Beyond the Class
Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before. Romans 4:9-10
When people hear of the Orality Institute, they often think of a classroom where participants learn to tell Bible stories from memory. While that is true, it is only one example of how Orality can strengthen the Church.
At its heart, Orality is simply engaging people with God’s Word in ways that invite active participation rather than passive listening. Scripture is internalized, retold, discussed, and applied through thoughtful questions that help uncover the treasures within the biblical text. These same principles can be used in Bible studies, Sunday School classes, youth ministry, family devotions – and even Sunday morning sermons.
Recently, Pastor Paul Kneeland preached on Romans 4 using a courtroom setting, rather than simply explaining Paul’s argument. The congregation watched the trial unfold, saw witnesses testify, heard evidence presented, and questions asked. It led everyone to discover why we are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Orality is active learning and participation. It is an effective approach designed to help people understand and remember God’s Word. Another way that Orality goes beyond the classroom is our annual Grand Canyon Awareness Hike. We invite you to join us October 10th for a Rim-to-Rim hike. Whether you hike a portion of the trail or simply come to encourage the team, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how God is using story and discussion to make disciples around the world. Email paulk@oralityinstitute.org for more details about hiking or sponsoring us.
Hope Amid War
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
This summer, IOI had the privilege of partnering with Pastor Tomasz Chmiel and his ministry in western Ukraine. The Lord assembled a group of seven that brought hope to the children and adults of their Family Camp through the Scripture stories and testimonies in the Bible.
The team taught the Bible using oral stories, allowing the campers the chance to hear God’s Word, retell it, discuss it, and discover its treasures together. Many of those attending had fled eastern Ukraine because of the war, and several were hearing the gospel in this type of setting for the first time. The stories opened the door for meaningful conversations about Christ’s healing, forgiveness, and hope.
Pastor Nate Jore shared that one of the greatest lessons from the trip was recognizing that while the physical realities of war were obvious, the deeper spiritual battle is against bitterness, fear, hatred, and darkness. The Gospel continues to bring freedom where human solutions cannot.
The Lord also provided encouraging reminders of His faithfulness. One family who had been trying to have a child returned to camp carrying the baby they had prayed for the previous year – a beautiful testimony of God’s care even during uncertain times. Please pray for our trip to Malawi from July 27-August 8th. Pastor Kevin, his brother Glenn, and his 12 year-old grandson Josiah will be attending the graduation of 20 students in Zambia, 76 in Malawi, and meeting one of the new classes from Mozambique. Pray for enough gasoline for the car and safety over the many miles they will travel.
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