A Strategy for Reaching People.

Picture your life as taking place in a theatre. One that’s filled with a lot of people. Some are sitting in the balcony. Others in the mezzanine. Still others are sitting down in the orchestra section. To some degree, they may all be able to see the way you behave or listen to what you say, but it’s those eight to fifteen people in the front row who have the best seats in the house to do both.

The Greeks called that inner circle of “extended family” our oikos. 95% of all believers give credit to someone in their oikos for leading them to Jesus. So, it’s a big deal.

The oikos principle is not a ministry program. It’s not an event. It’s not a church emphasis.

Actually, oikos is like a worldview, set of lenses through which you can more simply and efficiently plan your day, organize your life, or even strategically build a local church. You’ll discover that oikos (a Greek word) is embedded in the New Testament. Effectively leveraging the oikos principle can provide you with a heightened sense of purpose and fulfillment and give you the confidence you lack to make an impact for God’s Kingdom in your world!

Oikos is all about finding people who are open to hearing about God and reaching out to them when they are most receptive. It involves using the natural networks we all have—family, friends, coworkers, and people we share interests with—to spread the message of Christianity.

Here are eight great reasons why using our natural relationships should be the main strategy for every church’s outreach:
1. It’s how churches naturally grow.
2. It’s the most cost-effective way to connect with people.                                             3. It’s the most fruitful method for reaching out.
4. It provides a steady stream of new contacts.
5. It brings great satisfaction to those involved.
6. It helps new members assimilate more effectively.
7. It often reaches entire families.
8. It leverages existing relationships.

In Greek, the word “oikos” (pronounced oy’-kos) can mean a house, home, or family. It’s used in various ways in the Bible, sometimes to refer to a physical dwelling, other times to a family or household.

For example, in Mark 5:19, Jesus tells a man, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.”

The man’s testimony about what Jesus did for him spread throughout his community, and when Jesus returned, the people were eager to meet Him.

This story shows the power of one person’s testimony within their oikos, or network. The same principle can be seen in Luke 19:9 and John 4:53, where entire households come to believe because of one person’s encounter with Jesus.                                                                                                                                                                                 
The book of Acts gives us many examples of this concept in action. Believers would share the good news with their household and friends, leading to widespread acceptance and growth of the Christian faith.                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                  When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples and later the seventy-two, He instructed them to stay in people’s homes and share their message there. This method was about more than just finding a place to stay—it was about building relationships and spreading the message through personal connections.

 Speaking versus Preaching

In Acts, the term “laleo” (to speak) is used to describe sharing the word of the Lord, while “euaggelizō” (to preach) refers to proclaiming the good news. Both methods were crucial in spreading the Christian message, but they often started with simple, personal conversations within one’s oikos.

For example, in Acts 16:13-14, Paul and his companions spoke to women gathered by a river, leading to the conversion of Lydia and her household.

In Acts 17:19, Paul is invited to speak at the Areopagus because people were curious about his teachings.

Preaching the gospel (“euaggelizō”) was also vital.

Acts 8:4 tells us that those who were scattered went about preaching the word. This preaching often built on the relationships and conversations that had already begun.

In summary, whether through speaking or preaching, the key to spreading the message was often through personal, natural relationships—an approach that remains effective today.

OIKOS – How to do it

 1. Make a List – Look Around

The first step in the Oikos method is to create a list of people in your immediate circle—family, friends, coworkers, neighbours, and others with whom you have regular contact. This list is dynamic and may change over time as life circumstances evolve. By being observant and intentional, you identify individuals who might benefit from spiritual growth or who need encouragement in their faith journey.

Scriptural References:

· Mark 5:19: “Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’” This passage emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s faith and experiences with those in your immediate surroundings.

· John 4:35: “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” Jesus encourages His followers to recognize the spiritual needs around them.

· Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This verse underscores the idea of starting with those closest to you and then expanding outward.

2. Pray for your List – Look Up

Once you have identified individuals on your list, the next step is to pray for them consistently. Prayer is a powerful tool that can open doors, soften hearts, and provide opportunities for spiritual conversations.

Scriptural References:

· Acts 14:27: “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”

· Colossians 4:3: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”

· Acts 16:14: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”

A way to Pray for Non-Christians

· Lord, open a door: Acts 14:27, 1 Cor 16:9, 2 Cor 2:12, Col 4:3, 

· Lord, open their heart: Acts 2:37, 15:8, 16:14, 1 Cor 14:25, 2 Cor 4:6, Heb 3:10,12,14, 4:7, 12, 

· Lord, open my mouth: Col 4:3-6, 1 Pet 3:15

3. Invest in your List – Look Out

Investing in your Oikos involves building and nurturing relationships through acts of kindness, support, and genuine interest in their lives. This step requires you to demonstrate Christ’s love through your actions and be a reliable and caring presence in their lives.

Scriptural References:

· Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

· Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

· 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

4. Invite your list into a Faith Environment – Look Forward

This step involves inviting the individuals on your list into conversations where they can experience and learn more about the Christian faith. This could be church services, small group meetings, or informal gatherings where faith is discussed.

 Scriptural References:

· John 1:46: “‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip.” The simple invitation to “come and see” is powerful in its ability to bring people closer to Jesus.

· Luke 14:23: “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’” This parable illustrates the importance of inviting others into the faith community.

· Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Great Commission encourages believers to actively invite others into the faith.

5. Prepare to be a Better Example – Look Within

To be effective in reaching out to others, it is crucial to continually grow in your own faith and character. This involves self-examination, spiritual disciplines, and seeking to reflect Christ in your everyday life.

Scriptural References:

· 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

· 1 Timothy 4:16: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

· Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect