Teaching at UpStream is done through a method called storying.  Though the practice itself is centuries old, Michael Novelli (www.echothestory.com) developed a similar practice for use in student ministry.  Storying is a learner-based approach to teaching that seeks to create an environment for both students and leaders to connect with God through understanding and experiencing the Bible as Story.

While student ministry has been traditionally based around the pastor's presentation of lecture-style messages occasionally followed by debriefing questions, storying  hands the duty of teaching over to the Story and to the Holy Spirit working through it to impact each and every student. 

Replacing a traditional message is the reading of a biblical story, followed immediately by a time of discussion and dialogue in which students are asked questions challenging them to see their own lives within the Story.  This requires the teacher to take on the role of "pastoralist", guiding their flock to recognize their unique role in God's Story through the Bible and empowering them to make the correct life decisions based on that Story and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Want to learn more about storying?  Email jeremy@brookwood.net or see storying in action at youtube.com/EchotheStory.