There are people with goals, and there are people without goals. Just like with anything else there are definite extremes on the spectrum.
Some folks thrive within systems of incredibly dense and rigid structure. For others… that would be tantamount to a death sentence. On the other hand, there are examples of carefreeness and spontaneity, leading to disastrous unpreparedness.
Where there is no vision, the people perish… (KJV) -Proverbs 29:18a
We have the charming example of The Ant and the Grasshopper; one of Aesop’s Fables. Winter comes around and the Grasshopper is seen begging the ant for something to eat. The moral lesson is working hard and preparedness.
For believers that tale kind of rings a bell with The Parable of the Ten Virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. The ten are split, five are wise and the other five are foolish. Half planned and had plenty of oil to burn in their lamps. An announcement at midnight proclaims the Bridegroom is nearby.
The five foolish virgins ask the wise to share the oil with them. Unfortunately, there is not enough for both. They hurry off to attempt to buy some. While they are away the marriage feast begins, and the door is shut.
Planning vs. Trusting
The Bible promotes a degree of planning and thinking ahead, as well as reliance and trust in God. There is a bit of tension there. Much like other kingdom tensions. Example, the Lion and the Lamb, judgement, and mercy.
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? – Luke 14:28-31 (ESV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
There is tension as we are called to be wise and prepare as well as trust in God amid the process. It is not either or. Nor is it debating on which is better. It is the idea of both ideals working harmoniously.
Our heavenly Father planned for the propitiation, atonement, for our sins ahead of time.
“…the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” – Revelation 13:8b (NKJV)
Jesus fulfilled at least 300 messianic biblical promises. That kind of colossal undertaking takes meticulous preparation spanning generations.
The heavenly Father has an end goal in mind. He did not leave the fate of humanity up to chance. He did something about it. The Father freely and willingly sent his son. Exploring that subject could be a series on its own. Are there Bible verses about setting goals? Full List Here
The Father has left us an example of striving towards a goal.
In the New Year many of us are drafting resolutions of our own. We often neglect setting disciple-making goals for the year. It is a practice we advocate for. It has the potential to change the course of your spiritual journey. Not to mention your friends, family, and community.
Even the broader category of spiritual goals can often be overlooked by believers. Allowing their spiritual lives to somehow grow by osmosis and photosynthesis. Just like anything else it takes discipline and dedication.
You will not lead unbelievers to Christ accidentally. It takes preparation, discipline, intentionality, and dedication.
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” ― Zig Ziglar
Just a quick note on who we are.
Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM), our journey began under the oppressive rule of a strict regime in Iran, then expanded within the grip of the Taliban in Afghanistan, and now, we are making disciples in 71 countries. (You may have heard about us in the critically acclaimed documentaries Sheep Among Wolves I and II.)
Our mission is to make disciples in every nation, tribe, and tongue by reaching the lost in unreached and persecuted places and by coaching believers to reach their families and neighborhoods.
Today, we are a global family of disciple-makers committed to Jesus’ disciple-making method shared in Matthew 10 and Luke 10. We work in the harvest field and equip others to do the same.
Methods Tried and Tested
The methods and tactics we discuss are rooted in Jesus’ disciple making method from Matthew 10 and Luke 10.
Secondly, these tactics are being implemented in some of the darkest places on earth. Our underground family deploys these tactics and places like Afghanistan, and Iran. Not only in the Middle East, in the penitentiary systems in California and even neighborhoods in the Bible belt. That is, they are tried in many environments. Jesus’ method works anytime, anyplace, and anywhere.
East vs. West | One Body
We want to take a moment to be candid with you. Despite thousands being inspired by our Sheep Among Wolves documentaries one of the side effects was that it created a false distinction between the Middle East church and the church in the West.
This is not about who is doing church better. It is sad we have to say that. This is not about elitism, pride, or a know-it-all attitude.
Together we are a global family that is mutually encouraging and edifying one another. No matter east or west… together we link arms to advance our Father’s kingdom.
Extraction Evangelism
One of the strategies that has been used widely for many years is what many of our disciple makers call “extraction evangelism.” Extraction evangelism is when one person is singled out for evangelizing and then once they convert, they are cut off from the rest of their community and encouraged to join an existing community of believers that is outside of their circle of neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. (Usually because no one in their existing context is a believer besides the missionary.)
This is not necessarily a bad practice, sometimes it is even necessary to preserve the safety of a new follower of Jesus.
However, we prefer to avoid separating new followers of Jesus from their community as much as possible. We believe Jesus strategically trained his disciples when and if possible, to reach households. That is an intact family unit; affecting an entire relational network.
Yes, in the Gospels, there are several instances of one-on-one interactions. However, we believe the idea of reaching households was an approach, mindset, an ideal goal, again when circumstances permitted.
Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless, know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ – Luke 10:5-11
And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. – Matthew 10:11-14
All that context brings us to the heart of this discussion. We want to share with you a tool, proven to promote effective evangelism.
The idea is based on the Greek word for house. Typically, meaning all the individuals forming one family, a household. Figuratively, a network of people that are related in one way or another. It could be related through an activity, hobby, institution etc. Another way to view it is as your sphere of influence.
Lexicon | Strong’s G3624 – oikos — Οἶκος
The KJV translates Strong’s G3624 in the following manner: house (104x), household (3x), home (with G1519) (2x), at home (with G1722) (2x), miscellaneous (3x).
Oikos – of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (literal, or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related or figuratively): —home, house(-hold), temple.
The word “oikos” occurs 114 times in Scripture.
Scriptural examples:
he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ – Acts 11:14
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:31
We want to introduce you to a strategy called Oikos Mapping. Many of our friends in the Disciple Making Movement world apply this effective tool.
It is a visual tool that reveals unbelievers in your network that you can cultivate conversations with. Conversations that lead them to discovering Christ. Secondly, it doubles as a remarkable prayer guide for your lost friends, family members, and colleagues.
An Oikos Map could very well be called an influence map or network map, even a relational map.
Within oikos mapping you meet people where they are at. Literally and figuratively. You can meet them yes at the gym but also in their spiritual condition.
Jesus encountered people in many diverse places. Yes, the temple, but also in villages, roads, festivals, and homes. At times reaching the relational circle of those around him. Like Peter’s mother-in-law.
You will need a blank sheet of paper or whiteboard.
We have a free example printout below.
Step 1: Print your name in the center bubble
Step 2: Who do you know that is far from God? Begin to list names in separate bubbles like a web or network of bubbles.
Example categories: Friends, Family, Neighbor, School, Career, Hobbies, Service Industry, & Clubs
Step 3: Now focus on the 2nd generation of bubbles. From the people you first listed, who are the people they know that are also far from God? Begin to map them as well.
Tip: Remember we are mapping relationships of people who are far from God.
Step 4: Pray the Lord would provide opportunities for you to cultivate simple, serious, spiritual conversations within your network.
John 17 is often cited as the prime example for oikos praying. First Jesus himself prays for his direct network of relationships; that is the disciples.
Then in verse 20 he begins to pray for the networks of his disciples. Another way to put would be first Jesus prayed for his oikos map then he prayed for the oikos map of his disciples.
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word – John 17:20
We catch a small glimpse of the effectiveness of multiplication.
Oikos mapping is an effective visual tool to see your household reached with the Gospel. Secondly, it doubles as a powerful prayer tool to pray specific targeted prayers. All while seeking out opportunities to cultivate conversation within your network.
Diligently, pray over these precious names in your household-network. Remember no matter what your career or occupation we are all in full-time ministry. We are always on mission. We are missional people. That is not something we can turn off. Ministry is not only evangelism efforts. We minister to our spouse and family too. The same is said of prayer. We are a people of prayer. Praying is like breathing oxygen. You cannot go very long without it.
Last bonus tip: Do not be paralyzed awaiting perfect conditions and timing. It is okay to step out little by little. It is more of a slow deliberate process of incremental victories.
Ask a friend to join you in mapping your 2025 oikos-network of relationships you will cultivate conversations with this new year!
In 2025 do not leave your evangelism up to chance. Take ownership of your Oikos. Your network of relationships.
References and Citations
Be the Underground Church
