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:
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Nēpios (νήπιος) – infants or immature believers (Galatians 4:1–3). They are heirs, but not yet ready to walk in authority.
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Paidion (παιδίον) – little children (1 John 2:13), needing guidance and protection.
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Teknon (τέκνον) – maturing sons and daughters (Romans 8:16), growing in faith but not yet walking in full spiritual responsibility.
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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 Jesus said in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24–30), both wheat and weeds grow together until harvest.
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 word was used in ancient Greek culture to describe the assembly of citizens who had governmental authority. When Jesus said, “I will build My Ekklesia” (Matthew 16:18), He wasn’t referring to a weekly meeting or building—but to a governing council of spiritually mature individuals who would represent Heaven on Earth. The Ekklesia is called out from among the mixed multitude of believers. The Ekklesia is built upon apostolic doctrine and prophetic revelation. The Apostles and Prophets are the foundational gifts of the Ekklesia.
This remnant is composed of:
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Huios – those who have grown in character, obedience, and intimacy with the Father.
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Martus (μάρτυς) – witnesses who live sacrificial lives, willing to die to self and sometimes physically for Christ (Acts 1:8).
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Fathers – those who disciple others into maturity (1 Corinthians 4:15), not based on gender, but on spiritual reproduction and legacy.
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 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 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
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The Church is the family of God—wide, diverse, and growing—but often mixed and immature.
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The Ekklesia is the mature remnant—governing sons and daughters who carry Kingdom authority.
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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.
