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Mark Yaconelli – An American in Wales

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Human beings have been telling one another stories since they first learned to speak.Ìý They amuse, warn, educate, and lull small children to sleep; and our guest today is an American spiritual teacher who believes that a particular kind of storytelling can change communities, deepen relationships and cultivate compassion. He’s spending six months in Wales sharing his enthusiasm, at the invitation of the Anglican diocese of St. Asaph.

Mark Yaconelli is a writer and retreat leader, a community activist and youth worker, with a wide following across the United States.Ìý Like his celebrated father Mike Yaconelli, who trod a similar path before his death after a road accident 13 years ago, he makes regular appearances at Christian festivals in the UK.

Based in Llangollen, he’s been helping to establish community storytelling programmes, and developing training for youth leaders and clergy.Ìý Meanwhile, his latest book is about to be published - Disappointment, Doubt and Other Spiritual Gifts: Reflections on Life and Ministry.

Mark tells Roy Jenkins about his belief in the transformational potential of the spiritual tradition of sharing the stories of our lives; why he is not afraid of disappointment and doubt; and how imagination is key to the life of the church.

Relevant websites: Ìýhttps://markyaconelli.wordpress.com/

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