March 26th, 2025
by David Carreon
by David Carreon
We have a different concept when we think of "church." We think what we have in our modern establishments of buildings, an "alter" and famous preachers, we call it "church!" But the meaning of "church" has changed to the establishment. Is this the church that Jesus meant for us to be? A building, an alter, light, instruments and someone preaching to us every Sunday?. Jesus call his mission "ekklesia," not church. Let us see more.
In ancient Greek culture, Ekklesia referred to a gathering of citizens called out from their homes to assemble for public discussion or decision-making. It signified a community with a purpose — not just a random crowd. This word was changed to "church" to better fit King James when writing the King James Bible.
• Church (from the Old English cirice or kirk) refers more specifically to the Christian institution, the building, or the body of believers. While the word church is used in English translations of the Bible, it’s actually translating the Greek word ekklesia in most New Testament references.
1. Biblical Usage
• Ekklesia is used over 100 times in the New Testament, and it always refers to people, never a building. For example:
• Matthew 16:18 — “I will build My church (ekklesia), and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
• Acts 2:42-47 — Describes the early ekklesia as a community of believers gathering for teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
• The apostles used ekklesia to describe:
• Local gatherings of believers (e.g., the ekklesia in Corinth, Ephesus, etc.).
• The universal body of Christ — all believers across time and space.
In contrast, the term church has evolved to include concepts like:
• The building where believers gather.
• A denomination or specific Christian organization.
• A formal structure with leadership roles, programs, and traditions.
2. Key Difference in Emphasis
• Ekklesia emphasizes the people — a called-out community devoted to Jesus. It’s more relational and mission-focused.
• Church in modern usage often emphasizes the institution, location, or tradition — which can sometimes shift focus away from the original relational and mission-driven intent.
3. Why This Matters
• Understanding the term ekklesia reminds us that the heart of the Church isn’t a building or structure — it’s people called by God to live in community, grow in Christ, and engage the world with the Gospel.
• While “church” as a word is familiar and practical, recovering the depth of ekklesia helps believers embrace their identity as a sent-out people — not just those who gather but those who go out with purpose.
In Short
• Ekklesia = The people, called out for God’s mission.
• Church (in modern language) = The institution, building, or organization that facilitates worship and ministry.
How Ekklesia Evolved into the Modern Concept of “Church”
The transition from the biblical concept of ekklesia to the modern understanding of church involved historical, cultural, and linguistic shifts. Here’s how it happened:
⸻
1. The Early Church (1st–3rd Century)
Ekklesia as a Gathering of Believers
•In the New Testament period, ekklesia referred exclusively to a community of believers who gathered in homes, public places, or wherever they could meet.
•Key Characteristics of the Early Ekklesia:
•No designated church buildings—they met in homes (Romans 16:5, Philemon 1:2).
•Communal living and sharing (Acts 2:42-47).
•Leadership based on spiritual gifting rather than institutional hierarchy (Ephesians 4:11-12).
⸻
2. The Rise of Institutional Christianity (4th–6th Century)
From Ekklesia to Church Buildings
•313 AD – The Edict of Milan: Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, leading to major shifts:
•Large public buildings (basilicas) were repurposed for Christian gatherings.
•Worship became more formalized, influenced by Roman imperial structures.
•Clergy hierarchy (bishops, priests) emerged, mirroring government ranks.
•Christianity transitioned from a movement of discipleship to an institutional religion.
Key Development: The Shift in Language
•Latin Influence: The Greek ekklesia was replaced with the Latin word “basilica” (meaning royal house) to refer to church buildings.
•Old English Influence: The word “church” (from the Germanic kirika or kirk, derived from the Greek kuriakon meaning “belonging to the Lord”) became associated with the physical structure rather than the community.
⸻
3. The Medieval Church (6th–15th Century)
The Institutional Church Takes Over
•The Roman Catholic Church centralized power, and the concept of ekklesia as a “called-out assembly” faded.
•Key shifts:
•The Pope and bishops became central authorities.
•Worship was moved to grand cathedrals rather than home gatherings.
•The laity (common believers) became passive participants, while clergy controlled teaching and sacraments.
? Impact: The idea of ekklesia as a living, sent-out body was largely lost to an institutional, hierarchical model.
⸻
4. The Reformation (16th Century)
Restoring the Biblical Meaning
•Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli challenged the institutional church.
•Key Restorations:
•Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) emphasized the Bible over church traditions.
•The priesthood of all believers reaffirmed that every Christian is part of the Church, not just clergy.
•Some movements (like the Anabaptists) returned to house churches and discipleship models.
However, despite these theological shifts, the word “church” still largely referred to both the institution and the physical building.
⸻
5. The Modern Church (18th–21st Century)
Church as Both Institution and Community
•Today, the word “church” still has multiple meanings:
•The people of God (ekklesia in its biblical sense).
•A local congregation (e.g., “First Baptist Church”).
•A denomination or religious structure (e.g., “The Catholic Church”).
•A physical building (e.g., “Let’s go to church”).
? Recent Trends:
•House church movements are reviving the original ekklesia model.
•Missional communities emphasize going out rather than gathering in buildings.
•Many churches balance institutional structure with relational discipleship.
⸻
6. Why This Matters Today
Recovering the Biblical Meaning of Ekklesia
1.Church is People, Not a Place
•The true church is not a building, a denomination, or an event—it is a
community of believers living out the mission of Jesus.
•Biblical model: Acts 2:42-47 (believers meeting, sharing, and living in unity).
2.Mission Over Maintenance
•Jesus’ ekklesia was active—preaching, serving, and making disciples.
•The modern church must avoid becoming just a gathering place and return to being
a movement.
3.Every Believer is a Minister
•The early church didn’t rely on a few leaders; everyone participated.
•Today, churches should empower believers to serve, disciple, and lead.
⸻
Final Thought
The early ekklesia wasn’t a location or an institution—it was a movement of people living out the Gospel in their daily lives.
While church buildings and organizations can be helpful, the true Church is the people of God—called, sent, and empowered by Jesus.
In ancient Greek culture, Ekklesia referred to a gathering of citizens called out from their homes to assemble for public discussion or decision-making. It signified a community with a purpose — not just a random crowd. This word was changed to "church" to better fit King James when writing the King James Bible.
• Church (from the Old English cirice or kirk) refers more specifically to the Christian institution, the building, or the body of believers. While the word church is used in English translations of the Bible, it’s actually translating the Greek word ekklesia in most New Testament references.
1. Biblical Usage
• Ekklesia is used over 100 times in the New Testament, and it always refers to people, never a building. For example:
• Matthew 16:18 — “I will build My church (ekklesia), and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
• Acts 2:42-47 — Describes the early ekklesia as a community of believers gathering for teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
• The apostles used ekklesia to describe:
• Local gatherings of believers (e.g., the ekklesia in Corinth, Ephesus, etc.).
• The universal body of Christ — all believers across time and space.
In contrast, the term church has evolved to include concepts like:
• The building where believers gather.
• A denomination or specific Christian organization.
• A formal structure with leadership roles, programs, and traditions.
2. Key Difference in Emphasis
• Ekklesia emphasizes the people — a called-out community devoted to Jesus. It’s more relational and mission-focused.
• Church in modern usage often emphasizes the institution, location, or tradition — which can sometimes shift focus away from the original relational and mission-driven intent.
3. Why This Matters
• Understanding the term ekklesia reminds us that the heart of the Church isn’t a building or structure — it’s people called by God to live in community, grow in Christ, and engage the world with the Gospel.
• While “church” as a word is familiar and practical, recovering the depth of ekklesia helps believers embrace their identity as a sent-out people — not just those who gather but those who go out with purpose.
In Short
• Ekklesia = The people, called out for God’s mission.
• Church (in modern language) = The institution, building, or organization that facilitates worship and ministry.
How Ekklesia Evolved into the Modern Concept of “Church”
The transition from the biblical concept of ekklesia to the modern understanding of church involved historical, cultural, and linguistic shifts. Here’s how it happened:
⸻
1. The Early Church (1st–3rd Century)
Ekklesia as a Gathering of Believers
•In the New Testament period, ekklesia referred exclusively to a community of believers who gathered in homes, public places, or wherever they could meet.
•Key Characteristics of the Early Ekklesia:
•No designated church buildings—they met in homes (Romans 16:5, Philemon 1:2).
•Communal living and sharing (Acts 2:42-47).
•Leadership based on spiritual gifting rather than institutional hierarchy (Ephesians 4:11-12).
⸻
2. The Rise of Institutional Christianity (4th–6th Century)
From Ekklesia to Church Buildings
•313 AD – The Edict of Milan: Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, leading to major shifts:
•Large public buildings (basilicas) were repurposed for Christian gatherings.
•Worship became more formalized, influenced by Roman imperial structures.
•Clergy hierarchy (bishops, priests) emerged, mirroring government ranks.
•Christianity transitioned from a movement of discipleship to an institutional religion.
Key Development: The Shift in Language
•Latin Influence: The Greek ekklesia was replaced with the Latin word “basilica” (meaning royal house) to refer to church buildings.
•Old English Influence: The word “church” (from the Germanic kirika or kirk, derived from the Greek kuriakon meaning “belonging to the Lord”) became associated with the physical structure rather than the community.
⸻
3. The Medieval Church (6th–15th Century)
The Institutional Church Takes Over
•The Roman Catholic Church centralized power, and the concept of ekklesia as a “called-out assembly” faded.
•Key shifts:
•The Pope and bishops became central authorities.
•Worship was moved to grand cathedrals rather than home gatherings.
•The laity (common believers) became passive participants, while clergy controlled teaching and sacraments.
? Impact: The idea of ekklesia as a living, sent-out body was largely lost to an institutional, hierarchical model.
⸻
4. The Reformation (16th Century)
Restoring the Biblical Meaning
•Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli challenged the institutional church.
•Key Restorations:
•Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) emphasized the Bible over church traditions.
•The priesthood of all believers reaffirmed that every Christian is part of the Church, not just clergy.
•Some movements (like the Anabaptists) returned to house churches and discipleship models.
However, despite these theological shifts, the word “church” still largely referred to both the institution and the physical building.
⸻
5. The Modern Church (18th–21st Century)
Church as Both Institution and Community
•Today, the word “church” still has multiple meanings:
•The people of God (ekklesia in its biblical sense).
•A local congregation (e.g., “First Baptist Church”).
•A denomination or religious structure (e.g., “The Catholic Church”).
•A physical building (e.g., “Let’s go to church”).
? Recent Trends:
•House church movements are reviving the original ekklesia model.
•Missional communities emphasize going out rather than gathering in buildings.
•Many churches balance institutional structure with relational discipleship.
⸻
6. Why This Matters Today
Recovering the Biblical Meaning of Ekklesia
1.Church is People, Not a Place
•The true church is not a building, a denomination, or an event—it is a
community of believers living out the mission of Jesus.
•Biblical model: Acts 2:42-47 (believers meeting, sharing, and living in unity).
2.Mission Over Maintenance
•Jesus’ ekklesia was active—preaching, serving, and making disciples.
•The modern church must avoid becoming just a gathering place and return to being
a movement.
3.Every Believer is a Minister
•The early church didn’t rely on a few leaders; everyone participated.
•Today, churches should empower believers to serve, disciple, and lead.
⸻
Final Thought
The early ekklesia wasn’t a location or an institution—it was a movement of people living out the Gospel in their daily lives.
While church buildings and organizations can be helpful, the true Church is the people of God—called, sent, and empowered by Jesus.
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