About Oikos LA
Our History
For more than sixty years, Berendo St. Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope in Korea town in Los Angeles, leading people to Jesus through the gospel and equipping them with Kingdom-focused vision.
As the church grew over time, there was a need to establish a English-speaking congregation (the "English Ministry") for a new generation (namely, the "second" generation) who could not speak their parents' language.
2016 was a pivotal year for the English Ministry at Berendo St. Baptist Church. For the next two years, Leadership Team evaluated every aspect of the ministry in light of the five fold purpose of church (Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Ministry, and Worship). The Leadership Team prayed and prayed for a new vision, a new direction, and a new sense of identity.
On August 5th, 2018, the English Ministry at Berendo St. Baptist Church was renamed from "THRIVE EM" to "Oikos LA."
Why Oikos LA?
Our name comes from the Greek word "οἶκος." According to BDAG, oikos means literally (1) "house" or a dwelling (Mt. 9:7; Lk. 11:17; Acts 2:2) and or figuratively (2) "of the Christian community as the spiritual temple of God" (1 Pet. 2:5; 1 Tim. 3:15).
Therefore, oikos means "household" or "family."
Here, at Oikos LA, it is our desire to be a household or family of God. That is why, our vision statement is "Connect with God and Connect with Others." We believe that as we connect with God, we will connect with others.
Oikos LA wants to reach the unchurched and reconnect them to God. The "unchurched" means "not belonging to or connect with a church." These might be those who grew up in the church but have left as a result of unanswered questions and doubts. These might be those who were "turned off" by the hypocritical people in the church.
Therefore, Oikos LA seeks to be a church where it is a place where people can come to ask the hard questions, listen to God's word week in and week out, and feel safe at home.
Our Mission
We believe that God has called us to REACH the unchurched, CONNECT them as a part of our spiritual family, TEACH them in God's word so that they can DISCOVER their ministry and GLORIFY God.
Our Vision
Connect with God, Connect with Others
Our Values
- Teach God's inerrant Word
- Radically impact the city of Los Angeles
- Every believer is a minister with a ministry
- Foster a safe and genuine community
- Preach the gospel that transforms everything
- Be culturally revelant yet gospel-driven