We all know the early church met in homes. But they also met in temple courts, marketplaces, public squares, lecture halls, prisons, and courtrooms. For over 200 years, not a single believer stepped foot into a “church building”—because there weren’t any. The first one came around 230 AD. So let’s be honest: what we call “church” today has very little to do with what Jesus originally set in motion.
Let me take you back to its original design. That doesn’t mean we need to copy the exact structure of the early church or find the perfect format. The answer isn’t a better model—it’s a clearer understanding of what church truly is, and what it was always meant to be.
From Congregation to Ekklesia
The first mention of “church” in the Bible actually goes back to Exodus 12:6, where the people of Israel are referred to as the congregation. They were God’s people, led by Moses. The New Testament picks this up when Jesus calls His followers the “ekklesia” (Matthew 16:18)—a Greek word used for a gathering of free citizens who were called out to govern, legislate, and shape society. The ekklesia wasn’t religious. It was governmental. It wasn’t passive. It was powerful.
It was a gathering of citizens who had a voice, a vote, and a role in determining the destiny of their city. Jesus used this word on purpose. He didn’t say, “I will build My synagogue or temple.” He said, “I will build My ekklesia.”
Then the Shift Happened…
By 230 AD, the church had a building. Over time, the ekklesia became an institution. The focus shifted from being the people of God to attending the house of God.
The very word “church” comes from the Greek kuriake oikia—”the house that belongs to the Lord.” Sounds holy, right? But David, who loved the house of the Lord and longed to dwell there all his days, wasn’t talking about a building. He was talking about presence—God’s presence.
We’ve lost that. We made it about place instead of presence. About structure instead of spirit. About performance instead of participation.
And we wonder why so many people feel disillusioned with church.
Rethinking Church
Here’s a side-by-side that helps clarify the contrast:
| Modern View of Church | Biblical Ekklesia |
|---|---|
| A building | A gathered people, wherever they meet |
| A Sunday event | A way of life |
| Led by professionals | Every member has a voice |
| Passive attendance | Active participation |
| Separated from daily life | Shaping the world |
| Institution | Movement |
| Safety and comfort | Responsibility and calling |
No wonder so many bounce from church to church, hoping to find the “right one.” But the problem isn’t the church you attend. It’s the concept of church you carry.
If you think church is an event you go to, you’ll always be disappointed.
But if you realize you are the ekklesia, everything changes. You begin to walk in your authority, live from your identity, and take responsibility for your kingdom impact.
The Church Isn’t the Problem—But Neither Is It the Solution
Let’s get this straight: I love the church. All kinds—mega churches, traditional denominations, house churches, even online ones. Each has strengths. Each has flaws.
The Protestant world has split a thousand times over a thousand disagreements. The Catholic church? Love it or hate it, it stays united. Disagreeing with the Pope doesn’t cause people to leave. Protestants, on the other hand, protest everything—and prioritize dogma over unity.
So what’s the solution? Not the perfect church model.
Just like you don’t need perfect parents to grow up healthy, or a flawless football club to enjoy the game, you don’t need a perfect church to be the church.
Focus on being a healthy part of the Body of Christ. Stay close to Jesus. Walk in love. Guard your boundaries. And don’t let any institution become your excuse.
Be the Ekklesia
It’s time to stop being protestant—and start being pro-love, pro-unity, pro-peace, pro-impact.
Isaiah 58 says that healing will break forth speedily—when we stop judging one another. What we don’t realize is that our judgment doesn’t just hurt others—it’s wounding us. So let God judge. Let Him deal with the leaders who failed you. Let Him correct the churches that went off track. You? You just keep walking with Jesus.
Here’s a hard truth: the size of a church says nothing about its impact. South Korea has the biggest churches in the world, but minimal political or societal influence. Dallas, Texas has the highest church attendance in America—and some of the worst social statistics.
So stop asking, “How can we build a big church?”
Wrong question.
It’s like a world-class footballer refusing to play because he hasn’t found the perfect team. Stop waiting for the ideal church. Grab a ball. Join the game.
Ask the Right Question
“How can I be the ekklesia Jesus wants to build?”
That’s the question.
You don’t join a church to become the church. You already are the church. Just like a footballer needs teammates to play, you need others to be the ekklesia. But being in a club doesn’t make you a footballer. Being in a building doesn’t make you the church.
To be the church, you walk with Jesus. You follow His mission. You bring His presence into every sphere of society—business, education, arts, healthcare, politics, family. Wherever you are, you are sent. And you’re not alone.
Daniel had three friends. That little ekklesia turned a whole empire toward God.
Where Two or Three Gather…
Jesus didn’t say, “Where thousands gather, there I am.” He said, “Where two or three gather in My name.”
When you pray with a colleague, that’s church.
When you share a meal with another believer, that’s church.
When you encourage a friend in Christ, that’s church.
Stop waiting for Sunday. Start living it now.
Your Role Is Personal
You can’t outsource your calling. You won’t stand before God and say, “But my pastor never told me…” Your reward isn’t based on your church’s success. It’s based on your obedience.
God doesn’t give team awards. He gives personal rewards.
So step into it. Be the ekklesia. Represent His Kingdom. Influence your world.
What Does It Mean to “Be the Church”?
We’ll unpack these more in the coming months, but here’s a preview of the elements that make up a vibrant, living ekklesia:
- Fivefold empowerment (teaching, prophecy, leadership/pastoral care, inspiration, life & business architecture)
- Accountability
- Therapeutic community
- Worship & prayer
- Baptism
- Communion
- Gifts of the Spirit
- Celebration & joy
- Rhythm of grace (sabbath)
- Synergy with others
- Kingdom reputation
- Honor
- Healing and deliverance
- Outreach
- Mission
- Charity
- Etc.
You don’t need to have all these in perfect order. But start somewhere. Implement them in your life. Or find a community that helps you do it.
Because the world doesn’t need more church goers.
It needs a courageous ekklesia—fully alive, fully awake, fully on mission.
And that starts with you.
