Story Guidelines
Sharing stories with one another is a foundational part of growing and developing in our relationship with the Lord. Your story is important, and we are grateful that you are willing to share it with us.
Our hope is to share as many stories as possible, but please know upfront the following:
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Stories will go through an Edit and Review Process. You will have a chance to review any edits that we make prior to a story being published, but do not be surprised or offended if we ask for certain changes to be made to the first draft.
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Not every story will be published. We have a team that will be reading and praying through the stories that come in, but it is important to note that we will not publish every story.
STORY WRITING PROCESS
1. PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you get started and throughout the process.
2. PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TO WRITE ABOUT
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A time when God answered a specific prayer
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A time when God did something in your life that only He could do
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A difficult time in your life and how God met you there
3. WRITE YOUR STORY
Carve out some undistracted time to write your story. Please keep in mind the following:
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LENGTH: These are intended to be short concise stories, so please limit your story to 350-450 words.
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USE RELATABLE LANGUAGE: Our hope and prayer is that non-Christians will read this. Use words and phrases that they can relate to and understand.
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THIS IS YOUR STORY, NOT A TEACHING: At times, we all want to use our stories to teach but be careful not to do this. Keep the focus on what God has done in your life not what you want God to do in others’ lives.
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ECUMENICAL: The audience is made up of a diverse body of believers. Focus on what unites us and not on things that divide. Do not emphasize specific denominations or doctrines.
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REFERENCING OTHERS: Please do not mention anyone else specifically by name in your story unless it is an immediate family member (spouse or children). Others may not want their names mentioned and our preference is to limit the need to get additional permission.
4. SEND IN FOR REVIEW & EDITING
Use your normal email system to send your story to mfoley.consulting@gmail.com. Because we use a specific format, please expect edits. The Wake Up team may make edits or ask that you re-write a part or all of the story. This Review and Edit process will continue until we agree the story is in its final form.
5. COMPLETE
Once complete, as described above, your story will be held for future use.
Thank you for your willingness to share!