I often draw on communication principles from the Bible, not just because I’m a professional storyteller, but because faith has shaped much of my life.
I grew up in a pastor’s home. I later attended seminary myself, and my wife also attended seminary and now serves as a chaplain. Alongside my work as a photographer, writer, videographer, and communications consultant, I’ve spent decades immersed in faith communities and studying how people communicate truth, purpose, and transformation.
One of the most powerful communication lessons I’ve learned from Scripture comes from two simple words used repeatedly throughout the Bible:
“So that…”
Throughout Scripture, “so that” is used to explain purpose, intention, and desired outcome.
Jesus taught this way.
Paul wrote this way.
The Gospel writers structured stories this way.
They weren’t just sharing information. They were leading people somewhere.
That matters to photographers, writers, filmmakers, nonprofit communicators, and brand storytellers because too much modern storytelling stops at documentation rather than transformation.
We capture moments.
We collect quotes.
We gather footage.
But if we cannot answer the “so that” question, the story often lacks direction.
Storytelling With Purpose
Look at how Jesus framed teaching in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Notice the structure:
- Action
- Purpose
- Intended result
The action was never the endpoint.
The goal was transformation.
That same principle applies to communication work today.
You photograph a volunteer serving meals…
So donors understand the ministry’s impact.
You interview a missionary…
So that churches can emotionally connect with the people being served.
You create a brand video…
So that potential clients trust the organization enough to engage.
You document a nonprofit’s work…
So that the audience moves from awareness to action.
Without the “so that,” storytelling becomes random content creation.
The “So That” Should Shape Story Selection
One of the biggest mistakes communicators make is choosing stories simply because they are emotional, dramatic, or visually interesting.
But great storytellers ask:
- Why does this story matter?
- What should happen after someone experiences it?
- What is the audience supposed to understand, feel, or do?
The biblical writers were remarkably intentional.
John even explains why he selected certain stories about Jesus:
“These are written so that you may believe…” (John 20:31)
John didn’t include everything.
He curated stories with purpose.
That is exactly what editors, filmmakers, photographers, and writers must do today.
Every assignment needs a “so that.”
Every Creative Decision Should Serve the Purpose
The “so that” doesn’t just shape story selection. It shapes execution.
It affects:
- which interviews you conduct,
- what photos you make,
- what B-roll you gather,
- pacing,
- music,
- sequencing,
- captions,
- headlines,
- and even what you leave out.
Strong communicators understand that every creative decision either supports the purpose or distracts from it.
A beautiful drone shot that doesn’t advance the story may impress people, but it may not serve the “so that.”
An emotional quote that creates confusion may weaken the message.
A visually dramatic image that lacks context can actually pull the audience away from the intended outcome.
The Difference Between Content and Communication
There is a difference between producing content and communicating with purpose.
Content says:
“Look what happened.”
Purpose-driven communication says:
“This happened so that…”
The best communicators know where they are leading the audience before they ever press the shutter, hit record, or write the first paragraph.
That doesn’t make storytelling manipulative.
It makes it intentional.
And intentionality is one of the clearest characteristics of both great biblical teaching and great communication.