Many churches tend to focus inward—valuing fellowship and prayer for ourselves and our families, looking out for one another, and relying on the pastor to hold everything together. Yet, when we look at the words of Jesus, we see a different vision: He wants to advance the Kingdom of God. As King, He desires a ruling, governing body on earth.

Most translations of Matthew 16:18 say, “and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” The word translated as “church” is actually “Ekklesia” in Greek, meaning a ruling or governing assembly. This assembly is tasked with pushing back darkness and establishing the King’s domain—a domain that reflects His character.

This isn’t about ruling over people, but about stewarding the territory entrusted to us—our communities, cities, and states. It’s not just the pastor’s responsibility; the whole congregation must unite with other churches and Kingdom members to intercede, gain insight, and protect our territory. Our inward focus has allowed the enemy access to our communities. While we’ve been holding potlucks, the enemy has been plotting evil around us.

Pastors must teach and train their congregations for spiritual battle—to wield spiritual weapons and push back darkness. They should address community issues like crime, gender, health, substance abuse, education, and government decisions. If we avoid civic and political discourse, we wrongly assume these matters aren’t for Christians. But Yeshua taught us to pray, “On earth as it is in Heaven.” How can we bring heaven to earth if we don’t understand the culture of heaven—its values and the character of the King? We need a full understanding of Yeshua’s nature and His domain so we can rule with Him and enforce His reign here.

If Yeshua didn’t want us to rule with Him, He wouldn’t have said, “Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). He has given us His authority, along with the promise that nothing will harm us when we use it. It’s time to understand our assignment and the tools He’s given us. The Holy Spirit supplies the power when we allow Him to work through us.

Let’s come out of our churches and “be the church.” We must go beyond the four walls, stand together for our cities, and battle the enemy’s schemes against us, our families, and all that concerns us. Tremendous power and authority are released when we unite in watching over our communities and drawing boundaries for the enemy. Yeshua has already won the war; we are the enforcers, ambassadors, and gatekeepers.

Let’s walk in our authority and shine with the glory of the Lord, poured out in this hour for the takedown of God’s enemies across the land.