This course contains the simple steps of faith for a story-centric discipleship approach that will equip us to reach the 1,600 unreached people groups (UPGs) and to be relevant in our teaching with the next generation. The methods presented in this course are the methods that I have used to equip myself and my students to be natural conversationalists with the Word of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course designed for?
The Story-Centered Discipleship Online Course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the skills to share Bible stories in a natural, culturally-relevant way – particularly among oral learners.
What will this course teach me?
Story-centered discipleship is all about learning the true stories and content of God’s Word, and sharing it with others. Jesus told his disciples, “If you remain in me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” (John 15:7-8, NIV, emphasis added).
As you grow in your faith and relationship with God, letting His Word abide in you, you will be able to reach others more effectively. Together, we need to reach the next generation and bring the Gospel of Jesus to every unreached people group around the world.
In this course, Dr. Tara Rye introduces proven methods to equip students—young and old, from around the world—to be natural conversationalists with the Word of God.
How can I use this course?
This course can be used individually for your own training in Biblical storytelling. The course can also be used in group settings such as with mission teams in preparation for going on a short-term or long-term mission trip, or in church settings for small-group discipleship training.
How long will this course take?
Complete this online course at your own speed. There is no time limit for how long you can study and practice each lesson. Each lesson includes a brief video (usually 3-4 minutes) and accompanying written text. You will learn more if you take time to understand and practice the material over many days or even weeks, instead of rushing through it.
How does this online course work?
Register for free for the course with your email and set your own password. Then you will be able to log in any time and see your progress in this self-paced online course.
After each lesson’s brief video (around 3-5 minutes) and brief written text, there is an online quiz to help you evaluate if you have understood key concepts from the lesson.
You are free to move backwards and forwards between the lessons, and review the material later.
What is the cost of the course?
Audio Scripture Ministries is pleased to offer you this training at no charge, thanks to the generous support of our donors. If you have been blessed and helped by the course, we invite you to consider financially supporting ASM so the ASM team can continue to provide these resources to Christians around the world.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
A digital certificate of completion will be sent to you upon successful completion of the online course. This includes going through all lessons and correctly answering all questions in the quizzes that follow each lesson. If you incorrectly answer questions in the quizzes, you have the opportunity to review the course material and then retake each quiz.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Contact courses@audioscripture.org for any questions or comments not addressed here.
Glossary of Terms
DAVAR
Davar is the Hebrew word for “word” or “speech.”
Biblical Metanarrative
Biblical metanarrative is God’s Big Story or master idea that is historical truth known as a sacred story. It can also be referred to as God’s Grand Narrative. The biblical metanarrative carries a comprehensive message that consists of smaller individual stories revealing God’s interaction with man throughout history. It is meant to be read as a whole and not as parts.
Internalization
Internalization is the process of assimilating information from head knowledge to unconscious knowledge so that it transforms your character and is easily incorporated into natural conversations and daily living. Knowledge that is internalized and not memorized feels warm, welcoming, and authentic.
Chunking
Chunking is a process of dividing information into smaller groups, scenes, or divisions so that it is easier to recall. A chunk can be represented by creating scenes mentally, paragraph divisions in a written format, simple sketches drawn, poetic lines, musical stanzas, etc.
Storyboard
A storyboard is a visual drawing that provides the various chunks, scenes, or divisions depicting the story in chronological order.
Walk-Through-the-Room
A walk-through-the-room is when a person chooses a space or room to represent different parts of the story to create their story divisions. The division of the room will become the chunking method.
This activity provides kinesthetic learners the opportunity to move and touch objects in the room to set up a visual and body memory map for the story for recall. Instead of dividing the story in their mind or on paper the story is divided based on the room set up.
Tandem
A tandem storytelling is when two people tell the story as partners.
Group telling
A group telling is when three or more people tell a story together taking turns.
Popcorn telling
A popcorn telling is sharing a short amount of the story so that everyone in the group can have a turn telling a portion of the story. Think of popcorn telling like popcorn popping. It is quick and short.
