ST. CHARLES – The International Orality Network’s (ION) annual meeting was conducted in St. Charles Sept. 16-19.
More than 270 Bible Storying veterans, as well as many who were expressing interest, attended. The conference emphasized networking, learning new skills, and worship. The main theme of the workshop was “The Seven Disciplines of Orality.” These include the biblically-faithful ways orality impacts a community’s culture, language, literacy, memory, networks, arts, and the media.
T.D. Stubblefield, pastor, First Baptist, St. Charles, and Mark Snowden, evangelism-discipleship strategist, Missouri Baptist Convention, were two Missouri Baptists among others who led breakout workshops. Other Missourians who were presenters included Steve and Sherrie Brown, directors of discipleship, King’s Family Church, Kansas City. Sherrie is the daughter of the late Avery Willis. Solomon Kendagor, dity director, International Students, Inc., St. Louis. Donovan Case, president, African-Americans for Missions, Wentzville. Doug Petty, pastor, Fresh Start Bible Church, St. Louis.
“Orality is a way of thinking and a learning preference that is viewed by many as being highly relational and a rapidly reproducible way to witness and disciple,” said Snowden. “ION brings together thought-leaders who are shaping the movement. Having ION’s workshop here in Missouri attracted a number of church leaders from across the state.”
ION is ten years old and is comprised of some 1,500 churches and missions organizations.