By T W Massengale
The best methods that I have found all work from the oikos principle. Oikos is the Greek word interpreted as “house, household, or home.” In the greater sense, “oikos evangelism” refers to reaching an individual’s family, friends, and associates. The four methods currently used in Apostolic churches that do this best are as follows.:
- Bringing a guest to church. More people have been saved by being brought to an evangelistic, Holy Ghost-filled service than by any other method. It’s no coincidence that this was also the most common and effective means of evangelism in the New Testament. Few things leave a more lasting impression than a spirit Pentecostal service.
- Teaching a home Bible study. “And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42).” If the lost won’t come to us, we must go to them. Home Bible study, without a doubt, has been the most effective outreach program developed in the past 30 years.
- Personal Witnessing. The most powerful tool you have is your personal testimony of how God saved you. Paul proved this principle by repeatedly giving his personal testimony throughout Asia Minor. People may argue with your theology, but they cannot argue with what God has done for you.
- Sunday School. It’s no accident that the 10 largest churches in America all have large, thriving Sunday Schools. Why? Because the Sunday School is a powerful way of turning a stranger into a friend. It effectively plants the seed in the heart and produces a common bond with the church itself. Add a good bus or van ministry and you will see substantial results.
So these are the keys! These four methods have brought more solid results for the effort expended than any other programs. You can be sure that they will work for you too.