In this inspiring and vulnerable keynote, Rick explores the transformative power of story—how it shapes culture, communicates truth, and connects people across generations. Drawing from his work on beloved films like How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls, he revealed that every meaningful story begins with struggle, perseverance, and clarity of purpose. Stories that endure, he shared, are not merely entertaining—they are transformational. They help people answer universal questions of identity and belonging: Who am I? and Where do I fit? Using biblical examples and personal experiences, he illustrated how authenticity and transparency, especially about life’s messiness, allow stories to resonate deeply and lead to restoration.
He challenged creators, church leaders, and communicators to “tune their stories” to the needs of today’s audiences. Gen Z and millennial parents, he noted, crave honesty and empathy more than polish and perfection. Effective storytelling, whether in ministry or media, requires answering three essential questions: What do we stand for? How do we stand for it? and Who is it for? The talk emphasized that clarity of purpose (a “narrative vector”) and compassion for an audience’s real struggles are what make stories powerful enough to change hearts, cultures, and lives.
Practical Takeaways
