Stoa is the Greek word for porch

The “Stoa” or porch was the place in Jesus’ time where people would gather to listen to exchanges of ideas, thoughts, philosophies and beliefs in an attempt to know truth. Philosophers and commoners, teachers, aristocrats and peasants would gather to hear what others thought and believed. Held as an open-air forum, there would be a free flow exchange of rhetoric, wisdom and teaching.

^{Jesus would often show up at the Stoa and amaze the crowds with his wisdom and teaching. As followers of Christ we should not be afraid to have this exchange of thoughts and ideas. Instead, we are to embrace it as an opportunity to have a conversation with someone searching for truth. Imagine sitting on your front porch or your back deck and learning what someone else’s philosophies of life are, or what their way of thinking is, or what their belief system is founded on.}

^{If we as Christians really believe we have the truth, then we have an opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches, “…they shall know the truth and the truth shall set them free.” Stoa Ministries International carries that mindset around the globe, inviting people from all ethnic backgrounds, faiths, and societies to sit down and have a meaningful conversation.}

^{We believe that by doing so, we can accept others as people made in Christ’s image, invite the Holy Spirit to minister to their hearts and minds as we talk, and share the love of Jesus with them...}

^{This is the idea of Stoa.}