Using a Narrative Pathway Paradigm to Develop Case Studies of Christians in the Marketplace for a Small Group Curriculum

Abstract

This project-thesis explores the use of personal stories from Christians in the marketplace to create pedagogical case studies for small groups. Through action research and narrative inquiry, critical events in the workplace journeys of individuals are heard, retold and recorded, and evaluated in test groups. Results show that as the storytellers gain new insight through recalling and reflecting on workplace episodes, test groups found their stories effective in stimulating meaningful dialog on work. From this project, a narrative pathway paradigm has emerged to identify, record and disseminate workplace testimonies as a small group curriculum. This helps congregations see daily work as ministry in the name of Jesus as they strive to live out their missional identity.