Payton Minzenmayer, pastor at Vero Beach Church of Christ and founder of Christian Story Lab, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to explore how Christians can reclaim storytelling as a transformative spiritual tool. From hiding Pokémon cartridges as a kid to writing his first book Story on Purpose, Payton shares how story helped him survive trauma, discover purpose, and come to faith. This episode breaks down why the Bible is best understood as a story, why Christians need to move beyond messaging to mastery, and how storytelling shapes everything from parenting to evangelism. For anyone tired of cheesy Christian films or bland testimonies, this conversation offers practical insights for telling stories that resonate, not alienate.

Key Takeaways:

Everyone is a storyteller—even if they don’t feel creative. Story shapes how we think, preach, parent, shop, and share faith.

The Bible is structured like a great story for a reason. Creation, fall, redemption, and restoration still reflect our spiritual and emotional experience today.

Christians often ruin good stories by preaching too hard. Focus on character, tension, and craft—the message will shine through when the story works.

Important Links:

A Story on Purpose by Payton Minzenmayer

Christian Story Lab - www.ChristianStoryLab.com

“How Movies Can Shape Faith More Than Sermons - Joseph Holmes”

https://jakedoberenz.substack.com/p/christ-at-the-cinema-with-joseph

Payton Minzenmayer is a pastor, author, and clinical therapist with expertise in creative writing, leadership development, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He is the author of the best-selling A Story on Purpose and its companion, A Workbook on Purpose, and delivers practical insights through the Christian Story Lab. As Associate Pastor at Vero Beach Church of Christ, Payton crafts engaging sermons, providing counseling, and developing innovative outreach programs, including building thriving small group ministries that empower members to actively engage in their community. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, Payton integrates theological training with therapeutic practices to help individuals achieve healing, purpose, and spiritual growth. Find him on X and LinkedIn.

Follow this show and Jake’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.