Every time you see the word church in the Bible, it’s a coverup/mistranslation of the Greek word ekklesia, which literally means called out ones. It was the proper name for the interactive, city council in ancient Greek city states, where anyone present could speak in the meeting. Jesus said that He would build His ekklesia. He’s still building it today. Here are some practical ways we can experience Jesus’ ekklesia in the present.

• In a group of Christ-followers, ask God to speak; Everyone listen; Then tell or do what He says. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.)

• Gather in a small group of believers; Ask the Holy Spirit to bring Scriptures to everyone’s mind. Everyone share them as they come to mind.

• When you meet, minister to each other by everyone gathering around each person one at a time and then praying over them and giving them words of encouragement.

• For an ekklesia (Jesus-led) Bible insight time: Read a few verses from the Bible together; Ask God to show each person what He wants them to get from those verses; Let each person present share any insights they get about the verses; Then read more verses and repeat the process for as long as you like. (The Bible is an amazing spiritual hearing aid. Reading it amplifies God’s voice. When you feel crushed and hope is hushed, rush to read and talk about its life-giving words.)

Experience Jesus’ ekkesia for yourself! Why not invite some Christian friends to your home and try one of these four ekklesia releasing ideas? I’ve tried them all and they really work. People (sometimes slowly at first) begin to share their heart with each other. The Holy Spirit fills the room. It’s amazing. It just requires some patience and faith.