Faith Storytellers Workshop & Storytelling Night in Tonawanda, New York
Grab your tickets for Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
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Testimony Workshop & Storytelling Night
Discover the power and joy of Christian storytelling
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
Join us for a day of Christian storytelling! Learn how to craft your faith story during an afternoon workshop, share your story during a community meal, and stay to hear stories prepared by members of First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda. The event is hosted by Faith Storytellers.
1-4:30 p.m. Storytelling Workshop ($5 early bird, $10 regular, $15 at door)
5-5:45 p.m. Community Meal ($5)
6-7:30 p.m. Storytelling Night (Free!)
About the event
Faith Storytelling Workshop
Your story is a gift; learn to tell it well.
Learn how to write a true, first-person story about your relationship with God in this interactive workshop. Mackenzie Ryan Walters, author of “Faith Storytellers” and national award-winning journalist, will guide you step-by-step through the process of writing a Christian testimony. You'll have the opportunity to share your faith story with a partner or small group. No experience needed!
Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
Price: $5 early bird through Nov. 5, $10 regular, $15 at door
Community Meal
Gather and share stories around the table.
Join us for a community meal and continue sharing faith stories over dinner. Please reserve your meal in advance by registering online.
Time: 5-5:45 p.m.
Price: $5 online
Faith Storytelling Night (Free!)
Real stories, God’s glory. Live Christian storytelling.
Hear how God is at work in the world today during this live storytelling event, which is similar to “The Moth Radio Hour.” Members of First Presbyterian Church will share testimonies they’ve
prepared using the Faith Storytellers Framework. Stories are coached to be “PG-13,” meaning they may include, but do not dwell on, the darkness. Instead, testimonies explore the storyteller’s spiritual change as they discovered a new truth about God or deepen their understanding of his love. Please register in advance.
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Price: Free!
What workshop participants are saying
"The workshop was an incredible opportunity for me to learn how to tell my faith story. Initially, I felt unsure about which pieces of my story were worth sharing. Working with my table partner and getting her honest feedback was extremely helpful during that process." — Diane
"Thankfully, the workshop provided opportunities to share my faith story. It still was not easy, but I’m glad I did it. It allowed me to prepare my story and practice telling it so I can share it in real life." — Dawn
"I was excited to learn the techniques of purposeful and personal storytelling. I truly enjoyed every aspect of the workshop. My faith story came together in a thoughtful and meaningful way." — Paul
Event FAQs
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Stories are coached to be "PG" or "PG-13," meaning they may include, but do not dwell on, the darkness. Faith stories may share challenging events, such as the death of a parent. However, all stories focus on the personal hope and love of God.
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The interactive workshop includes storytelling exercises to build your confidence by sharing your story with a partner or small group. No open mic will be held at the workshop or live storytelling night. At the live event, volunteers from First Presbyterian Church will share testimonies they’ve prepared in advance using the Faith Storytellers Framework.
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How you share your faith story is up to you! Some workshop attendees prepare a short story that they send to friends and family or post on social media. Some use the workshop to prepare a story they can share verbally as the opportunity arises. Others submit their faith story to a testimony website, such as Faith Storytellers. (Learn how at faithstoryteller.org/submissions.)
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Faith Storytellers has been an early step in the journey of many writers. Learning or practicing the basics of storytelling, and the iterative process of writing, is helpful for writers at any stage of their writing journey. Faith Storytellers have gone on to traditionally or self-publish their book, write for blogs or online publications, and share their stories online or through social media.
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Learning how to craft a story is a skill beneficial to all public speaking. The Faith Storytellers Workshop will also share ways to express your belief in God in a way that is respectful and encourages your audience to lean in and want to know more instead of tune out. Faith Storytellers have gone on to share their story at TEDx, on Christian podcasts, and in secular media.
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The workshop is $5 with an early bird discount available through Nov. 5, 2025. After that, workshop tickets are $10 online in advance and $15 at the door. If you plan on attending our community meal, please purchase your $5 ticket in advance online so we can reserve your dinner. The live storytelling event is free, and advance registration is appreciated.
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There are no steps to the front door of First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda. From ground level, stairs lead up to the main floor and down to the basement. There is a lift available for those unable to use stairs. For more information, please call the church at 716-692-1319 or email church@firstprestona.org.
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To learn more about the event, please reach out to First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda by calling 716-692-1319 or emailing church@firstprestona.org. To learn more about Faith Storytellers, email mackenzie@faithstoryteller.org.
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Those attending the event can purchase a book in advance for 15% off retail with pickup at the church on Nov. 15, 2025. The book is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for online shipping.
About Faith Storytellers
Mackenzie Ryan Walters will host a Christian storytelling workshop and story worship night in Tonawanda, New York, on Nov. 15, 2025.
Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of "Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story" and the editor of the Christian testimony website Faith Storytellers. A national award-winning journalist, Mackenzie has covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, but she believes the best story is the one God is actively writing in the world today.
Faith Storytellers shares the power and joy of Christian storytelling. Its mission is to lift up and share the story God is writing in the world — one story at a time. We do this by teaching how to craft a true, first-person short story about your relationship with God; publishing short Christian stories and testimonies; and hosting workshops and events dedicated to Christian storytelling. Learn more at faithstoryteller.org.
About Event Partners
First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda would like to thank its partners and donors for making this event possible. The church is partnering with the Center for Christian Growth of Western New York to host the storytelling workshop.
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.