining. Trust your audience.

7. Share Spiritual ThemesFaith stories don’t need to be preachy. Let themes of grace, forgiveness, and transformation emerge naturally.
Be Subtle:

• Integrate Scripture as part of life, not lectures.
• Trust the Holy Spirit to work through emotional truth.

8. Improve with Feedback"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." – Proverbs 27:17
Practice Humility:

• Share your work.
• Listen without defensiveness.
• Apply what resonates.

9. Visualize the StoryUse your imagination like the prophets used visions.
Visual Storytelling:

• Create storyboards or sketch key scenes.
• Plan angles, colors, emotions.
• Agree on visual tone before filming.

Free Tools:

• Canva Storyboard Creator
• Storyboard That

10. Pray and ReflectBefore the pen touches paper, let your knees touch the floor.
Daily Practices:

• Pray before writing sessions.
• Keep a spiritual journal about your process.
• Ask others to pray for your work.

Get Coaching & Feedback from Dr. Layne McDonaldI'm here to walk with you on this creative journey. Whether you're starting a script or polishing a final draft, reach out:

• Text or Call: 901-216-3531
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook Group: Christian Film Creators Network

Send your video links, short films, or script samples. I’ll review them and offer coaching, encouragement, and practical next steps.

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