<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Oikos  is a web-based networking service designed specifically for churches. \nSimilar to a Ning  network, you can create a branded network for your church so the members can stay connected in an offline community.  There are groups, profiles, blogs, calendars, media-sharing and widgets, which are based on the different sections of your network.  Oikos is developed by a company called Simon Solutions, which specializes in faith-based online tools, including a Charity tracker and a Prayer pipeline service as well.  Each network created is private, so you won't be able to find and communicate with members of other churches.\nThis tool will cost you about $30 per month for every 14 members you add, though if you sign up right now you'll get 50% off the regular prices. In addition, Oikos is strictly web-based, so you can't download it to your own server.  Going through the site, I did notice that there's a distinct lack of a church overtone for these networks, meaning the basic web 2.0 social networking components are there, and you'll add in the details you want, according to your church.  Offering customizable tools for administrators would help to this end.  Incorporation options for the integration of its other two services (charity tracker and prayer pipeline) may also be beneficial to administrators and users.\n[via Christian Newswire]Other church-friendly networks include GodTube, and ShoutLife. CircleBuilder  has also received  funding.\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2007/08/08/oikos/>