The Ekklesia

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. The word “church” in that Scripture is translated from the Greek word “ekklesia”. I used to wonder why Jesus used it to describe His church. Paul uses it as well. I thought, why do they make so much of it? I mean, it’s not a uniquely Christian term. But it seems that they saw something about it; some hidden uniqueness that would  describe what the followers of Jesus would be like.  One of the definitions of “ekklesia” describes a gathering of citizens in an ancient Greek city-state. It is a secular term and has to do with an assembly of those summoned and called out of one sphere or group to form another entity or group. But further investigation uncovered something interesting about the “raw material” of that word  with which they began.

Back in the first century, “ekklesia” was used more often than not as a reference to a particular meeting. In Paul’s day, whenever a village grew large enough, they would wall it in with brush to keep the cattle and livestock from wandering off and the people safe. The entrance to the village through the brush fence was called the “city gate” and the elders of the city gathered there to meet everyday. They gathered in order to help solve village problems whether domestic, civil or practical and brought wisdom, assistance, and counsel. The gathering of those elders was called the “ekklesia”. They made a tremendous contribution to that society. If you went back in time to one of those villages and you stole away those elders, the people of the village would have lamented and wept over that loss. Why? They knew they were a better village with them than without them because of their unselfishness, guidance, and hands-on assistance.

Now, in Paul’s understanding, the followers of Jesus would be a gift to their “village” (city, community, spheres of influence) of which they were a part, just as the elders at the city gate or “ekklesia” were to theirs. They too would demonstrate kindness, add wisdom, bring encouragement, and provide practical help. They would be visible and live righteously among the people. Take away the influence of this ekklesia from one of these villages or towns, and people would grieve as well.

Jesus said about His church, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. Do many of those who don’t attend church have a clue as to what goes on inside the church buildings they pass everyday? Do they care? Most unbelievers don’t think twice about it; they have no relationship to it. But I believe things are changing. The ekklesia is beginning to come out from behind the four walls, engaging culture relationally, not adversarially. The Lord has people in need who are unique to our ability to help. Some of those He connects you to may surprise you! But if we walk with a missional lens as ambassadors for Christ, we will recognize who God sends us to. But don’t forget, before they will hear, many of them must first know we care.

Jesus said that the harvest is great, the laborers too few. But the Holy Spirit, sent to empower and propel the ekklesia into culture some 2000 years ago, seems to be re-activating the missional impulse in believers across the country. If we were removed from our spheres of influece, may it be said of us, “We would not have known God or what true unselfishness was like; we would not have known genuine love or how families and marriages ought to function if it were not for these called out, sent ones- this ‘ekklesia’ of God”.