People in congregations, Christian organizations, and those working as independent practitioners may apply to become Story Guides. They will be trained in the Story Circle process and expected to lead circles within their congregations and communities and to extend the practice among new people and communities as well. Those who are accepted will:

  • Participate in two, four-day, in-person, all-expenses-paid trainings in transformative storytelling. 

  • Receive coaching in implementing and facilitating Story Circles, a process designed by The Austin Story Project, and to teach others how to facilitate the process.  

  • Gather storytelling tools and resources for strengthening relationships within congregations and the larger community.  

  • Understand how stories function to bring us closer to ourselves, to each other, to public life, and to God.

  • Learn how to create a variety of public, story-sharing events and platforms that foster connection and attune people to the presence of God. 

Applications will open June 1, 2026

Christian Organizations apply here
Congregations apply here
independent practitioners apply here

FAQs

  • Congregations: Christian congregations who want to learn to tell their stories of life with God to each other in Small Groups, Sunday School classes, and worship. They also want to go beyond their own membership to lead circles of belonging through shared stories among people served through their ministries or from across the community, neighbors, friends and acquaintances of people in the church.

    Church Organizations: Organizations grounded in Christian principles and practices or working in a church-related space, such as justice-seeking organizations and coalitions, denominational bodies, campus ministries, and church-wide ministries.

    Independent Practitioners: People whose vocations are healing, reconciling, and connecting, such as therapists, social workers, community organization leaders, activists, consultants, and facilitators. They need to be open to the process which includes stories from Jesus' life.

  • Nestled in the beautiful hills of northern California, the San Damiano Retreat Center is the perfect location for connecting with fellow cohort members and the leadership team, as well as with nature. Dates are in the process of confirmation; the two gatherings will be in January and October, 2027.

  • A one-time acceptance fee of $100 for organizations and congregations, $50 for independent practitioner teams, will be requested upon notification that you were selected.

    All expenses for the training are paid, including travel, meals, and lodging.