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 meaning of oikos is fuller than our modern day notion of family (i.e., father, mother, and children), and included blood relatives, other dependents (including slaves, employees, and “clients,” among others), as well as those whom the head of the household patronized and protected. The roots of a relational network are grounded both in the Old and New Testament views of the household . Such networks included generational unity, kinship relationships, friendships, and associates with whom the head of the household protected and patronized. The outreach in the NT expanded along the lines of the oikos ; evangelism was done in conjunction with this structure, and became the primary structure for worship, discipleship, and outreach. The oikos was actually considered a “church” if its members came to faith in the Lord Jesus. Those who live in the city today also have a web of connection and influence which could be considered a kind of modern day oikos . This includes family members, friendships, and affiliations with others based on work, living, interests, and associations. Oikos evangelism is effective, for a number of reasons. It is biblical, effective in terms of those who respond favorably to the Good News, and is based on contacts who are receptive to those within the network. Furthermore, in using those who have come to the Lord already, it both multiplies the workers who are sharing the Gospel, and emphasizes natural sharing (no cold calling) in the network. It greatly increases the number of possible positive contacts, and makes follow-up more personal. Evangelizing in the oikos does have challenges, especially when one person speaks for the entire oikos , the possibility of sharing can be closed if that person rejects the Lord. Nevertheless, we ought to do all we can to plan strategies which acknowledge and build upon the natural relationships that flow out of a person’s oikos . Throughout the NT God’s people are regularly spoken of as a family, and a cluster of terms, drawn from family life, is used in discussions of the church and early Christian communities. God is “Father” (Rom. 8.15; Gal. 4.9), and those who are redeemed by Jesus Christ are God’s children (Gal. 4.1–7), with Jesus Christ being the firstborn of the family (Rom. 8.29). Paul speaks in warm terms when he addresses fellow Christians as “brothers” (note, for example, Phil. 4.1;

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