Oikos Resources
What’s an oikos?
You’re probably going to hear the word “oikos” a lot around here. It’s a Greek word that Jesus used to describe the 8 to 15 people who we share life with most closely. We all have an oikos. In fact, you were probably introduced to Jesus by someone in your oikos, someone who cares about you and wants you to enjoy the full life that only Jesus can give us.
Picture your life as taking place in a theater. 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!
The Oikos Challenge
HDC’s Core Strategy is framed by five steps:
1. List your oikos, those 8-15 people with whom you have developed, are developing, or maybe should develop relational equity.
2. Pray daily for your oikos, that each person would sense God’s presence in their lives and be open to His love.
3. Invest in your oikos. Watch for appropriate ways to be God’s instrument, as He calls them to Himself and transforms their lives.
4. Invite your oikos into faith environments, regularly and thoughtfully, as God opens doors of opportunity.
5. Prepare to become a better example of faith in Christ, as well as a more effective witness of His grace.
Get an Oikos Card:
Want to learn more about Oikos?
Visit oikosmovement.com for available resources.