Orality Network offers training in DFW Sept. 15-18

Hundreds of educators, executives and Christian leaders regard the art of storytelling as one of the most effective ways to reach a world of people and cultures that rely heavily on oral communication. Many of these proponents of an evangelization method known as storying will gather in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Sept. 15-18 for the 2008 conference of the International Orality Network (ION).

As director of a 27-member network that includes the International Mission Board of the SBC, Campus Crusade for Christ, Navigators, Trans World Radio and Wycliffe International, Avery Willis brings to the table a lifelong association with Southern Baptists as both a missionary and discipleship leader. Since retiring from the IMB in 2004, Willis has focused his attention on encouraging orality studies through the collaboration dedicated to helping individuals, churches, denominations and mission agencies effectively communicate the story of Jesus to all people, including oral learners.

“Oral learners not only learn differently, they think differently?stories are their primary way of communicating and retaining information, as well as the way their worldview is shaped and transformed,” Willis said. “Jesus himself spoke and taught through stories. Using storytelling to share about God is just smart communicating.”

The ION 2008 Conference will provide resources and training to help Christian men and women more effectively influence the lives of oral learners.

“We desire to encourage and equip thousands of storytellers to tell life-transforming stories of God to those within their spheres of influence,” stated Willis, who began his ministry pastoring Texas churches in Fort Worth and Grand Prairie.

The sixth-annual ION Conference is appropriate for anyone interested in learning successful oral communication tools and strategies. The ION 2008 Conference offers training tracks specialized for primary oral learners, secondary oral learners, executives, women, and other specific circumstances.
Further information on the meeting at the Dallas Solana Marriott Hotel in Westlake is available at internationaloralitynetwork.com.