Oral Bible Storytelling in Practice: Elisha and the Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1–7)

This session moves from theological foundations to practical tools for communicating Scripture well. We focus on oral Bible storytelling—learning to “hide God’s Word in the heart” so that we can share it freely and faithfully. We practice with a short Old Testament narrative and then draw lessons for character, leadership, and ministry.

Why Oral Bible Storytelling?

  • From page to person: Instead of relying only on printed text, the story lives in the teller and can be shared anywhere.
  • Scripture-shaped thinking: Filling our “temple” (heart and mind) with as much of God’s Word as possible lets every communication pass through a biblical lens.
  • Participation over performance: We are not memorizing verses word-for-word; we are learning and living a story with all its essential details.

The Story (2 Kings 6:1–7)

The sons of the prophets told Elisha, “The place where we are staying is too small. Let us go to the Jordan and each cut a log to build a larger place.” Elisha agreed. One asked him to come; he said, “I will,” and went with them. As they were cutting, the iron axe head of one man flew off into the river and sank. He cried, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” Elisha asked where it fell, cut a stick, threw it to that spot, and the iron floated. He said, “Reach out your hand and take it,” and the man took it.

Learning Method: Tell → Retell → Walk Back Through

Effective practice follows a simple arc:

  • Tell: One clear, vivid telling in natural language (keeping all key details).
  • Retell: Invite someone to retell immediately; this begins ownership and reveals gaps.
  • Walk back through: The group reconstructs the story with short, factual prompts (e.g., “Who spoke first?” “Where did they go?” “What sank?”). Keep it brisk; supply answers when stuck and move on.

Essential Details to Preserve in This Story

  • Problem: the living/learning space is too small.
  • Proposed solution: go to the Jordan and each cut a log.
  • Leadership dynamic: Elisha permits and then joins them.
  • Crisis: a borrowed iron axe head falls into the river and sinks.
  • Prophetic sign: Elisha throws a cut stick where it fell; the iron floats.
  • Response: “Reach out and take it”—and the man does.

Emotional Landscape and Integrity Pressures

  • Likely emotions: distress, embarrassment, fear (it was borrowed), frustration.
  • Integrity test: In some contexts the impulse is to “keep swinging” as if nothing happened. The man, however, names the loss and seeks help—truth-telling that opens the door to God’s provision.

What We Learn About the Students (Sons of the Prophets)

  • Respectful and trusting: They approach their leader rather than acting unilaterally.
  • Responsible and proactive: They identify the problem and bring a workable plan.
  • Communal: They act together, not as isolated problem-solvers.
  • Diligent and practical: Ready to work; they have tools and a site in mind.

Leadership Lessons from Elisha

  • Receives input without offense: He allows a student-proposed solution.
  • Presence over position: He goes with them and shares the manual work.
  • Humble and helpful: He enters the problem and offers faith-filled action.
  • Discipling by example: Responsible followers often reflect responsible leaders.

Applications for Schools and Churches Today

  • Common challenges: limited space, finances, accreditation, language barriers, need for trained leaders, outreach fatigue.
  • Desired culture: people who bring problems and solutions, who include leadership, and who work together.
  • Self-examination: Am I only good at spotting problems, or do I also build solutions that respect and include others?

Ministry Metaphor: When the Axe Head Falls

It is possible to be busy “swinging” for God while the cutting edge is gone. Activity continues, impact fades. The call is to recognize loss, tell the truth, and return to God’s presence and power so the “iron floats” again—recovering effectiveness for the Kingdom.

Practice Prompts

  • Retell the story aloud, keeping the six essential details.
  • List two current “too small” pressures in your ministry and one communal, respectful step toward a solution.
  • Name one place you may be “swinging without an axe head.” What honest step will you take to recover effectiveness?

Summary

  • Oral Bible storytelling moves Scripture from page to person and invites whole-group participation.
  • Elisha and the floating axe head highlights respectful initiative, humble leadership, and honest dependency on God.
  • Healthy ministries cultivate people who bring solutions, include leaders, and work together.
  • Effectiveness is not mere activity; when the “axe head” is lost, truth-telling and a return to God’s power restore the edge.
Last modified: Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 11:25 PM