About us:
Entrusting...2 Timothy 2:2, “Entrust to reliable men who will be qualified to teach others.”
International
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19
God makes it clear that His desire is to have disciples in every nation or people group. The challenge of international training includes, distance, language, and culture. Oral training can bridge those barriers.
BIBLICAL
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
It is essential that the Word of God is the core of the training. It must be taught clearly and accurately so that the students learn the inspired Word rather than the opinion of man.
EducationAL
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” Joshua 1:8
Education is not just receiving information. It is learning how to learn, personalizing the lessons, and being able to tell others what you have also received. Our goal is reproducible discipleship.
Our Vision:
discipleship-driven, Gospel-centered
The International Orality Institute employs an oral style of instruction, using the parables and question-and-answer style of teaching that Jesus used. The ministry began in 2007, with the primary training being done in Uganda and India. The oral training strategy has been introduced into eight countries and the oral curriculum is available in nine languages.
%
of 21 students interviewed said they had a much greater knowledge of the Bible.
%
of students said, "This training has changed my life."
our Model:
meeting unique needs
While each classroom might look different, there are key elements that are consistant across the training.
– The biblical content is the essential foundation.
– The curriculum is taught orally in a person’s heart language.
– The leader’s guide provides structure for the class.
– The classes are offered free of charge.
the method: orality
the location: native environment
Classes are held in the students’ own language from the very beginning. When students are able to study at home in their own culture, there are benefits of keeping the family together, continuing their vocations, leading their churches and the daily practice of the courses they have studied.
ESSENTIAL: THREE CORE COMPONENTS
1- The training must be reproducible.
2- It must have the respect of the community and country.
3- Discipleship must be a part of the teaching process.
THE PROGRAM: LEVELS OF TRAINING
The levels of training include:
– Bible Overview
– Doctrine, Character, and Ministry
– Two years of teaching the curriculum
– Study of Romans
– Planting Free and Living Congregations
our team:
meet our team
Dr. Kevin Olson
Director
Dr. Olson started this ministry in 2007. “I hope to see training in God’s Word available for all people. There are many countries that are looking for ways to train their people and we can meet that specific need. There are also many churches in the U.S. that need to grow in God’s Word.”
Rev. Paul Kneeland
Missionary/Representative
“I accepted this position because I believe in it’s mission and feel that God has given a great vision to use the orality style of instruction to further the work of making disciples around the world. I am excited to encourage and provide assistance in the process of determining where and how this ministry can expand.”
Rev. Peter Ward
Board Member
“The ministry seems to have met a need and the Lord has blessed it by the response of the church in countries such as Uganda and elsewhere. It is a joy to watch the Lord at work. I decided to accept the board position invitation because I truly believe the Lord has much more in mind for Orality Institute.”
Mr. Greg Johnson
Board Member
“I was along on a trip in 2016 to help build a home for Nate and Rhoda Jore. I will not forget those two weeks of work and ministry, because I saw the sincere hearts of the people doing the work over there.”
Nate Monseth
Board Member
Nathan has a heart for bringing the gospel to the world through creative means. He and Julie lived in the United Arab Emirates for their first years of marriage while Nathan taught at a school there. He has served as a teacher for the Edina School District, been on multiple mission trips, and always shines the light of Christ through his life.
Rev. Jim Rasmussen
Board Member
“The trip that I took to India to see this ministry in practice had a deep effect in my heart. I was especially touched by the children who just wanted to know and grow.”
Rev. Mark Antal
Board Member
“I went along on the first training trip to India and I saw first hand the power of telling a story. God was working in a miraculous way during that trip and I would love to tell you a story about it.”
our mission:
assisting the church
Our mission is to come alongside church bodies who desire to study God’s Word, and assist them in developing solid, biblical, and theological curriculum to train their leaders and pastors.
