Seeding Stories of Hope
Fred Rogers, creator of Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Presbyterian minister, recalled being a child and worried about the scary news of the world. His mother wisely counseled, “look for the helpers” to move his sights from fear to hope.
Storytelling and narrative change efforts equip leaders with tools to identify, engage, and transform the religious and spiritually rooted narratives and stories that cause fear, scarcity, division, distrust, isolation, and alienation.
Drawing on the groundbreaking work of the late Dr. Walter Wink, Auburn’s Wink Fellows will gain storytelling tools to develop and share prophetic and hopeful narratives across faith traditions that lead to healing and the common good.
Develop and share narratives to address the complex theological roots of injustice and build religious narratives that lift the common good.
Provide resources for religious and faith leaders to engage in narrative change that promotes a future story of wholeness.
Encourage religious and faith leaders to model healthy curiosity for the diversity of religious and theological narratives operating within their communities of accountability.
This kind of storytelling work can be lonely. So the idea of a center existing to foster connection and friendship and even resource storytellers challenging deeply held narratives of their communities is exciting.
Storytelling and Narrative Change Programs
Stories can heal the world. Auburn’s Heal the World series, and Wink Fellowships, provide space for storytellers to learn with storytellers who are transforming sacred stories to promote healing in community.
Heal the World Series
Our Heal the World Series features storytellers, religious, and cultural leaders who are healing the world. These virtual gatherings are hosted by the Center’s director, Erica Littlewolf, Vonâhe’e, Northern Cheyenne, and feature bestselling authors, faith leaders, and healers.
Wink Fellows
For over three decades, Dr. Walter and June Wink provided workshops for religious and lay leaders to engage sacred text for social transformation. From apartheid, South Africa to Indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico, Walter and June believed that through engaging sacred text, one could lead social change. Inspired by this legacy, Wink Fellows are trained in intergenerational approaches to sacred texts focused on children. As a Wink Fellow, you will gain:
Children-centered storytelling practices. Gain theological and spiritual practices that center the children in the community.
Transforming Sacred Text Study Training. Develop the skills to animate and celebrate sacred text and stories.
A Network of Children-Centered Leaders. Connect with other pastors and religious educators who center children in their ministry.
Congregational-based Impact. Gain insights necessary to build and maintain intergenerational worshipping communities.
Is This Program for Me?
This program is for you if you are someone who:
Centers Children in their ministry. You are a leader of children’s ministries and religious education programs.
Embraces Sacred Texts in new and embodied ways. You want to find ways to animate and make sacred stories come alive in ways that inspire a new generation of children.
Desires Practical Skills and Resources. You desire to walk away with new techniques and practices for engaging children in worship.
Why Auburn?
Here is how we are carrying on that legacy:
A Legacy of Transformation. The Transformative Bible Study method ran for more than three decades leading social change in some of the most oppressive locations in the world. With an updated curriculum and focus on intergenerational change, this fellowship represents the leading edge in justice-oriented children’s ministry.
World-Class Faculty & Mentors. Auburn’s leaders bring over a 100 years combined children’s and youth ministry experience, and represent a broad diversity of cultural backgrounds.
Credibility & Research. Auburn’s methods are based on and informed by the most recent theological research and neuroscience relating to children.
Inclusive Learning Environment. Every voice matters at Auburn. Our programs are designed to honor diverse perspectives and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, deep dialogue, and healing.
Craft Your Message
If you’re ready to step into the fellowship: