The South Dakota Synod now has more than a dozen trained Narrative4 Story Exchange Facilitators available to lead Story Exchanges in congregations and ministry settings. Through the simple but powerful practice of sharing and retelling one another’s stories, participants build empathy, deepen relationships, and discover new connections across generations and experiences. As people listen deeply and speak honestly, they often discover a glimpse of what it means to see one another as beloved children of God.
A Story Exchange can be tailored to your setting:
• An adult education event or retreat
• An intergenerational gathering
• A council, ministry team, or staff retreat
• A youth and older adult exchange
• A community-building event with neighboring congregations or community partners
Whether your congregation is looking to strengthen relationships, welcome new people, or create space for deeper connection, a Story Exchange offers a meaningful and memorable experience. It is a simple way to practice curiosity, compassion, and belonging while building a stronger community.
As a gift from the Holy Playground Initiative, the first few congregations to sign up can receive a Story Exchange at no cost.
Interested? Contact Rev. Renae Boehmer, Director for the Holy Playground Initiative at rboehmer@sdsynod.org to learn more or reserve a date.
