#Oikon greek meaning full

When Christianity gets reduced to a set of arbitrary or culturally imposed set of rules, we get what one University philosopher calls the gospel of sin management, which is no gospel at all. Only a community grounded in covenant is resilient, united, and trustworthy. We reflect God’s image of steadfast love when we make promises to a local church. A people who moved by the Spirit of God say to one another, “You can count on me.” Millennials and Gen Z’ers have no idea what this is - commitment and stability with and to a particular community over the course of time.

Instead of asking how can we make the church more creative, accessible, practical, etc., we’ve been asking, what is a church?Īt Oikon, we believe the Scriptures reveal that the local church is a covenant community. As the multi million dollar church planting industry with all its books and seminars consider what novel methodologies could change the aggressive downward trend in church attendance, we believe the more urgent task is to remember what a church is. Church has become another product to consume according to our tastes. Our three guiding values are Covenant Community, Spiritual Formation, and Social Justice. Values 🌳 The Christian life is not one of escape, but responsibility. * initially we were set to name ourselves oikos, but that was already the chosen subbrand moniker of a yogurt company, so, as to avoid brand confusion, we decided to do what any logical person already set on naming a community after an esoteric language would do - use the accusative noun case instead. (Acts 2:42-47) What if the aim of the church was to slow down and practice being present? With God and one another? Not to build an empire but a family who practices that ancient Christian art and discipline of hospitality? (Psalm 16:11, Revelation 21:3)Īt Oikon our vision is to become a household, a family of faith, ever growing in the practice and awareness of God’s presence, devoting ourselves to Jesus and the practices of the early disciples - embodying the scriptures, prayer, fellowship, sharing possessions, and bringing healing to the world. The place of fear and trembling and respect. The ultimate and original location God dreamt for humanity to exist in.

#Oikon greek meaning full

(1 Peter 2)ĭwelling Place of God - as in the exclusive arena where joy is at full capacity, and pleasure is without end. And in some beautiful instances, those who share an improbable familial bond that transcends racial, cultural, and economic boundaries. Those who see our shadowy false selves and still live life alongside of us.

Those to whom we are loyal and vulnerable. Also, the place where Jesus did of his teaching and healing. The place of shared laughter, tears, and stories. And for many cultures, a place that represents intimacy, hospitality, and the joining of lives. House - as in the literal physical spaces where the early church regularly gathered to celebrate the Eucharist. The word Oikon is a Greek word* which could be translated as house, household, or the dwelling place of God. What if the goal of a new church wasn’t to grow really big really fast, but to engage in the unglamorous patient work of cultivating deep friendships in Christ? Oikon is a Houston based church plant reimagining the assumed measures of ecclesial success. In a city full of megachurches, most of us weren’t in need of another religious worship service to attend, but a reliable community devoted to the rhythms of friendship, formation, and justice.