Harnessing the Power of Narrative: Literacy and Orality in Christian Education

Abstract

Mission organizations have begun developing oral strategies, primarily based on storytelling, to reach non- and semi-literate people groups. These strategies include the use of a number of innovative technologies. Their approach appears to be a powerful tool for Christian education. The rapid growth of digital media and the influence of postmodernism require significant adjustments in how the gospel is presented to the next generation in the West. The oral strategies developed for use in cross-cultural mission work may be applicable in Western contexts.