Ekklesia was the foundation of democracy. Each of the ancient Greek, democratic city-states had held ekklesia through out the year. This was their government. Each city-state had its own ekklesia and was independent. However the city-states did cooperate militarily and for events such as the Olympics.

Any citizen could attend a meeting of the ekklesia. Everybody present was considered an equal and was allowed to speak out in the assembly. This was democracy in action.

Jesus Christ called His disciples, “My ekklesia.” He said: “On this rock (of spiritual revelation) I will build My ekklesia.” (Unfortunately, in most English language Bibles, the Greek word “ekklesia” is replaced with the English word “church” instead of being accurately translated as either “assembly” or “congregation” or “support group” or “city council.”)

True democracy was not founded on “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” but on “life, liberty, and the pursuit of ekklesia.”  For a New Testament description of how Jesus’ ekklesia met in the New Testament, check out 1 Corinthians 14:26.”

To see how ekklesia is changing how Christians meet in the 21st Century, check out the book: Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible–Ekklesia.