How God uses your “Oikos”

In their book “Lost and Found”, Ed Stetzer, Ritchie Stanley and Jason Hayes, share some interesting facts on a survey they did. They found that:

• Younger unchurched people would prefer to read an inspirational book than seek inspirational help from a church. And only 1 in 6 would actually go to church to seek spiritual guidance. However, 9 out of 10 young adults have at least one Christian among their close friends.
• What’s more is, 9 out of 10 of these young adults said they would be willing to listen to someone’s beliefs. While 3 out of 5 said they would study the Bible with a friend if they were asked. 
• Research shows us that the unchurched today do not see organized church as a place to find spiritual guidance. So why don’t we spend more effort to reach the 91% who are in close relationships with Christians who will probably never go to a church?

The kingdom of God has always flown best on the wings of relationships. In a big church setting, I once asked: Did you come to know Christ in an anonymous fashion, void of any relational witness, say you were flipping through the channels on TV or your radio and the gospel was presented, and you accepted Christ? Or, did a close friend, relative, coworker or classmate share Jesus with you? Chances are 95% of people have accepted Christ through a close relationship. Why is it then, when we consider ways to reach out to the lost, we always plan big church events rather than using the natural relationships that God has helped us establish?
 
Every Christian has a circle of friends around them, that’s their “oikos.” We need to be focused on, praying for, ministering, serving and leading (not following) them. We need to be setting a standard that will attract them. God has placed them in our lives for a reason. Every Christian then, becomes a minister. 
 
This is why “oikos” is so important. 

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