On the Power of Living Stories

In this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija welcomes the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco, to discuss the transformative power of Living Stories. This innovative preaching model shifts the sermon from a monologue to a communal act of storytelling and reflection, inviting congregations to co-create meaning through shared experiences. Peter shares insights into how this method fosters deeper connections within worship, enhances participation, and allows for a multisensory approach to scripture. They explore the practicalities of implementing Living Stories in diverse congregations, including the resources available for those looking to engage more fully with their communities. Additionally, the conversation touches on the intersection of Living Stories and artificial intelligence, highlighting how AI can both enhance and challenge traditional forms of preaching. Rev. Peter Levenstrong is the Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco and the creator of Living Stories Sermons, an innovative, Montessori-inspired preaching model that transforms the sermon into a communal act of storytelling and reflection. Through tactile storytelling and open-ended wondering questions, Living Stories invites participants of all ages to co-create the sermon, deepening spiritual connection and fostering intergenerational belonging. Peter is also the co-host of the AI Church Toolkit podcast, and he’s currently writing a theological manual on Living Stories Sermons to help congregations across the Church bring this transformative model to life. Workshop sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvw2IRZYgVJYY7EZtz_iz7FXladoagZ5Ky-gx5KCG8rtVOZg/viewform Newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/fAtQQZu/livingstories Website: https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/