Are you open to new ways to get the good news to connect with the people around you?
Would you consider customizing any of the seven SYNC mini-stories (or their expanded versions called story “templates”) to try out as a "new way"?
Would you like some free coaching from us as you work on your draft and try it out?
We would love to assist you in that effort. We are delighted to come alongside anyone who is developing fresh presentations of the good news. We want more people drawn into what God is doing to heal, bless, and connect the world through Jesus Christ.
To sign up, use the Discussion Starter or see FAQs below. Send us your question if you don't see it there.
FAQs
What is involved in “customizing”?
You will first choose one of the seven mini-stories and/or templates that SYNC presents, whichever is already closest to your need. Then you tweak that one based on your knowledge of your audience.
Changes might be small or large. You do whatever it takes to get things into words that sound natural to you and that emphasize the points you want to stand out.
The coaching may happen by e-mail, Skype, Zoom, or possibly in a "SYNC Coaching" Facebook group if there is interest in forming one.
Are these SYNC mini-stories and templates meant for evangelism or discipleship?
They are designed for "making disciples," whether the people concerned are already "Christian" or not. The mini-stories and templates all tell the "story of the world" with Jesus the Messiah in the middle of it. Many "Christians" are still clueless about the story as a whole, so they go on living their lives according to some other mini-story that leaves Jesus out. (See examples). They are "Christians" but not "disciples," which means that when we bring them the story we are "making disciples" even if we are not "evangelizing" in the way we usually use that word.
How long does it take?
The coaching process is set up in five stages, possibly a week apart. But some stages may take more than a week, and some you may decide you don't need coaching on. The whole system is very flexible. We want you to get the result you want on the schedule you set.
How much does it cost?
Free to you.
How is that possible? This is mission fulfillment for us at SYNCx.org as a non-profit ministry. Our mission is to promote new ways to tell the old story. Our strategy is open source. We do not attempt to perfect one "new way" and teach it to everyone but to provide several templates of "new ways" for you to choose from and then to coach you (if you wish) as you adapt that template based on your local knowledge and experience.
How do I get started?
Use the Discussion Starter. Very short and flexible. We prayerfully consider each Discussion Starter we receive, and we provide coaching as our time permits. If we cannot keep up with the coaching requests, we will try to help you find a coach of your own or steer you into a peer learning group.
What about copyright?
SYNC is an open source project. We encourage you to adapt SYNC material for your situation and use or publish your version in your name without any payment to us. We appreciate mention of SYNCx.org in your publication, such as, "Adapted from www.SYNCx.org," but that is not required.
Does SYNC retain any control or veto over the way I want to adapt the material?
No. You have complete editorial control. Our advice is only advice. Whatever end product you develop will (if published) have your name on it, not ours. All we ask during the coaching process is that you do not twist the story. If we think you are twisting it, we will talk to you about it. If you still think your version is fine, we cannot keep you from circulating it.
What is a story “template”?
The seven story “templates” are draft versions of the panorama of the whole biblical story and the gospel in about 800 words. You modify any of these templates to produce a “new way to tell the old story.”
Your goal is to develop a version of the template that fits your situation better than the template itself. Weave in whatever you already know is working. The result should be something that will have fresh appeal to your audience. They may have heard the good news before, but they have never heard it like this!
Seven SYNC templates
The seven templates, ("stories of the world") each one expanding one of the SYNC mini-stories
Side by side comparison of the seven themes (may help you decide which one to start with)