As Christians, we hold the Bible in the highest esteem. But what happens when the people we are trying to reach have a primarily oral culture—how do we ensure that the message of Scripture is accurately transmitted and understood in cultures where literacy is not the norm? In this podcast interview with Jonathan Worthington, Ph.D., Director of Research at Training Leaders International, we explore the fascinating topic of orality in missions. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging with oral learners, the role of stories and proverbs in communicating the gospel, and how to strike a balance between contextualization and biblical truth. Whether you're a seasoned missionary or simply interested in the intersection of orality and Scripture, this conversation is not to be missed.
Read Jonathan’s article on orality, “Orality’s Breadth and Depth,” in TLI’s theological journal.
Jonathan D. Worthington (Ph.D., Durham University) is Director of Research at Training Leaders International. He is the author of Creation in Paul and Philo and articles on creation in Paul and early Judaism, cross-cultural theological education, motivation theory, missions, and empathy. You can reach him at jonathan.worthington@trainingleadersinternational.org.
You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
This episode is sponsored by Radius International. You can learn more about Radius International and their gap year program at radiusinternational.org.
Enter to win our RMC23 giveaway: missionspodcast.com/rmc23.
Believe in our mission? Support this podcast.
The Missions Podcast is a ministry resource of ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
How to Last in Ministry: Josh Zeichik on the Temptations of Leadership
Good News: God Doesn’t Need You
How to Hold the Rope: Ryan Martin on Caring for Missionaries
Mobilization Starts in the Church
What’s Best Next: Missions and Productivity With Matt Perman
Missionary: Know Your Limits
Is the Commission Still Great? Steve Richardson Answers
The Most Important Thing Happening in the World Right Now
What Is Discipleship?
Christian: You’re Called to the Church
When Helping Hurts With Brian Fikkert
Why Poverty Relief Often Fails
How Should Christians Respond When the Foreigner Comes?
God’s Heart for the Nations
Missions History and Adoption: Dr. John Mark Yeats – #FTC22
Muslims and the Adopting Love of God With Joe Allen – #FTC22
Missions in the Old Testament and in the Horn of Africa: Jason DeRouchie Explains – #FTC22
Turnaround: Dr. Jason Allen on Transformative Leadership in Ministry – #FTC22
Charles Spurgeon as a Sending Pastor With Geoff Chang – #FTC22
The ‘Simple’ Trinity in Missions: Matthew Barrett – #FTC22
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)