Let’s Chat is the first stage of our research project ‘Appreciating Theology’. It is exactly what it says – an opportunity for two people to have a chat about their work and faith experiences. The chat focusses on the amazing stories we all have but maybe have never shared with anyone. Sometimes we don’t recognise the value of our stories and it is not until we share them their incredible value is recognised.
Storytelling is an important part of bringing change in the church as stories are routed in real experiences and encourage involvement in the change process (Roberts, 2017). True stories lift our vision for the future and are an ‘instrument of faith’ as well as a method of communication (White, 1986). Stories, in the form of parables, were of course used by Jesus to explain the Kingdom of God so we have a great example to replicate.
Let’s Chat is, in terms of the research model Appreciative Inquiry, a ‘discovery interview’. (Hammond, 2013). I love the idea of discovering things about people but I am not so keen to use the word interview as it reminds me of job interviews, success or failure, pass or fail. This discussion is none of those things, everyone’s experience is of equal value and everyone’s work matters.
The chat takes place through a lens of appreciating what is good about those experiences. The good things from the past and the hopes and dreams for the future. The Let’s Chat session has a Storyteller and a person asking some semi-structured questions to help the Storyteller focus on the area of faith and work. The person asking the questions is called the Host. A Host is the attentive friend, listening to every word and encouraging the Storyteller by using words and body language that lets them know what they are saying is important. A Let’s Chat session last on average 30-45minutes with some introductory chat followed by nine questions. The questions are shared with the Storyteller at least a week before the Let’s Chat discussion to allow time to reflect and recall stories of past experiences.
Here are two examples of the questions:
Q. Can you describe a time when you have felt good about the work that you do?
What was it about that situation that made you feel good?
Q. God has given us all skills in order to help one another (or others), describe your greatest skills, attributes and abilities.
Can you give some examples of when you have felt your skills, attributes and abilities have been used in your work?
Can you describe how that made you feel?
The chat is recorded via ©Zoom so that it can be transcribed and shared during Stage 2 of the project called ‘Let’s Learn’. The Storyteller is known by a pseudonym throughout the story and within the transcript. The information is shared from the perspective of it is rich information that is valuable and it must be treated with the respect it deserves. It has been deposited to us as a gift and should be appreciated as such.
The project is supervised by two staff from York St. John University as part of the Doctor of Ministry programme. This means that the research project and particularly the handling of the Let’s Chat information has to comply with strict ethical guidelines adding a further level of care and protection to the information people share. Everyone who wants to participate in a Let’s Chat session is given a Participant Information Leaflet and is then asked to sign a consent form to participate. This is all part of the arrangements to treat you and your information is a respectful and appropriate way.
The Storyteller and Host can swap roles and a second ©Zoom meeting is arranged to capture the stories of the Host who has now become the Storyteller.
The stories are fascinating and are so interesting, I love this part of the Appreciative Inquiry process. I learn so much about people and their lives, their stories weave a beautiful tapestry of their lives and experiences.
It is a privilege to be a Host, it is simply being the attentive friend, an encourager and a good listener. If you would like to know more about being a Host then you might find this training session I recorded with our first cohort of Hosts helpful: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ELfCEOTpj7x2LrMF9orX9TcvpUFy8pSf/view?usp=sharing
It is not too late to participate in a Let’s Chat session, go to the Contact tab on this Blog and email me to let me know you are interested. I will send you some information and you can decide if you wish to go ahead with a Let’s Chat session, there is no obligation to go ahead it is entirely up to you.
Thank you to those who have already agreed to participate in a Let’s Chat session. Your contribution to this important project is greatly appreciated.
Speak soon
Jean
Hammond, S. A. (2013) The Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry. Bend Oregon USA, Thin Book Publishing Co.
Roberts, V. S. (2017) The Power of Story to Change a Church. Grove Leadership Cambridge, Grove Books Limited.
White, W. R. (1986) Stories for Telling: A Treasury for Christain Storytellers Minneapolis USA, Augsburg Publishing House.
Appreciating Theology 