Fellowship is an important part of growing in Yeshua. We need Believing friends for support, to keep us accountable, and just to hang out with and socialize. When you are part of a congregation, you have the opportunity to meet people of faith, while having a spiritual home where you can pray (and have others pray for you), worship, and enjoy all of the many varied aspects of taking part in a community of faith.

Finding a congregation is a necessary step after asking Yeshua into your life. You need to be surrounded by other Believers who will help you grow in your faith. However, for many Messianic Jews, finding a congregation can be a very nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are shy. Not knowing where to look or what to look for, some Messianic Jews end up in a Christian church that is not sensitive to Jewish needs or even to the Jewish roots of their faith (such as observing the Feasts or placing any emphasis on keeping the Torah).

Fortunately, there are Messianic congregations in most major cities. Finding one is your area is usually no more difficult than contacting the UMJC, which is the umbrella organization for most Messianic congregations. If you are lucky, there may even be more than one congregation in your area. Visit them all, see where you feel more comfortable, and, of course, pray about it. God will lead you to the right house of worship.

In terms of what to expect when you visit a Messianic congregation, if you are a Jewish person who is at all familiar with traditional synagogue services, you will probably find many aspects of the service familiar. First of all, the congregation meets on Saturday, the Biblical Shabbat. Most congregations follow a liturgy in a siddur (prayer book) for Shabbat that is very similar to traditional synagogue services. The prayers are usually transliterated in Hebrew for easy pronunciation, with English translations. The Shema is recited, a Torah and Haftorah portion is read and expounded upon, along with a corresponding section of the Brit Chadasha. There is singing and dancing as forms of worship, and the Rabbi will usually give a sermon.

Messianic Judaism does not have different sects that differ in terms of interpretation of the Torah, like Rabbinical Judaism does, with Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. A Godly Messianic congregation views the entire Bible as divine and inspired, as God's Word. If you are ever in doubt of what a congregation believes, ask to see their Statement of Faith. There are, however, different worship styles between congregations. Some are more quiet and laid back, like a traditional synagogue. Others are more charismatic in worship style. Whichever one you choose all depends on your comfort level and leading of the Ruach Ha'Kodesh.

Since we are all one in the Body of Messiah, not everyone at a Messianic congregation will necessarily be Jewish. Some congregations have a high percentage of Jewish people, at others Jewish people are in the minority, while in others the Jewish/Gentile ratio is more or less even. It may seem odd at first to see Gentiles who have fully embraced God's Torah, who, in some cases, are wearing yarmulkes, tallit, and/or fringes, and who are singing and praying in Hebrew. Give it a chance and get to know some of these people. If their hearts are in the right place and they are acting out of reverance to the LORD, not merely "dressing up" as Jews to appear righteous or for novelty's sake, then eventually you will only see them as your brothers and sisters in the LORD.

And don't be afraid to ask about who is Jewish -- especially at first, it is important to meet other Jewish people who have accepted Yeshua. Messianic Jewish Believers have unique challenges and sometimes speaking with someone else who is in the same situation and with the same background is necessary to sort things out. Be tactful about it though, and be open to meeting everyone.

If you don't have a Messianic congregation where you live, or if it is too far or inconvenient to get to (or if you have prayed about it and have discovered for whatever reason you are not comfortable with the one in your area), then you need to look at alternative ways of finding fellowship. Messianic home fellowships are springing up like mushrooms these days, but they can be harder to find than major congregations. Ask around at Messianic Web sites to see if someone knows of a home fellowship in your area.

Another option is to attend a church. Not all churches are created equal in terms of beliefs, so it is important to use prayer and discernment in this area. Some Evangelical denominations, particularly some Charismatic and Baptist groups, are in tune with Jewish roots and and welcoming to Jewish Believers. Attend a few times, talk to the pastor and explain your background, and most of all, keep praying!

Copyright 2002