Better Wyoming Narrative Guides:
CHRISTIANITY & FAITH
GOOD NARRATIVE: THE BASICS
Here’s a basic truth when it comes to creating change: IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE RIGHT.
You might have all the facts and figures in the world, and the moral high ground, but those don’t get people to act. What matters is whether you’re able to persuade someone, using language, values, and messages that resonate with them.
If our movement wants to win state-level policies that improve life for the people of Wyoming, we’re going to need to get on the same page in the way we talk about it.
TOP TIP! Good narrative is built on these values, which Wyomingites tend to share:
Freedom, Community, Honesty, Hardwork, and Pride in the Land.
Some DOs and DON'Ts...
DON’T repeat the opposition’s messaging. This just amplifies their points.
DO “pre-bunk” opposition messaging: know your opposition's messaging, and neutralize it in advance if you can.
DON’T fixate on crisis messaging or depressing stories. This de-motivates people.
DO tie serious problems to collective, constructive policy solutions.
DON’T just tell stories. Research shows that this makes it harder for your audience to understand the importance of collective solutions, and instead makes them believe that problems are for individuals to solve.
DO use stories to illustrate collective or policy solutions.
DON’T depend on facts and figures. By themselves, these do not help. Moreover, they can easily be misinterpreted.
DO tie facts and figures to shared values, narrative, and solutions. Try to interpret the facts and figures for your audience first, before actually presenting those facts and figures.
DON’T use jargon.
DO use strong, clear, direct communication.
Each section below introduces a top tip for speaking or writing persuasively on the topic of CHRISTIANITY AND FAITH in Wyoming. Each tip is then expanded upon, and examples are provided. These tips and examples are based on research from the Bighorn Company of Colorado, supplied by the Wyoming Civic Engagement Network. This narrative guide was created with the gracious help of Rev. Jordan Bishop and Rev. Camie Dewey.
Narrative SUBJECT GUIDE: Christianity & Faith
Tip # 1: Reclaim the FAITH NARRATIVE
Faith is a fundamental part of most Wyomingites’ lives, but public faith conversations are overwhelmingly one-sided. The faith narrative has been largely claimed by our opposition. On top of this, folks on our side tend to be very wary of openly discussion matters of faith. Yet faith communities have historically been at the heart of fights for change, equality, and justice. It is important to engage in dialogue with faith communities, and amplify their messages of compassion & stewardship.
Tip # 2: Build upon SHARED VALUES...
The opposition has worked hard to claim the “values” narrative on this issue. This is why it’s so important for us to re-claim this territory on our own terms. Remember to do so without repeating opposition framing.
Shared Value: FREEDOM
Freedom is a sacred gift from God, rooted in love and compassion. True freedom reflects God’s vision for justice, dignity, and community, calling us to use our liberty to serve and uplift one another. From a biblical perspective, freedom is not about personal gain or unchecked individualism but about responsibility and love. Scripture does not give license to impose our will on, or discriminate against, others.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and
sisters; only do not use your freedom as an
opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love
become slaves to one another.
Galatians 5:13 (NRSV)
Shared Value: CONSERVATION
Caring for creation is a sacred duty, reflecting our call to stewardship, justice, and love for future generations. Protecting the earth is an act of faith, resisting harm and honoring God’s gift of life in all its forms.
The Lord God took the man and put
him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
Genesis 2:15
From the beginning, humanity was called to be caretakers of the earth, not exploiters. Conservation is a sacred responsibility, ensuring that creation is nurtured rather than destroyed.
The earth is the Lord’s and all that
is in it, the world, and those who live in it.
Psalm 24:1
The world does not belong to us; it belongs to God. Caring for our natural treasures is an act of faithfulness, recognizing that creation is holy and meant for all, including future generations.
Shared Value: HONESTY
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak truth in love, fostering trust and accountability in our relationships and society. Honesty challenges power, honors everyone’s voice, and promotes justice. By participating in God’s redemptive work, we embody the integrity and transparency that build a more compassionate and just world.
For this I was born, and for this I
came into the world, to bear witness
to the truth. Everyone who is of the
truth hears my voice.
John 18:37
Truth-telling is not just about personal morality but about building a just society. Speaking truth is essential for peace, accountability, and healing within communities.
Therefore each of you must put off
falsehood and speak truthfully to
your neighbor, for we are all
members of one body.
Ephesians 4:25
Honesty is not just an individual virtue but a communal responsibility. Truth strengthens relationships and reminds us that we are deeply interconnected as members of God’s beloved community.
Shared Value: COMMUNITY
The body of Christ reminds us that we are interconnected; when one part suffers, all suffer. Christians are called to build communities of mutual care and support, embodying God’s dream for a just and compassionate world. Biblical examples, such as the early church in Acts, show that thriving communities prioritize collective well-being. Scripture highlights that Christian community is not just about worship but about creating spaces where everyone can live with dignity and hope.
For just as the body is
one and has many
members, and all the
members of the body,
though many, are one
body, so it is with Christ.
1 Cor 12:12
Bear one another’s
burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the
law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
But God has put the body
together, giving greater
honor to the parts that
lacked it, so that there
should be no division in
the body, but that its
parts should have equal
concern for each other. If
one part suffers, every
part suffers with it; if one
part is honored, every
part rejoices with it.
1 Cor 12:24b-26
Shared Value: HARD WORK
Labor is sacred when it is rooted in the dignity and the well-being of our communities. Hard work should not be about striving for individual success alone but about building a world where everyone’s work is valued, fair, and life-giving.
They shall not build and another
inhabit; they shall not plant and
another eat... They shall not labor
in vain, or bear children for
calamity.
Isaiah 65:22-23
Hard work should not lead to exploitation. God’s vision for labor is one of fairness, where people are not stripped of the fruits of their work but can thrive in dignity and peace.
Tip # 3: Apply faith-based values to key Wyoming issues.
HEALTHCARE
I was sick, and you took care of me; I was in prison, and you visited me.
Matthew 25:36
Jesus identifies care for the sick as an act of faithfulness. Ensuring access to health care is not just policy but a way of living out Christ’s call to love and serve.
EQUALITY
He has told you, O mortal, what is
good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love
kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
Justice is central to God’s call. Defending human rights and equality is not optional—it is a fundamental expression of faithfulness.
HOUSING
He went to him and bandaged his
wounds, having poured oil and wine
on them. Then he put him on his own
animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:34-35
Safe and stable housing is a reflection of God’s desire for all people to live with dignity. As Christians, we are called to work toward just and equitable housing policies that ensure no one is left without shelter.
The Good Samaritan not only provided for the injured man’s immediate needs but also ensured he had a place to stay. Housing is part of the holistic care we are called to extend to our neighbors.
Tip # 4: Use Better Wyoming's communications team!
Want an extra pair of eyes on what you've written? Email your piece to info@betterwyo.org, and we'll make sure it gets forwarded to the right person.