Copyright Page
2014, 2017 by Ed Silvoso
Published by Chosen Books
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.chosenbooks.com
Chosen Books is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2017
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1166-5
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations identified N I V are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations identified N K J V are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified K J V are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Cover design by Dan Pitts
Endorsements
Author Ed Silvoso has a habit of writing profound, life-changing books. The Body of Christ has gained so much through his life and ministry that I cant imagine where we would be without his instruction along with his testimonies of Kingdom breakthroughs. Yet Ekklesia may be the most important book he has ever written. As such, it is one of the greatest books of our lifetime. Contained in these pages are tried-and-true insights and experiences that will inspire the greatest skeptic and equip all who have a heart to see the kingdom of this world become the Kingdom of our God. This book is simply brilliant, inspired, profound, and challenging. I encourage you to join me in reading Ekklesia for personal transformation, that we might be equipped to transform the cities and nations for His glory.
Bill Johnson, senior leader, Bethel Church, Redding, California; author, When Heaven Invades Earth and God Is Good
Ed Silvosos newest book, Ekklesia, is not just an important book for church leaders to read and digestit is an extraordinarily important book! God is moving us into a new season, one that is changing our paradigm from church-centered to Kingdom-centered. Silvoso helps us see the church as not just a congregation with a pastor where we gather in a building on Sunday mornings. Rather, the Church is Ekklesia, scattered throughout society carrying the Word and the works of the Kingdom. This change is a complex project, and there is no better road map toward seeing it accomplished than Ed Silvosos Ekklesia. You will cherish this book!
C. Peter Wagner (19302016), Global Spheres, Inc.
Ed Silvoso has a way of writing groundbreaking books that start movements, and Ekklesia is no exception! This book is a message that reveals how to see Kingdom principles implemented in a masterful yet practical way! This is a nation-changing book!
Cindy Jacobs, Generals International
Ed Silvoso has created another masterpiece in Ekklesia . Ed takes a fresh look at Scripture to rediscover the Church as a people versus an institution and how that should impact the way we express the Gospel to every sphere of influence. He shows us what the Church is intended to be versus what it has become. We need a course correction, and Ed provides us the needed master plan to right the ship. Well done, Ed!
Os Hillman, author, TGIF: Today God Is First ; president, Marketplace Leaders
Finally! A book that clarifies the difference between the Church as Jesus meant it to be and the churches we see today. Tragically, the two arent even similar. Today, we hear the word church and think of a building or a religious organization. Jesus, on the other hand, wasnt talking about either. He was talking about a gatheringa coming together of His followers, who would deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow Him. And following Him means becoming a disciple and making disciples. The power and simplicity of His call to disciple all nations has been obscured and diluted by the manmade institutionalization of Christianity. This book takes us back to the true callings of Christ. I enthusiastically recommend it to all who call themselves followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Steven K. Scott, author, Jesus Speaks and The Greatest Words Ever Spoken
For decades, Ed Silvoso has ranked among the Churchs most inspiring catalytic leaders. He is a unique thinker and a brilliant communicator. Ekklesia is a true groundbreaker. It is a gift that will bring many to a profound view of the Gospel and the Kingdom. Having been his friend for years, I am especially grateful for his commitment to affirm pastors and engage local churches in his passionate vision of the future.
David Cannistraci, lead pastor, GateWay City Church, San Jos, California
Dedication
To Ray Pinson, an anointed marketplace minister, dear friend and spiritual son who has faithfully and generously served as chairman of our board for over two decades. And to Ruth, the love of my life, who lovingly and patiently sat by me while I wrote, praying, advising and encouraging me.
This book is also dedicated to pastors and marketplace ministers, who together make up the enterprise that Jesus labeled the Ekklesia. It is my fervent prayer and intense desire that the scriptural truths and inspiring prototypes presented in this book will strengthen their hands and rekindle their passion to see people and nations transformed in this generation .
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Gratitude
Introduction: Questions That Brought This Book into Being
1. Church: A Radical Proposition
From Something Wrong to Something More
2. Transformation Is a Journey
From Dawn to Full Day
3. A Fuller Understanding of the Gates of Hades
From Enslaving Ignorance to Liberating Understanding
4. A Fuller Understanding of the Gospel
From the Law and the Prophets to the Gospel of the Kingdom
5. A Fuller Understanding of Proclamation
From Words to Deeds
6. A Fuller Understanding of the Cross
From an Icon of Death to a Fountain of Life
7. A Fuller Understanding of the Great Commission
From Saving Souls to Discipling Nations
8. A Fuller Understanding of Cooperation with God
From Contemplation to Partnership
From Religious Ceremonies to Power Encounters
10. A New Understanding of Baptizing Nations
From Dipping to Dripping
11. A Fuller Understanding of How to Baptize a Nation
From the Sacrament to Societal Transformation
12. A Fuller Understanding of the Ekklesias Social Agenda
From the Pew to the City Square
13. A Fuller Understanding of the Incarnation
From Ethereal to Entrepreneurial
14. A Fuller Understanding of What God Loves the Most