In the evolving landscape of local church dynamics, the meta-narrative of hubs and houses within the City of Faith presents a transformative model for spiritual growth and community development. This paradigm shift emphasizes the importance of small, interconnected units (oikos) that function as both houses (house churches) and hubs (church houses) within the larger ecclesiastical framework.
Les Noces De Cana: Louis Khan, 1949
At the heart of this meta-narrative lies the oikos unit, a foundational element that echoes the early church's approach to gathering and worship. Each oikos, guided by 1 Corinthians 14:26, cultivates an environment where every member can contribute meaningfully:
"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." (1 Corinthians 14:26, NIV)
This scripture outlines the diverse competencies that saints are encouraged to develop and share when they gather. These competencies include:
Within this framework, local leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating the growth and interconnectedness of oikos units. Leaders, often referred to as metrons (architects or master builders, as per 1 Corinthians 3), are responsible for: