Discipleship – OralityTalks

Discipleship in Oral Preference Cultures

W. Jay Moon — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:37:04 +0000

There are many indigenous genres available that are often overlooked for discipleship in oral preference cultures. This article explores both the Sicangu Lakota Native American culture as well as the Builsa culture in Ghana, West Africa to demonstrate the value and use of indigenous symbols, rituals, dance, proverbs, songs and stories for contextualized approaches to discipleship. Drawing from various anthropological theories, examples are provided to demonstrate how these oral genres can address excluded middle issues in order to create missiological transformation. Since these indigenous genres are embedded in culture, wise disciple makers can apply this discipleship approach for the formation of cultural and biblical identity. In the process, this can help disciples overcome the common dangers of both syncretism and split-level Christianity.

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Watch the related webinar presentation.

Embraced Taboo: An Ethnoscopic Analysis of Non-monogamous Practices in Nigeria

Kehinde Seyi Ojelade — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:34:42 +0000

The widespread social acceptance of non-monogamous sexual practices among the Yoruba people in Nigeria is a key issue for Christian discipleship. Using ethnoscopic analysis, I examine how ancestral traditions perpetuate the issue. Despite its cultural entrenchment, this practice conflicts with Christian teachings on fidelity and monogamy. The paper uses Thigpen’s ethnoscopic framework to explore the discipleship issue through cultural, biblical, missional, and educational lenses. I highlight the necessity of culturally appropriate discipleship strategies and tools that fit the needs of oral learners. Ultimately, the research seeks to foster faithful Christian living that aligns with biblical principles while navigating the complex cultural landscape of Nigeria.

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Using Oral Pedagogies to Improve Training Efficacy

Daniel Baker — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:16:45 +0000

Abstract: In this article, I detail my journey using ethnoscopic research to critique and improve the pedagogies typically employed in cross-cultural missions training. I use oral-based tools to present a highly efficacious discipleship strategy blueprint. These oral pedagogies are strong contenders for use among any global audience, not only those from the global south. This study focuses on the From the Nations to the Nations conference held in September of 2023 as the basis for improving cross-cultural training content and strategy. The study findings hold significance for reshaping training conferences and other teaching contexts.

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My Journey Towards an Effective Orality Journey

Ruth Hidalgo de Robinson — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:10:30 +0000

Abstract: This report by Ruth Hidalgo de Robinson, a teacher turned missionary, chronicles her challenges and successes in teaching indigenous peoples along the Ucayali River in the Amazon of Peru. Facing initial setbacks, Ruth sought training in orality methods from organizations like New Tribes Mission and Scriptures In Use. Partnering with Development Associates International, she adapted discipleship materials for the Shipibo culture, transforming indigenous communities with organized churches and empowered servant leaders.

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Oral Discipleship

W. Jay Moon and Temna Meren — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:31:00 +0000

Beginning with the significance of employing orality for discipleship, Jay Moon illustrated its effectiveness by providing an example involving a Native American.

He elaborated on the significance of rituals in addressing the issues related to Paul Hiebert’s concept of the Excluded Middle. Emphasizing their importance, he highlighted how rituals guide individuals through what Viktor Turner termed the liminal experience, marking a transformative and transitional phase in their journey.

Moon provided numerous compelling examples, emphasizing stories, dance, and symbols as crucial elements in oral discipleship. He also included in his presentation the impactful illustration of African Chicken Theology.

Read the related journal article.

Temna Meren, a student of Moon, highlighted the importance of oral discipleship in his ministry and effectively complemented Moon’s presentation with real-life examples.

Discover more about Rituals through our training materials at Orality.Academy!

More resources about Rituals on GOMAP.

Check out the recordings and engage in the conversation in the comments.