Get Your Pretense On!

Chapter 6: The Oikos Factor • 145

WhyWe Should All Embrace Oikos EvangelismToday I believe that we could transform ministry as we know it today if we could get our pretense on and simply affirm a basic, fundamental biblical truth related to Gospel ministry: all Christians are called to share the hope of Christ with others, through the web of relationships that Christ has provided them today, now, in the place where he has placed them . This truth is clearly given concisely and directly by the Apostle Peter in his first epistle: . . . but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ~ 1 Peter 3.15-16 Every believer is called to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope we have, and we must be prepared to give it, with gentleness and respect, with a good conscience and the kind of behavior that supports our claims. The challenge is given to all of us, every believer, every Christian recognizing their role as Christ’s ambassador, and sharing the Good News with those with whom we relate. What thrills me about this is simply every Christ follower, regardless of their status or station, can be recruited to be a special agent of the Kingdom of God , to touch the lives of the people in their oikos , where they live, play, and work. This means grammar school children, plumbers, teachers, secretaries, office workers, academics, lawyers, business folk, factory workers, grandmothers, retirees, and shop mechanics – literally everyone who names the name of Christ should be trained to share the Good News through their networks of family, friends, and associates! Can you imagine the impact of equipping literally millions to share