The Ekklesia Rising: A Call to Transform the World
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the term “ekklesia” carried significant weight and purpose. It described a gathering of citizens, called out from their homes to deliberate, govern, and shape the destiny of their city-state. Derived from ek (“out of”) and kaleo (“to call”), the ekklesia was no mere social club—it was a mobilized assembly with authority to enact laws, elect leaders, and address the pressing issues of the polis. In Athens, it was the heartbeat of democracy; in the Roman era, it retained its sense of civic responsibility and influence. This was a body of action, called to the public square to make a difference.
When Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church [ekklesia], and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He was not envisioning a passive, cloistered institution. He was repurposing ekklesia to describe a dynamic, Spirit-filled community—a people called out to transform the world with the power of the Gospel. The ekklesia is not a building or a Sunday ritual; it is a mobilized force, living out Kingdom values, proclaiming Jesus’ lordship, and shaping culture in every sphere of life.
The Principle: A Mobilized Force for Transformation
The ekklesia is no static relic. It is a living, breathing body, empowered by the Holy Spirit to invade the darkness and advance God’s Kingdom. In the first century, the early ekklesia had no buildings, no professional clergy, and no political favor. Yet, as Acts 2:42–47 describes, they turned pagan cities upside down through their devotion to apostolic teaching, radical generosity, and public displays of God’s power. They met needs, broke bread together, and saw “many wonders and signs” that drew multitudes to Christ. This is Jesus’ blueprint for us today—a people called out to transform cities and nations.
The ekklesia is not meant to retreat from culture but to engage it. We are called to live out Kingdom values in the public square, bringing God’s presence into workplaces, schools, and communities. The gates of hell—symbols of death, darkness, and demonic strongholds—cannot withstand the advance of a mobilized ekklesia. But this requires us to shake off passivity and embrace our God-given authority.
The Problem: A Silenced Church
For too long, the Church has been lulled into silence, particularly in the political sphere. In 1954, Senator Lyndon Johnson introduced an amendment to the U.S. tax code that prohibited tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Facing opposition from conservative groups, Johnson’s strategy was clear: silence the Church’s voice in the public square. The result was a creeping passivity in the pulpit that opened the door to cultural decay.
The consequences of this silence are stark. The Sexual Revolution eroded biblical values. Divorce rates skyrocketed. Homosexuality gained cultural acceptance. Abortion was legalized. Prayer was removed from schools. Pornography and drug abuse surged. Church attendance plummeted. By retreating from the public square, the Church allowed the gates of hell to advance unchallenged. But the ekklesia was never meant to be silent—it was called to shape culture, not be shaped by it.
The Practice: Living as the Ekklesia
To reclaim our calling, we must return to Jesus’ blueprint and live as the ekklesia in every sphere of life. Here are three practical ways to do so:
1. Cast Off Political Passivity
The ekklesia cannot afford to be neutral. While we do not place our hope in politics, we are called to be salt and light, influencing the direction of our cities and nations. The Johnson Amendment may have intimidated pastors, but it does not strip believers of their God-given mandate to speak truth and uphold righteousness. We must pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2), engage in civic life, and boldly proclaim biblical values. The ekklesia is called to storm the gates, not cower behind them.
2. Embrace Marketplace Ministry
The ekklesia does not belong in a sanctuary alone—it belongs in the public square. Every believer is a minister, called to bring God’s presence into their workplace and community. Whether you’re in business, education, healthcare, or government, your sphere of influence is your mission field. The early ekklesia transformed cities by meeting needs and demonstrating God’s power in everyday life. Today, we must do the same, carrying the Gospel into boardrooms, classrooms, and neighborhoods.
This means removing the artificial barrier between the secular and the sacred. Work is worship when done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Imagine businesses established on mission, using their influence and affluence to advance God’s Kingdom. A Christian entrepreneur can fund ministries, create jobs, and model integrity. A teacher can inspire students with godly wisdom. A nurse can show Christ’s compassion. The ekklesia transforms culture by infiltrating every sphere with Kingdom values.
3. Unleash the Power of Influence and Affluence
The ekklesia wields transformative power through influence and affluence. In Acts, believers used their resources to meet needs, resulting in explosive growth: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Today, God has entrusted us with resources—time, talents, and treasure—to shape culture for His glory. A single act of generosity, a bold stand for truth, or a business built on biblical principles can spark revival in a community.
The Promise: The Gates Will Not Prevail
Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 is unshakable: the gates of hell will not prevail against His ekklesia. But this promise demands action. We are not called to hide in holy huddles but to march into the public square, armed with the Gospel and empowered by the Spirit. The ekklesia is rising—a people called out to transform the world. Will you answer the call?
Cast off passivity. Step into your marketplace ministry. Unleash your influence for God’s glory. The gates of hell are trembling, and the ekklesia is on the move. Let’s take back our cities, one life at a time, until the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
Neil Kennedy is the founder of FivestarMan and author of multiple books on authentic manhood and biblical leadership.
