They do their spirituality the old fashioned way.

They tell stories.

The National Convention of Biblical Storytellers comes to the Simpsonwood Conference Center in Norcross through Saturday.

"For centuries, our educational system has led us to approach scripture as a silent text that you are to read and understand, and that is far different from hearing a story," said the Rev. Lynn White, minister at Eagle's Landing Christian Church in McDonough.

First century Christians passed their stories of Jesus down orally. They told them to the faithful when they gathered.

Modern storytellers are rebuilding that tradition one congregation or meeting at a time.

White incorporates stories in his weekly sermons during the designated time for reading scriptures. Instead of the reading, with the faces of the congregation buried in bibles, he or another member stands up and tells the story or recites the scripture face to face with listeners.

"In a traditional service, the scripture reading is time to take a quick nap," White quipped. "The difference I see is that [congregants] don't take a nap."

Others use storytelling skills in Bible teaching, seminars and performances.

The three days of seminars and workshops, which is expected to attract about 200, features some well-known writers and story tellers, such as Sister Mariam Winter, who is a medical mission nun.

The conference is also hosting a group from Gambia in Africa, who will bring their own deep traditions in storytelling to the conference.

Information at www.nobs.org.