What is the Messianic Movement?

What is it?

The name given to the movement of Jewish people and Gentiles who stand with them, who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of the Tanach (Old Testament) and the Savior of Israel and the world.

When did it start?

Messianic Judaism began 2,000 years ago when Yeshua (Jesus) was born and the 1st Century followers of Jesus were all Jewish. During the 1970's, many young people had a renewed in their life during the Jesus Movement.

Where do its members worship?

There are estimated to be 475 Messianic congregations of various sizes throughout the world, 350 of which are in the United States. In addition to its Jewish members, many of its congregations include Christians from many different religious and ethnic backgrounds. These Gentiles want to support the Messianic Jewish people and show the unity that comes through faith in the Messiah.

Why are Messianic congregations necessary?

While some Jewish people join Christian congregations, many feel more comfortable in a Jewish setting. Jewish people through the ages have been persecuted by Gentiles, some of whom may have called themselves Christians but who were not true Christians. However, mistrust towards Christians still exists and Messianic congregations provide Jewish believers with a unique setting of their own in which to worship.

Are Messianic Jewish people still Jewish?

Definitely. Most Jewish people, including many young people, have a renewed appreciation for their own Jewish heritage and want to say the familiar prayers and blessings, celebrate the holidays such as Passover, Succoth, Yom Kippur, and sing and dance in a worshipful, joyful Israeli-Hebraic style of worship.