Focus on Reproduction, Student Workbook, SW12

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

This lesson focuses upon the power of the oikos as a target for urban evangelism. This concept, which emphasizes the natural ongoing networks of relationships that urbanites have, provides us with a remarkable opportunity to re-conceive evangelism to city dwellers not as a halting presentation to total strangers, but a cultivated conversation within a network of family, friends, and associates. While the work of the evangelist will ever be necessary, we can equip men and women in the city to share the Good News with those in their web of influence. Listed below are the critical concepts covered in this important lesson. Meditate upon these truths, and become familiar with them as you consider new strategies to win the lost in your family and community. In regard to outreach and methods of sharing the Good News in the city, one of the key concepts deals with the principle of oikos , or household evangelism. An oikos is a web of common kinship relationships, friendships, and associations that make up a person’s larger social circle. Urban communities are faced with difficult challenges that must be taken into account as we strategize to engage in urban evangelism (including broken family units, economic underdevelopment, alienation and loneliness, drug abuse, violence, housing shortages, and general despair). The concept of oikos in the NT is significant, explaining not only the Church of God as the family of God but also as the most common term for family unit . 7. Does an emphasis on oikos evangelism suggest that all outreach to total strangers will not be used of the Holy Spirit to bring people into the Kingdom? Explain your answer. 8. What are some of the key barriers and challenges to oikos evangelism? How might these barriers be effectively overcome by those seeking to do evangelism in the city? 9. List out as many possible ideas as you can to implement an oikos strategy of evangelism as a local church in the city. Of all of these possible ways, which ones hold promise as we explore new ways to do evangelism with oikos relationships in mind?

Summary of Key Concepts

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