Our History and Story

The seedling for Kingdom Story (KS) came as a Bible study curriculum by that same name, authored by KS’s founder, John Lewis in 1994. He chose thirty hallmark stories (15 in the OT, 15 in the NT) to ground people in God’s overall story and to pass on some of the valuable lessons he had received in ministry and seminary. Over the years, these participatory Bible experiences became places for “Kingdom conversations,” and for developing a foundation for a life of discipleship and ministry. What surprised John early on was the passion that surfaced as participants saw how their own story fit into the larger story of God. Since that first group of three in 1994, the KS curriculum has been continually improved, and used in many settings, ages groups and several countries (China 2006, Africa 2018).

But this curriculum became a larger project and part of John’s call over the years. His passion for Jesus’ disciples to grow into all that Christ intends for us ran up against the opposite experience for many in the world wide church. Most Jesus believers plateau or worse, over time, drift or fall away. John’s passion grew to serve churches and faith based organizations; Kingdom Story was formed in 2012, freeing John to share these KS lessons of God’s story and discipleship with a much wider audience.

What We Do and How We Do It

At Kingdom Story, we seek to begin where the early church began. Where converts from the pagan Roman Empire came to be grounded in the new life Jesus offers us. They started with knowing the story of Scripture. Knowing God’s story and our own place in that story is fundamental to the lifelong process of becoming like Jesus. Kingdom Story’s resources are designed to help you do just that.

Kingdom Story creates unique resources and makes them universally adaptable for all cultures and ages, teaching and distributing them throughout a worldwide and digital market.

We have three different and specialized offerings: books, experiences, consulting.

1. Books: KS currently has two different resources for biblical study, The Kingdom Story Way and The Way From Here. For more on these resources, click the link!
2. Experiences: KS staff can teach and facilitate a variety of pre-existing or customized experiences related to the Bible as God’s story and discipleship. We can train others to facilitate KS experiences. We have two ready and well received seminars, the Bible Reframed and A Discipleship Diagnostic. We can facilitate other participatory teachings, narrative sermons, retreats, etc.
3. Consulting: Pastors who see afresh the value of The Bible as Story and the need for Jesus discipleship may want to take advantage of this aspect of KS. Creating a culture of discipleship in today’s church requires a sustained and cross “cultural” effort; support and strategy can be crucial.

Our Team

KS Staff

Founder & Director

John Lewis founded Kingdom Story Ministries in 2012, and is actively serving as the Director of the ministry.

Email: John@thekingdomstory.org

Click here to read more on John’s story & bio.

Program Director

As Program Director, Branden is in charge of Kingdom Story’s discipleship development program.

Email: branden@thekingdomstory.org

Click here to read more on Branden’s story & bio.

KS Interns

A former participant in the Discipleship Institute, Andrew joined Kingdom Story in the summer of 2017. He provided significant help on our curriculum titled The Kingdom Story Way. Andrew is a gifted content editor and writer.

Email: andrew.hilzendeger@thekingdomstory.org

Andrew Hilzendeger Bio

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member