Ep. 08 | 3 Steps to Build a Ministry Story Bank that Engages Donors
Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a treasure box full of ministry stories—ready to share, searchable, and all in one place?
If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to remember where you saved that one perfect story—or worse, letting powerful testimonies slip through the cracks—this is exactly what you need to hear.
Whether you’re preparing for a fundraiser, writing an email update, or just wanting to stay encouraged in your calling, stories matter. You know this. How great would it be if you had a full Story Bank that is categorized, organized and full of amazing God-moments at your fingertips, ready for whenever you need to pull one out?
It’s not just a dream, it’s possible and I want to show you how!
Here are 3 steps to help you gather, organize, and preserve your ministry’s most powerful stories.
Step 1: Become a Story Finder
Impact stories don’t always show up wrapped in a bow. Most of the time, you have to look for them.
Start by putting on your “story glasses”—viewing each moment through the lens of transformation. Pay attention to the people your ministry touches. Ask yourself:
Who’s showing up again and again?
What changes have I noticed in someone over time?
What moments made me pause and say, “Wow, that was powerful”?
Then take it a step further: get curious. Ask questions. Listen closely. Connect with your partners and volunteers who are on the ground. The more questions you ask, the more stories you’ll uncover—some that you didn’t even realize were right in front of you.
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "
If you want more stories, you must seek them out!! And be ready to find! All of a sudden you’ll be blown away by all that God is doing- more than you ever knew!
Step 2: Document Everything
How many of your stories live scattered across inboxes, voice memos, Dropbox folders, or memories?
It’s time to change that.
You’re going to create a single spreadsheet or database that becomes your ministry’s story bank. Don’t overthink it—just start with basic columns that make each story searchable. For example:
Name (or alias, if anonymous)
Birth year or age range
Ministry location
Type of ministry/program
Summary of the story
Date collected
Follow-up notes
Make it easy to filter or search. That way, when you need “a woman in her 30s from our education ministry in Uganda,” or “that one story with the monkey,” you’ll be able to find it in seconds—not hours (or days!)
And if you don’t know all the details yet? That’s okay. Leave blanks and fill them in later. Just start.
Step 3: Follow Up
A powerful story doesn’t end at the moment of transformation. It continues.
Follow up with the people you’ve already shared stories about. Maybe a year later, you can offer your donors an update that shows the long-term impact of your ministry. Updates keep your supporters connected and invested. They create continuity and deepen the emotional connection.
✨ As long as they’re still living, there’s more story to tell.
Build this into your system. Set calendar reminders or recurring check-ins. Add new chapters to the stories in your spreadsheet as they unfold.
Why This Matters
Collecting stories isn’t just about having great content.
It’s about sharing the miracles that God is doing in people’s lives!!
It’s about helping donors see the impact they’re making!!
And it’s about ensuring that when the moment comes to speak, present, write, or fundraise—you’re ready with the exact story that fits.
The truth is, organizing your stories might feel overwhelming at first. But I promise you—future you will be so grateful!
Need Help Getting Started?
If you know stories are important but feel lost on how to apply this to your ministry, I’d love to help.
🎁 Grab the free Brand Message Clarity Checklist:
irisstorytelling.com/checklist
📞 Book a free consultation call to talk through your messaging and storytelling strategy:
irisstorytelling.com/getstarted
Let your treasure box of stories grow—and let those stories move hearts, build trust, and fuel the mission God has called you to.
-Lisa
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