When The Church Speaks

[Martin Schmaltz]

Recently, I was in service and someone defined the church as, “Those that are called out of darkness into His light.” While this is true, I believe it is only a limited part of what the true church is and its authority.

In a previous Apostolic Note, “The Real Church,” we presented the original meaning of the Greek word for church – ekklesia. Unfortunately, in the church world, we have relegated it to a religious context and miss the full impact of it’s meaning. The following is from this article.

The use of ekklesia would have been associated with the common secular applications:

* The popular assembly of the Greek citizens that helped govern a city or district.
* These citizens were conscious of their privileged status over slaves and non-citizens or
foreigners.
* This was an assembly in which fundamental political and judicial decisions were made.

The original context of this word was to summon a group of individuals who were of a distinct status to exercise governmental control over a particular area.

When the ekklesia assembled, you could expect judicial decisions to be declared (spoken). This was then enacted throughout the jurisdiction of this ekklesia’s area of dominion. It was the purpose of this group, by virtue of their special nature, to exercise governing authority over an area.

Today, the ekklesia is the body of born again believers who are called out of the bondages of this world AND called together to exercise governing authority (think Adam and dominion). This is accomplished when we make and declare judicial decisions for our areas based on the will of God.

While I am a strong advocate of the responsibility and privilege of each believer operating in the apostolic (spiritual) authority in which they have been sent: I also believe there is a synergistic power that is to be manifest when the ekklesia assembles regularly.

An example of this is seen Matthew 18:20 When Jesus states: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” This statement comes after instructions for judicial procedure were given. In this context Jesus discusses the group’s authority to bind or loose what has already transpired in the spirit realm.

The exercising of the ekklesia’s authority was in the speaking of their judgments. When the church assembles today, we should declare (speak) the will of God to our cities and those who live there. Peter states: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 P 4:11). Jesus tells us by faith we can speak to the mountains and expect them to obey. When we declare the known will of God, we speak His mind.

What do we know regarding His will for our cities & neighborhoods?

* Reconciliation - We have been given the WORD of reconciliation
* Restoration – each person restored to His original plan
* Salvation - It is his will that none should perish
* Kingdom Revelation - His kingdom should be manifested thru each of us, here and now,
as it is heaven.

Along with these we should seek the Lord for specific knowledge regarding situations in the lives of those we know, then speak this word in declarative prayer.

As the ekklesia, we must change our paradigm of going to church. Our purpose for assembling should be the exercising of governing authority over our areas. Begin with those who are physically present that they would; be born again, delivered, marriages restored and giftings illuminated. Then speak to the surrounding area the will of God – the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is here NOW!

Food for thought – Are you declaring the will of God to your life, neighborhood and city?

Our ministry is to unleash the power of the church by coming along side the leadership of the local assembly and assist in the discipling of the believers to reveal the power of the Kingdom with in them. We accomplish this by ministering the principles of walking in apostolic or spiritual authority. To schedule us email at [e-mail] with your contact information. Or you can see more at blank"">"Discover More" Or "Our Mission."

[Donnie Gillum]

The Feeling is mutal, Brother Sid.

[Donnie Gillum]

Where and when will you be ministering? My wife and I plan on making the Oct. conference if at all possible, Lord willing.

[Martin Schmaltz]

Sid. Plan to be there for some of it. Will be ministering in the area afterwards

[Martin Schmaltz]

Quote Sid - BUT if we look at the context of the chapter and his dealings with Zacheus, we see he is speaking of the dominion and authority that was lost to the carnal nature in Eden. At least that is what I get from it.

This is what I get

Quote Sid - So Metron can not only be a territory geographically, but also and maybe even more importantly, an area of ones gifting to be used, re: not only teaching, but teaching in a specific setting.
This is especially applicable to those who are not part of the "official ministry." They STILL are EMPOWERED and SENT to operate in that gifting.

Thanks for the dialogue. Are you going to the Glorious Ch Conf in Oct?

[Martin Schmaltz]

Brethren, the following is a big chunk of chapter 5 from my book: Apostolic Authority, Every Believer's Privilege. It discusses the concept of a metron.

Let me know what you think.

Metron

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.”
(2 Corinthians 10:12-13.)

The apostle Paul understood that he had been given a specific area to operate in authority. In the above passage of scripture, Paul speaks of a measure of rule that God has distributed to him. The original Greek gives us a much greater understanding of what he is referencing.

• Measure is the Greek word metron, it is “a determined extent, a portion measured off, a measure or limit” (Thayer’s).

• Rule is “a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one’s power or influence is confined; it is the province assigned one, or it is one’s sphere of activity.” (Thayer’s)

Paul was stating that we have a determined portion, a fixed boundary where our rule, influence or authority is to be used. For Paul, it included the church at Corinth, and he was not concerning himself with the metron or area of others. His goal was to see the power of God operate in the area to which he had been sent. Apostolic authority is exercising the delegated authority within the metron we are sent to. It is here we are to freely operate with authority according to God’s purpose.

If we look to creation, we see this concept of being sent to a specific area from the beginning. Adam, who was created in the image of God, was given dominion, and set in a specific place to operate in authority. “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it” (Genesis 2:15 AMP). God placed Adam in a particular metron, the garden, for the purpose of guarding and tending it. It was here that Adam was to exercise the authority that he had been given.

It is noted that God gave Abram an area to posses. When Israel finally entered the Promised Land they were to exercise authority. God instructed them to drive out the inhabitants and posses the land, promising that He would go with them and fight their battle. Once again, there is the concept of exercising authority in a particular place to which we have been sent.


Giftings or Graces to Operate In

To this point, the concept of a metron of authority has been discussed in the context of being sent to a specific place or to a particular group of people. This was evidenced in the life of Jesus when he stated he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. The apostle Paul understood he was sent to the Gentiles in general and then to specific churches such as the church of Corinth. It is easy for us to see this exhibited in the lives of many individuals who are in what we referred to as “the ministry.” These ministers have particular places, cities, countries or people that they are called or sent to.

However, there is an application of this metron that is for every child of God. As stated in chapter two, the apostolic church recognizes the priesthood of every believer. Each born again child of God has been gifted to minister in the body of Christ, using what they have been given so that the body may mature and grow into the image of Jesus Christ. This gifting that each believer is to minister in, carries with it a metron of authority.

In the book of Ephesians, prior to describing the ascension gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher, Paul speaks of each of us being given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7). Today’s English Version is much clearer: “Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given.”

Measure in the KJV text is metron, a determined extent or measured off portion. This verse is telling us that we have been measured off, a determined extent of grace or gifting by the grace of Jesus Christ. This grace, or gifting has been given to us to use in the area to which we have been sent. Verse 16 of Ephesians 4 speaks of the body of Christ being joined together and that it is increased “according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,” The Weymouth translation says; “with power proportioned to the need of each individual part.” Here again, measure is metron. When each part is working effectively in its measure, its determined extent or measured off portion of grace, we can expect the body to increase. In Romans 12:6 Paul states again, that we each have “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” As these gifts are used in the measure or area to which we have been sent, we can anticipate the Lord will reveal Himself, and the body of Christ will be built up.

This idea of a metron for the use of our giftings is further revealed as we continue with Romans 12:6. Paul goes on to mention specific graces or giftings that individuals are to operate in; prophesy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling and mercy. These giftings, and many others listed in scripture, are each given a metron of authority for their operation. It is the responsibility of each believer to come to an understanding of their spiritual gifts and then find the metron of authority where they are to operate.

Let me give a practical example. An individual may know that their gifting is teaching. This gifting can have many areas of application, each good, valid and necessary. The gift of teaching can be used in children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult classes, home bible study, cell ministries, prison ministry, nursing home ministry, etc. However, one particular individual may not be an effective teacher in all of these ministries. The area they are the most effective in is their metron or area of authority. It is within this area they are to operate, expecting the authority of God to be manifest. I believe this is the answer to many unfulfilled people who are faithfully ministering in the church today. They are operating outside of their metron. Subsequently there is a lack of the intended power and authority. The answer is to find the metron where they are to use their giftedness.
Increasing Your Metron

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
(2 Corinthians 10:15)

• The Amplified Bible states; “our field among you may be greatly enlarged, still within the limits of our commission”

• The New American Standard Bible states; “we shall be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,”

The apostle Paul reveals an understanding of operating in a metron. This is, as he was successful in using the authority of his metron, he expected it to increase. He knew that as the fruit of his ministry became evident, God would enlarge his sphere or rule within the measure or metron where he was sent. This truth is applicable to every believer. As we begin to operate our giftings within the measure or metron of rule in which we are placed, we can have faith and expect God to increase the measure of rule or authority in which we operate.

There are three other instances in the Word of God where it is shown that those who are faithful to operate in the area of authority that they are given, can expect for that area to be increased. Each of the three instances are parables that the Apostle Himself was expressing to His followers.


The first instance is in Luke 19:12-26 and commonly referred to as the parable of the pounds. The nobleman of this parable called ten servants and gave each a pound and instructed them to “occupy” or be busy in trade or occupation until he returned. When the nobleman returned, those who had been successful in their place of authority were rewarded with increased authority. Specifically, their faithful usage of a small amount of financial resources resulted in their receiving a greater authority over a specified number of cities.

The second instance is found in Matthew 25:14-30 and is referred to as the parable of the talents. Once again we have a master giving resources and authority to his servants. It is his expectation for them to be used for his benefit. Upon his return those who were faithful to use what had been given to them were rewarded with more authority. Verses 21 and 23 states: “I will make thee a ruler over many things.” The word used for ruler has also been translated as set, appoint, ordain or make. It’s meaning according to Thayer’s is: “to set one over a thing,” “to appoint one to administer an office.” Those who were faithful to operate in the authority they were given, were then appointed or set as rulers and administrators over more than they initially received. Once again, we see the principle in effect that as we operate in the authority we are given, we can expect to receive additional authority.

The third instance is found in Matthew 24:45-47. The Lord is speaking of the conduct of a wise servant who has been given the rulership of the master’s household. Jesus says the wise servant is the one who is busy performing the duties the master expects. The master rewarded this wise servant with more authority, making him “ruler over all his goods.” Once again the word for ruler is one who is set or appointed to administer. The faithful use of authority will result in an increase of that authority.

[Donnie Gillum]

Well said, Brother Sid!

Quote - Sid: I can't help but think, maybe there is a relation with the greek word "metroon" and variations of that word and assigned spiritaul jurisdictions?? Just a thought.


May be worth some checkin' out.

[Martin Schmaltz]

Bro. Donnie, thanks for the comments.

[Donnie Gillum]

Quote-Martin: Our purpose for assembling should be the exercising of governing authority over our areas. Begin with those who are physically present that they would; be born again, delivered, marriages restored and giftings illuminated. (Emph. mine-Donnie)

Good insight, Brother. This type of purpose of assembly would be much more beneficial than just watching others perform (musicians, singers and speaker for the evening). The "giftings illuminated" is a much, much...too much neglected area. No small wonder growth of new ones is stagnated after the new wears off. Many cannot "find their place" while the "talented" are used to the point of burn out. (There are exceptions, of course. But it seems to be just that - exceptions - instead of normal and expected.)

I feel correction/remedy in this area alone would show vast improvement in the overall health of the Body. The major mindset seems to be, if your not in "the ministry", then you are just be called to be a "saint" (interpreted: just "hold the fort" till He comes - with church attendance and tithe-paying being the safe and accepted requirement level.) This makes me to think: How long, O Lord? How FAR are we away? When will unity of the faith come? Will the church have to go through another "reformation" and centuries of suffering without any real progress toward "perfecting of the saints"? I hope not. But on the positive side, I do feel God is raising up "movers and shakers" in our midst. May it come quickly!

[Martin Schmaltz]

Sid, thank you for such kind remarks. I truly believe the Lord is awakening His body to a might manifestation. So glad I get to play a small part.

[Keith Wood]

Great stuff Marty!