Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

P ART III: P LANTING U RBAN C HURCHES • 305

2. Why oikos (household) evangelism via relational webs are effective

a. Oikos evangelism is biblical – Jesus and apostles ministered in this fashion.

b. Oikos is our most natural and least threatening network of existing relationships (no cold calling, or the truest form of lifestyle and friendship evangelism).

c. Oikos individuals are usually receptive to other members (builds on shared history, experience, and concerns).

d. Oikos relationships are “built in” or resident mission fields.

e. Oikos relationships make follow-up less strained and impersonal.

f. Oikos allows entire family groups to be targeted.

g. Oikos relationships constantly re-seed new contact base.

D. The healthy, vital indigenous church (whatever its form – community, mega, or house church network)

1. Church will be critical in every dimension of urban church planting, regardless of the form it takes: community, mega church, or house church network. 2. No church planting movement will make a lasting impact unless its activities and structures make it possible for vital local churches to be both salt and light in their communities, demonstrating and advancing the Kingdom in ways that the indigenous community can both understand and respect, Matt. 5.14-16 (ESV) – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

3. The relationship between vital churches and godly leaders is indisputable, therefore, all missionary efforts must ultimately