International Orality Network -
Annual Event 2007
“Telling God’s Story Here, There, and Everywhere"
Orlando, Florida
December 3-6, 2007
Overview
Each year, the International Orality Network (ION) holds an annual conference for those who
seek to bring and expand the Christian message among oral communicators. Studies have shown that
the majority of the world learns best by “oral” (relational, verbal and non-linear means), yet most
of our material used for evangelism and discipleship is in literate and linear form. ION is a
collaborative effort of a number of organizations who unite together under the common thread of
helping churches, denominations, mission agencies and individuals become more effective communicators
of the Good News to all people.
Attendees
We anticipate 300 to 400 people in attendance with three-fourths of the attendees from out of town
and the remainder from the Central Florida area. Most will be staying in the host hotel, although it is
not required. The demographic make-up will include pastors, teachers, educators, Christian workers and
others who desire to improve their understanding of the oral audience and to learn of tools/resources to
help reach them with the Gospel.
Content
There will be plenary sessions that will introduce the primary concepts as well as provide motivation
and vision-casting related to the foundational aspects of the ION movement. Rick Warren is our key-note
speaker. Others from within the ION network will address other orality related topics.
Each of the three full days will have a specific focus.
Tuesday, Affinity Tracks
We will divide into six affinity tracks based on areas of common interest. These tracks are:
- Primary Oral Learners: Those who are unable to learn by literate means residing both in literate and illiterate cultures.
- Secondary Oral Learners – Church: Literates who choose to learn by oral means although they do have the ability to learn through literacy. This track will focus on approaches to be used in working within the church. Using story for Bible Study and adapting oral approaches into sermons.
- Secondary Oral Learners – Ministry: This track is unique from the previous track in that the focus is on reaching audience from outside of the church. This includes college and youth ministries, adult professionals, etc.
- Women and Children: This track will focus on the use of oral strategies with women and children. It will include principles of both primary and secondary orality.
- CEO: Leaders of Christian organizations and ministries who can influence others will be invited to spend the day seeing how they can bring the principles of orality into the practitioner level of their ministry.
- Looking inside Orality: Good practice is based on good theory. This track looks at theoretical contributions from various disciplines and examines the way they confirm or challenge current popular practice in the orality movement. The goal is that we better understand why orality works so we can work smarter, not harder.
Featured speakers: Dr Lamin Sanneh, Yale University speaking on The Implications of Literacy: How does Bible translation impact oral tradition in non-literate cultures? What is the relation between the Biblical narrative and the story-telling character of non-Western cultures?
Lourens de Vries of UBS and the Free University of Amseterdam speaking on: What's Wrong with Ong?
.
Wednesday, Immersion Day
New to this year’s ION conference is this exciting opportunity to experience Chronological Bible Storying. Experienced trainers will help us to learn how Bible storying helps oral learners to hear, understand, and share the message of His Word. This will include learning how to choose which Bible Stories to first share with a culture as well as learning and teaching the Bible stories in a different language.
Thursday, Consultation Day
In order for the International Orality Network to be effective and grow, it must serve those who choose to participate. The “Consultation Day” is designed to hear from the attendees and to develop action plans which will help each ministry that is involved in the Orality movement. Each conferee will be able to choose from one of six task forces or to even create a new task force. This is an opportunity to shape the direction of ION and a chance to build a movement that is truly God-inspired. Our desire is that the majority of the conference attendees take part in this highly interactive process. However, if you choose not to take part, a select group of workshops will be available.
Vision
We desire that the principles of ministry in an oral society will become increasingly included in the world-wide, Christian community. There is a wave of change taking place in our society that we must address in order for us to best reach people for Christ and help them grow in their faith. Our prayer and planning for this event goes far beyond an isolated December event. Our desire is to see a world-wide movement. The purpose of this conference is to be a catalyst in this process.
Schedule
The conference will begin with a 11am registration on Monday, December 3rd and will end at 9pm on Thursday, December 6th. People will leave on Friday morning.
Monday, December 3rd
11am – 5pm Registration
1pm – 5pm Pre-conference for beginners (Optional)
4pm – 5pm Regional Networking Time
6pm – 7pm Dinner
7:15 – 8:30pm Plenary 1
Tuesday, December 4th
8:15am – 9:15am Plenary 2
9:45am - 12:15pm Affinity Tracks
12:15pm – 1:45pm Lunch
1:45pm – 5:15pm Affinity Tracks
6pm – 7pm Dinner
7:15pm – 8:30pm Plenary 3
Wednesday, December 5th
8:15am – 9:15am Plenary 4
9:45am - 12:15pm Immersion Sessions
12:15pm – 1:45pm Lunch
1:45pm – 5:15pm Immersion Sessions
Free Evening
Thursday, December 6th
8:15am – 9:15am Plenary 5
9:45am - 12:15pm Consultations & Optional Workshops
12:15pm – 1:45pm Lunch
1:45pm – 5:15pm Consultations & Optional Workshops
6pm – 7pm Dinner
7:15pm – 8:30pm Plenary 6
Costs
The cost of the conference will be $295. This includes six meals (3 dinners, 3 lunches), conference materials, welcome bag and entrance to all sessions. The hotel cost is $95/night per room inclusive of all taxes.
Location
Orlando, Florida Airport Marriott Hotel. Located conveniently just north of the International Airport, this property is well equipped to handle a conference of this size. The Central Florida climate in early December is delightful and some may want to consider extending their time to take in local venues.
Registration
To register, please click here
Contact
For additional information about this specific conference, please contact:
Paul Krueger
719-440-2684
paul.krueger@navigators.org
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