The Called Out Congregation

ecclesia

That’s the Greek word for church.

ecclesia is a compound word made up of two Greek words:

• ek – out of
• kaleo – to call

ecclesia literally means “the called out ones” or the “called out congregation”.

Notice – the church is a singular noun but you cannot have a church that is made up of a single individual. That’s an impossibility.

The church is the “called out ones” or the called out congregation”. The very word church implies many individuals gathered and called out for a purpose. That’s why Jesus promised, “Where two or more gather in my name, there I am. with them” (Matthew 18:20).

So all who think they can be lone ranger Christians. Sorry. That’s an impossibility. There ain’t no such thing as a solitary Christian.

The church only exists when two or more are gathered in Christ’s name. That’s why the only way you can be church is to be a part of called out gathered people.

A single bee is not a swarm
A lone wolf is not a pack
A solitary ant is not a colony
And, you by yourself, are not the church

By: Mark Penrith