Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite word?

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Although I don’t speak Greek, my favorite book was written in Greek, so I have learned several Greek words that help me understand it better. One of those words is ekklesia. It’s definitely one of my favorite words.

Although ekklesia literally means called out ones. it was also the proper name of the town hall meeting in ancient Greek cities. Any citizen could speak up in the ekklesia and share what was on his heart. From time to time, it was called to assemble together by a herald.

It’s interesting to note that when Jesus Christ proclaimed what He was going to build on earth he is quoted as saying: “I will build My ekklesia.” I call that word “the lost word of the Bible” because in almost all English Bibles it was replaced (instead of translated) by the word church.

Church refers to a building, an organization, or a religious meeting controlled from the front by one man. Ekklesia, however, refers to an open, participatory town hall meeting. Jesus’ ekklesia isn’t led or controlled by one man, but by the risen Jesus, Himself, who is the literal and active Head and Director of the gathering. He calls it together and He personally leads it.

I love the word ekklesia because it describes what Jesus wants to do with His people. He wants to gather us together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But we are seldom willing to be assembled, led, and directed by the living Jesus. We prefer a human hierarchy and a rigidly controlled religious organization instead.

I was fortunate to experience ekklesia (a Christ-led town hall meeting) on my college campus. There I saw Jesus, Himself (Christ in you, the hope of glory) actively working in and directing a gathering of college students. Through the years I have gone beyond church to seek out and cultivate Christ-led town hall meetings. Every time I participate in one, I experience Jesus as present, alive, active, and working in and through the people gathered together in His name.

If you would like to know more about ekklesia ckick here. It will take you to information about a book I wrote that will give you pratical ways you can cultivate ekklesia in your life.