By way of definition, here is a general overview of Ekklesia. In Matthew 16:18, Yeshua makes a statement to Peter and those within hearing, “Upon this rock I will build My Community” (TLV). In many translations the Greek word Ekklesia is translated “Church.” The word Church was installed in the later centuries as an authorized word on par with Ekklesia. While Ekklesia is defined as the “called out” or “elect,” the expanded definition is a “ruling or governing body.”  

The expanded definition gives the Ekklesia an identity and authority which the Church does give us. I have been in a denominational church of some type since I was a youngster. I began as a Baptist, moved to non-Denominational and then on to a Charismatic in the Foursquare Church. In all my years of hearing Matthew 16:18 preached, I never heard a pastor declare the definition of my identity as a “ruling, governing body.” Never. I have heard pastors declare that Church and Ekklesia are synonymous. I disagree.  

In my short tenure as embracing and adopting the identity of an Ekklesian, the major difference I see is the engagement level of Ekklesians. To a person, they are active in the word daily and active in some area of society, what I call the Mountains of Influence.  

In future editions of the E-Crier, we will expand on the lifestyle of being Ekklesia and investigate the Seven Mountains of Influence. What this means to us and what it looks like as a lifestyle. For further information and understanding about Ekklesia, I invite you to investigate three resources:  

1. Ekklesia Rising by Dean Briggs 

2. Leaving Church, Becoming Ekklesia by Tim Kurtz 

3. Ekklesia Declared by Rolland Wright 

Each book gives you an expanded understanding of Ekklesia and our identity as declared by Yeshua.