Making Disciples of Oral Learner

Book excerpt: FROM the time of the Gutenberg Bible, Christianity has walked on literate feet and has directly or indirectly required literacy of others. However, two-thirds of all people in the world are oral communicatorsthose who cant, dont, or wont learn through literate means. Four billion in our world are at risk of a Christless eternity unless literate Christians make significant changes in evangelism, discipleship, leader training and church planting.Making disciples of oral learners means using communication forms that are familiar within the culture: stories, proverbs, drama, songs, chants, and poetry. Literate approaches rely on lists, outlines, word studies, apologetics and theological jargon. These literate methods are largely ineffective among two-thirds of the worlds peoples. Of necessity, making disciples of oral learners depends on communicating Gods word with varied cultures in relevant ways. Only then will the gospel be able to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth.