Exploring the Intersection of Personal Stories and Faith

What does it take to cultivate real transformation in a faith community? Not just busier programs or better Bible studies, but real change – mind, body, and soul?

In this episode, Dr. Dan Allender and Rachael Clinton Chen talk with Petra Malekzadeh, Facilitation Development Manager at the Allender Center, about what it looks like to bring story work into the life of a local church. 

Drawing on her years of ministry leadership and her training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care®, Petra shares both the challenges and beauty of inviting people to engage their stories as part of discipleship. Listen in to explore:

• Why story work belongs at the heart of spiritual formation

• The importance of leadership buy-in and shared language

• How to navigate resistance and build trust

• What becomes possible when vulnerability is honored

This conversation invites you to imagine a church where story work isn’t a side ministry—it’s how we grow into the people God is calling us to be.