Today, the words church, ekklesia,
and kingdom are often used as if they mean the same thing—but
they do not. Each of these speaks to a distinct reality in God's divine
blueprint. Understanding the difference is essential for believers who want to
grow in spiritual maturity and partner with Heaven effectively.
The
Church: A Mixed Multitude
The Church is
the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the Bride of
Christ (Revelation 19:7), and includes a mixed multitude—similar
to what we see in Exodus 12:38, where people of different levels of faith left
Egypt with the Israelites. In the Church today, we find both devoted disciples
and casual attendees—believers at different stages of growth.
Paul
uses several Greek terms to describe these stages:
- Nēpios (νήπιος)
– infants or immature believers (Galatians 4:1–3). They are heirs, but not
yet ready to walk in authority.
- Paidion (παιδίον)
– little children (1 John 2:13), needing guidance and protection.
- Teknon (τέκνον)
– maturing sons and daughters (Romans 8:16), growing in faith but not yet
walking in full spiritual responsibility.
- Huios (υἱός)
– mature sons (Romans 8:14). These are led by the Spirit and entrusted
with Kingdom authority.
The Church includes all of the above, but not all are
ready for governance or spiritual leadership. As Paul wrote, “In a great
house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and
clay…” (2 Timothy 2:20–21). Spiritual maturity and sanctification determine
whether a believer becomes a vessel of honor—useful for the Master and prepared
for Kingdom assignments.
The
Ekklesia: The Called-Out Governing Body
The
Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) is not just the general Church, but a called-out body of
mature believers. The Ekklesia is called out from among the mixed multitude of Believers. The word Ekklesia was used in ancient Greek culture
to describe an assembly of citizens who held governmental authority. When Jesus
said, “I will build My Ekklesia” (Matthew 16:18), He wasn’t referring to a
weekly meeting, building or assembly of casual Believers—but to a governing council of spiritually mature
individuals who would represent Heaven on Earth. The Ekklesia is built upon
apostolic doctrine and prophetic revelation. The apostles and prophets are the
foundational ministry gifts of the Ekklesia.
This
remnant is composed of:
Huios – those who
have grown in character, obedience, and intimacy with the Father (Romans 8:14;
Galatians 4:1–7). This includes both lay and ordained Believers who are led by
the Spirit and marked by spiritual maturity. Lay Servant Leaders, Elders, Deacons, and Bishops—when truly ordained by God—operate from this place of
sonship, governed by love, wisdom, and alignment with God’s will.
Martus
(μάρτυς) –
witnesses who live sacrificial lives, willing to die to self and, if necessary,
physically for Christ (Acts 1:8; Revelation 12:11). This includes Servant leaders—both lay and ordained—who carry the cross daily (Luke 9:23), standing
as bold intercessors and witnesses of the risen Lord. Their authority is not in
a title but in their testimony and surrendered living.
Fathers – those who
disciple others into maturity (1 Corinthians 4:15), not based on gender but on
spiritual reproduction and legacy. This includes the five-fold ministry
gifts—Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers (Ephesians
4:11–13)—whose God-ordained purpose is to equip the saints and mature the Body.
Fathers also include seasoned spiritual mentors and disciple-makers, whether titled or
not, who help form Christ in others and build generational impact.
Church
Father Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the early 2nd century, emphasized the
importance of spiritual maturity and unity under godly leadership in the
Ekklesia. He warned against those who remained in childish ways, disconnected
from obedience to the revelation of Christ and the apostles’ teaching.
The
Ekklesia binds and looses (Matthew 18:18), releases Kingdom decrees, and
governs in intercession, wisdom, and authority. Think of it this way—would a
natural nation allow toddlers or adolescents to make laws or lead armies? Of
course not. In the same way, God entrusts Kingdom governance to those who are
mature in Christ.
The
Kingdom: The Rule and Reign of God
The Kingdom is
broader than both Church and Ekklesia. The Hebrew word malkuth (מַלְכוּת)
and the Greek word basileia (βασιλεία) both speak of royal
dominion, rule, and reign. The Kingdom is wherever God’s rule is
established—across people, places, systems, and structures. Jesus
preached the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17), not just
the Gospel of salvation. The Kingdom transforms not only hearts, but families,
cities, economies, and cultures. It is a present and advancing reality (Luke
17:21), and it will one day be fully revealed (Revelation 11:15). Not
all in the Church are operating in Kingdom principles. Not all in the Ekklesia
understand the fullness of the Kingdom. But the Kingdom is the ultimate
reality. The Church is within the Kingdom. The Ekklesia helps govern and
advance it.
In
Summary
- The Church is
the family of God—wide, diverse, and growing—but often mixed and sometimes immature.
- The Ekklesia is
the mature remnant—governing sons, priests and kings (ambassadors of the King) who carry Kingdom
authority.
- The Kingdom is
God’s reign in every sphere—individual lives, communities, governments,
education, business, and more.
Understanding
these distinctions helps us answer God's call with clarity. Let’s not settle
for being spectators in the Church when God is calling us to maturity in the
Ekklesia—and inviting us to partner with Him in advancing His Kingdom on Earth.
