Church can refer to a building or a Christian organization or a religious program or the members of a Christian organization. But when Jesus said that He would build something that would overcome the gates of Hell, what was He referring to? It helps to know the meaning of the Greek word used in that Bible passage. That word was the proper name for the participatory town hall meeting in ancient Greek cities where there was no hierarchy, all were equal, and everyone present could speak up in the meeting — the ekklesia. Jesus said that He would build His ekklesia — His interactive town meeting that belongs and is directly led by Him. Now is the time for Christ-followers to go beyond church as usual and to let Christian gatherings be Jesus-led ekklesias again!

I think understanding the Greek word ekklesia is essential to understanding what Jesus wants to build. I don’t believe that Jesus wants to build a religious building, a religious program, a religious organization, or to recruit people to join a religious organization. I believe He wants to build a body of Spirit-led believers who function like the ancient ekklesia in Greek cities. After all, that’s the word He is quoted as using in the book of Matthew. That’s also the word used throughout the New Testament to describe the body of Christ.

Perhaps Jesus was serious when He said He wanted to build His ekklesia — His participatory town hall meeting of equals. Maybe we should let Him. Indeed, it’s now time for citizens of God’s kingdom to gather and to share what’s in their heart with each other like the citizens of ancient Greek cities did in their ekklesia. Let’s allow the risen Jesus to build His ekklesia in our time.

Search for: Beyond Church Ekklesia.