Focus on Reproduction, Mentor's Guide, MG12

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F O C U S O N R E P R O D U C T I O N

The concept of oikos is a concept of connection and sharing in common. As Christ had shared his life and his Spirit with them, they were free to share their life, money and goods with anyone who had need for them. “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of [their] possessions was [their] own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts 4.32; see vv. 33–35). This movement of commonness was intimately connected to the apostles’ presence and teaching, which had its roots in their life together as the Twelve and others with Jesus. The common life of Jesus with the Twelve became the common life of the apostles among the ecclesia , which became the common life of the ecclesia as household for any who had need, so “there were no needy persons among them.” ~ G. W. Icenogle, Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry: An Integrative Approach . Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.

a. Relationships at our work and place of business, school, or regular place of attendance

b. Those we see in our circle on a regular basis: grocers, gas station attendants, laundry folks, etc.

c. Connections because of recreation, ethnic, or cultural associations

C. Distinctives of the urban oikia

1. Every urban person has an oikos of which they are a part.

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2. One’s oikos connection in the city may not have anything (or very little) to do with where the person is living .

3. As a rule, individuals are very suspicious and distrustful of people who are not a part of their oikos circle.

4. In the same way, the oikos relationships are the most significant and impacting relationships for urbanites.

II. Why Oikos (Household) Evangelism Is Effective

A. Oikos evangelism is biblical.

1. Jesus used oikia to spread forth the word regarding himself.