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What Is The Church? Rediscovering Ekklesia

The world has changed, and with it, so has our perception of what "church" is. We’ve been reminded that the church is not a building, but a body—a living, breathing, expanding community of people called out by God. The Greek word for church, ekklesia, means "a called-out assembly." In Exodus 20:2, God says, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt,” highlighting His pattern of calling His people out—from slavery into freedom, from darkness into light.

This moment in history is a divine reset. The pandemic may have disrupted gatherings in physical buildings, but it did not shut down the church. Why? Because the church was never about the building. It was always about the people—gathered in His name, in-dwelt by His Spirit, and living out His purposes.

Peter’s revelation in Matthew 16:16 sets the foundation: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Upon this truth, Jesus says He will build His church—not on Peter as a man, but on the unshakable truth of who Jesus is. Without that personal revelation, we are merely building institutions, not the church Jesus envisioned.

The church is also a priesthood; a spiritual house built of living stones (1 Peter 2:4–9). We are all part of this construction, fitted together with our gifts and callings. Whether seen or unseen, every believer has a vital role. Just as hidden wiring powers a home, behind-the-scenes intercessors and servants empower the church.

Too often we say, "I'm going to church," as if it’s a location. But what if we said, "I'm going to be the church"? The difference is life changing. It shifts our identity from spectators to participants, from consumers to carriers of God’s Presence. Each household, each small gathering—wherever two or three are gathered—becomes a valid, Spirit-filled extension of the church.

When the true church arises with Jesus at the center, it becomes unstoppable. The gates of hell are not advancing; they are defensive. We, the church, are on the offensive—storming the gates to reclaim what hell has stolen. We do not shrink in fear but move forward in faith. Healing, deliverance, restoration, and bold proclamation are our inheritance.

So the question isn't whether you're attending church—it’s whether you are becoming the church. And that begins with a personal revelation: Who is Jesus to you?

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean to you personally that the church is not a building but a people?
2. Have you truly had a revelation that Jesus is the Son of the living God?
3. What part do you believe God is calling you to play in building His spiritual house?
4. In what ways have you been “going to church” but not “being the church”?
5. How can your home become an active expression of the church?

Action Step

Today, ask God to renew your revelation of Jesus. Write out a personal declaration that answers the question, “Who is Jesus to me?” Then, take one step—however small—to be the church. Whether that means praying with your family, encouraging someone, or offering help—start building the house.