For Christians sharing the gospel with Muslims, storytelling isn’t just an effective tool—it’s a way to connect deeply, honor cultural traditions, and reflect the way Jesus Himself communicated profound truths.
By Dr. Tim Orr
Have you ever noticed how a good story can pull you in, stir your emotions, and stay with you long after it’s told? Whether it’s a bedtime tale, a favorite movie, or a heartfelt testimony, stories have a way of breaking through barriers that arguments and explanations often cannot. For Christians sharing the gospel with Muslims, storytelling isn’t just an effective tool—it’s a way to connect deeply, honor cultural traditions, and reflect the way Jesus Himself communicated profound truths. The gospel is the greatest story ever told, and through storytelling, we can share its beauty in ways that resonate with the heart and soul.
In many Muslim cultures, storytelling is a cherished tradition. Stories about prophets, heroes, and wise figures are passed down orally, often in family or communal settings. This oral tradition serves as entertainment and a primary way of teaching moral values and spiritual truths. For Muslims, stories are not abstract ideas but lived experiences that shape identity and behavior.
For example, in some Muslim communities, oral storytelling is central to cultural memory, whereas others, influenced by modern education, may place more emphasis on written narratives. Understanding these variations allows Christians to adapt their storytelling approach for greater impact.
Jesus Himself often used stories to teach about God’s kingdom. Parables like the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan bypass intellectual defenses, speaking directly to the heart. Similarly, stories can help Muslims see Jesus as a revered prophet and the world's Savior.
Both Muslims and Christians share many biblical figures, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph. These shared narratives provide a natural entry point for deeper discussions about God’s character and His plan of redemption.
For example, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son is deeply significant in Islam, commemorated yearly during Eid al-Adha. While the Quran identifies Ishmael as the son, the Bible speaks of Isaac. This difference provides an opportunity to explore the theological implications. Both Muslims and Christians see Abraham as a model of faith, but the Bible introduces a surprising twist: God provides a substitute for Isaac. This provision points to Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Sharing this can open up conversations about how God shows mercy.
Similarly, Joseph’s story resonates deeply with Muslims as a tale of patience, integrity, and forgiveness. A missionary once shared Joseph’s story with a Muslim friend in a small café. As the missionary recounted Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers, the friend remarked, “This kind of forgiveness is rare. I don’t know if I could do the same.” The missionary then transitioned into sharing how Jesus offers ultimate forgiveness to all who trust Him.
Real-life stories of Muslims who the gospel has impacted through storytelling can inspire and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
One powerful story involves a Muslim man named Amir, who heard the parable of the Prodigal Son during a dinner gathering. After sharing the story, Amir said, “This is a story I’ve never heard before. I didn’t know God could be so loving.” The storyteller gently explained how Jesus reveals God’s heart as a loving Father who forgives freely. Over time, Amir’s view of God transformed, and he eventually put his faith in Christ, saying, “I want to know a God who runs to me, not one I have to appease constantly.”
Another example is Layla, a young woman who struggled with guilt and shame over past mistakes. When a Christian friend shared the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), Layla was moved to tears. “I always thought God was angry at me,” she said. “I never imagined He would defend someone like her.” This story sparked a journey of discovering God’s grace through Jesus.
These testimonies show how storytelling can touch hearts in ways theological arguments often cannot.
Your personal story is one of the most compelling tools you have. Muslims value sincerity, and sharing how Jesus has transformed your life can resonate deeply. A well-told testimony doesn’t have to be dramatic; it must be authentic.
For example, a Christian woman shared her struggle with bitterness after being wronged. She explained how she had tried to let go of the anger alone but could only truly forgive when she encountered Christ’s forgiveness. Her Muslim friend, sitting across the table with a cup of tea in hand, asked, “How did you know God forgave you?” This led to a heartfelt conversation about the certainty of grace through Jesus.
Another example is a Christian who shared his experience of finding peace during a family crisis. As he told his story to a Muslim coworker during a lunch break, the coworker paused and said, “Your God seems very personal. I’ve always thought of God as distant and unapproachable.” Moments like these provide natural opportunities to share about God, who is both transcendent and deeply personal.
Muslims already respect Jesus (Isa) as a prophet, so stories from His life and teachings are particularly impactful. For instance, the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) beautifully illustrates God’s mercy and justice. When Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” He showed that only God can judge, yet He chooses mercy.
Another powerful story is the parable of the Prodigal Son. A missionary once shared this story with a Muslim listener and asked, “What do you think the father’s reaction tells us about God?” The listener thought momentarily and said, “I’ve never imagined God as a father who would run to His son. I always thought forgiveness had to be earned.” This response opened the door to a conversation about God’s grace.
Storytelling is not simply a technique; it’s a spiritual practice that depends on the work of the Holy Spirit. While prayer is mentioned throughout the article, it’s essential to emphasize the Spirit’s role in guiding conversations, opening hearts, and revealing truth.
Before sharing a story, pray for the Holy Spirit to lead your words and prepare the listener’s heart. As you speak, trust that the Spirit is at work, even if you don’t see immediate results. Often, the Spirit brings stories to life, helping the listener see their own story in light of God’s greater plan.
One missionary shared how the Spirit worked powerfully during a seemingly casual conversation. As they told the story of the Good Samaritan, they sensed the Spirit nudging them to pause and ask, “Who do you think needs your help right now?” This simple question led the listener to reflect deeply and later admit that God had been speaking to their heart.
Learn about the cultural background and beliefs of the person you’re talking to. Tailor your stories to resonate with their worldview and values. For example, stories like Ruth’s devotion to Naomi might connect deeply if they value family loyalty.
Avoid Christian jargon that might confuse or alienate. Use simple, relatable language and focus on universal themes like love, forgiveness, and hope.
Pray before, during, and after your conversations. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words, open the listener’s heart, and bring truth to life through the story.
Storytelling is about planting seeds, not forcing decisions. Let the stories take root in God’s timing.
At the center of all these stories is the greatest one: God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The Bible is not just a collection of moral teachings but one grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Like everyone else, Muslims long to be part of a story that gives their lives meaning and hope. By sharing the gospel as a story, you invite them to enter this narrative and meet the Author of life.
Stories change lives. They move, challenge, and help us see the world in new ways. When we tell the story of God’s love—through the lives of biblical figures, through the teachings of Jesus, or our own experiences—we’re offering an invitation into the greatest story ever written. As you share the gospel with Muslims, remember that your words are planting seeds. Whether they sprout immediately or take time to grow, God is the master storyteller, weaving every story into His grand design. So, tell the story boldly, with love, and trust that the Author of life will use it to transform hearts.
Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.