Ep. 12 | Ministry Storytelling Made Simple: A Framework to Engage Donors
Struggling to Write Ministry Updates that Engage Donors?
You’ve seen God do amazing things- but if your emails are vague or unclear, your supporters won’t feel connected.
This free guide will show you how to:
Write subject lines that get your emails opened
Follow a simple story-driven format for every update
Engage donors with clear, Christ-centered storytelling
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m not really a storyteller”?
Maybe you just share whatever comes to mind. Or you feel like you ramble and get off track. Or maybe you’ve only got a few minutes to share and you think, How in the world can I fit an entire story into such a short time?
I get it. Storytelling can feel intimidating when you don’t have a process. But here’s the good news: storytelling isn’t about being “creative enough.” It’s about following a simple framework that helps you share clearly, concisely, and powerfully.
Why Storytelling Matters in Ministry
Stories are one of the most effective ways to connect with people—especially your donors.
Stories of impact build faith.
Stories of transformation remind people what God is doing.
Stories invite donors to be part of something bigger than themselves.
When donors hear a real story, they don’t just understand your ministry better—they feel it. And feelings lead to action.
But when we don’t tell stories clearly, they lose their power. That’s why having a framework matters.
A Simple Story Framework
I’ve been a filmmaker for 15 years, and I use this story framework every single time. It helps me take a story—whether it’s long, short, video, written, or shared from a stage—and keep it clear, compelling, and focused on God’s work.
Here are the five steps:
Define the purpose of your story.
Is it an impact story, a donor story, or your ministry’s origin story? Knowing the purpose keeps you on track.
Choose one main character.
People connect with people—not with lists, organizations, or statistics. Pick one strong character whose journey your audience can follow.
Clarify the conflict and resolution.
What was the problem? How did God work through your ministry to bring transformation? Don’t just stop at the surface (like homelessness to housing)—dig into the emotional need (loneliness to belonging, rejection to worth).
Map out the journey.
The space between conflict and resolution matters. Show the bumps along the way, not just a quick before-and-after. That’s where people connect most deeply.
Bookend with a strong hook and jab.
Start with something that grabs attention, and end with something that lands powerfully—whether it’s a challenge, a reminder of God’s glory, or a clear call to action.
Why This Works
When you use this framework, you’ll:
Keep stories concise without losing their heart
Stay focused instead of wandering into tangents
Engage donors on an emotional and spiritual level
Highlight God’s glory through real transformation
And best of all—it’s repeatable. You can use this framework again and again for every type of story your ministry needs to share.
Stories + Messaging Go Hand in Hand
Here’s the thing: even the best stories won’t work if your overall ministry message is unclear. Stories build on a foundation. If the foundation isn’t solid, your stories won’t have the impact they should.
That’s why I always encourage ministry leaders to start with their brand story—a clear, story-driven framework that positions donors as partners in God’s work. Once you have that in place, your impact stories, origin stories, and donor stories become even more effective.
👉 Ready to clarify your brand story and take the guesswork out of communication?
Check out my Brand Messaging Workshop: irisstorytelling.com/workshop.
In just four weeks, we’ll:
Identify your ideal donor
Build your ministry brand story (plot point by plot point)
Show you how to apply it to every piece of communication—emails, websites, presentations, and more
Your message can be simple, clear, and engaging—for years to come.
Final Thought
Don’t believe the lie that you’re “not a storyteller.” God made you a steward of the stories He’s writing through your ministry. You just need the right framework to share them well.
Praying that this gives you confidence as you tell the stories of what God is doing.
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