Discover the Power of Story
Our Mission
The Center for Narrative Studies
- Trains storytellers to understand narrative patterns and employ the language of Story via various media as disciples of Christ in service of the Great Commission.
- Creates stories that communicate the transformative nature of Jesus to a meaning-starved culture.
- Seeks to restore transcendent meaning to narrative.
Established in 2026, the CNS is dedicated to education, research, and development in the narrative arts, providing resources and training to impact the culture through Story. The CNS operates under the governance of MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Training Programs
Narrative Studies, English, and Digital Communications
As part of our cooperative vision to train Christ-followers in storytelling arts, MidAmerica Nazarene University offers Bachelor of Arts programs in Narrative Studies, English, and Digital Communications.
Launched as a pilot program in 2026, the Transformational Stories Project guides student storytellers into telling stories of faith transformation to other students. Paid internships provide mentoring with industry experts and creative freedom in story design.
Our planned annual conference, district “life story’ workshops, and experiential travel events immerse students in narrative experiences designed to connect the power and language of storytelling to the contextual realities of life.
Hands-on Projects for Real-World Impact
Learn how Story is expressed in a variety of disciplines.
Podcasts
Build professional audio and video conversations that explore authentic, transformational stories.
Comics / Story Boarding
Utilize Story beats and perspective to craft compelling plot lines for various mediums including graphic novels and storyboarding.
Video Production & Editing
Practical experience in developing compelling story lines for film and video.
Dynamic Experiences to Enhance Learning
Opportunities include: traveling abroad, attending workshops, and hearing lectures designed to deepen your understanding and implementation of narrative studies principles.
Pioneer Trek trips:
An Epic Adventure to Rome
Join professors and like-minded students as we explore some of the cities Paul traversed in Turkey, Greece, and Rome as he spread the Gospel of Christ.
Day-trip Immersion: “Life story” Workshops
Panel discussions highlighting innovative research in narrative forms.
Conference for Christian Narratives
Sessions exploring practical approaches to building narratives both textually and visually.
Narrative Significance
The world is increasingly driven by narratives, not only as entertainment, but as tools of communication and influence in marketing, politics, journalism, and social activism. Now that nearly everyone carries a portable cinema, library, and social media device in their pocket, stories have never been more readily accessible or more important in shaping the direction of our culture, both inside and outside the church.
It’s no secret the American church is in statistical decline. One major contributing factor is our culture’s disconnection from the story of Jesus. In a world of Netflix and Marvel, the gospel no longer seems relevant. Reversing that perception will require the work of many skilled storytellers working in diverse fields. Our culture is starved for meaning, and though the church has the only answer, we’re not equipped to communicate the message of scripture to a generation raised on screens. We need young people trained in the art of creating meaningful narratives that speak to their peers’ deepest longings.
We need young people trained in the art of creating meaningful narratives that speak to their peers’ deepest longings.
Student Projects in Diverse Media
Our pilot Storytelling project was carried out in the summer of 2026.
Written Narratives
Video / YouTube
Comics / Graphic Media
Podcasts
Social Media
Travel-Inspired Stories
The God of Story
For a deeper analysis of our culture’s problem with lack of meaning and Dr. Schwabauer’s proposed answer, see his 2025 book, The God of Story.
Available in both English and Spanish.
Training from Professors Dedicated to Your Success
English Department head, Dr. Daniel Schwabauer, ThD, has decades of experience studying “what makes a story a story?” He is a beloved author of both fiction and non-fiction works.
Our center is dedicated to advancing the study story structure, fostering critical analysis and creative inquiry.
We aim to empower students with interdisciplinary tools to understand and craft compelling stories that shape culture and society.
Impact Culture with Narrative Studies
Understanding the language of Story prepares you for a world of opportunities.
Marketing
Storytelling is the foundation of modern marketing.
Pre-Law
Trials depend heavily on authentic story telling.
Ministry
Ministry begins with understanding
the Story of stories.
Counseling
Restoration often requires re-storying the past.
Teaching
The oldest method of deep learning is a story.
Writing
Avid readers are consuming stories more than ever.
Editing
Help others communicate more effectively.
Filmmaking
The most compelling images are rooted in a powerful story.
Content Creation
The world is hungry for multi-media narratives.