Scripture in Use Workshop
From SPARK
Brief Summary
Six things you can do with a single Bible passage
Introduction
The purpose of GILLBT’s SIU program is to show that the Bible relates to the needs of people. It should also encourage Christians to use the Word of God regularly.
In 1994, Scripture-In-Use Workshops were held for the Akyode, Adele, Ntrubo, Buem, and Nkonya language groups. These are in the Volta Region of eastern Ghana. Each workshop lasted about three days. The teaching teams spent about three weeks on the workshops, travel, and rest days.
The content is summarized as six things you can do with a single Bible passage:
- Publicly read it (and hear it with comprehension)
- Dramatize it
- Compose a song with it
- Record it on cassette
- Show a picture of it
- Relate your culture to it
Key Factors
What Was Done
These were presented as different “farm tools” to work the “fields white unto harvest”, i.e., different methods to spread the message among the communities. Equal emphasis was given to each “farm tool.” There were three staff members: the GILLBT Director Grace Adjekum (who taught number 1, 2 and 6 above); Vernacular Media specialist Bill Groot (who taught number 4 and did recordings); and Paul Neeley (who taught number 3 and 5).
Results
All workshops were successful. Church leaders and songwriters came from different towns to discuss reaching their people with the Gospel of Christ by using their own language and music. The workshops increased interest in the translation and literacy projects. They prompted thinking of new ways to reach nonliterate members of each society. Each group composed new songs and recorded an hour-long cassette of Scripture selections and songs. They used the traditional music system of each society. The five cassette tapes will soon be available in each location. Three groups also worked on dramatizing parts of the Easter story and were encouraged to use the drama in their churches.
Helpful Information from the Author
- By: :By Paul Neeley
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