What is a Messianic congregation? Is it about a particular model of worship services? Or is it about meeting on Saturday instead of Sunday? One’s  preferred model, whether traditional or contemporary, is in fact a surface issue and will vary depending on the distinctives of the leader, the group, and the community.
Essentially, the effectiveness of the service has to do with systems that work properly. There are some things that need to be done in order to be the an effective testimony of a congregation. We are to be praying. We are to be ministering the Word. We are to be administering and overseeing. Those are the three elements that make up a Messianic congregation: Prayer, Ministry of the Word, and Overseer (management and administration).

The three aspects of the Body of Messiah are rooted in the person of Messiah Himself. The redemptive work of Messiah was three fold: Prophet, Priest and King. Messiah is our high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4). He is the prophet like onto Moses—not only did He prophetically minister the Word, but He is the Living Word. Then, of course, he is the Ruler of rulers, the greater son of David. He oversees our activities in His leadership, reigning over our lives and hearts.

This three-fold ministry is what we are to live out in our leadership in our hearts, homes, and congregations. As it says in 1 John 4:17, “as He is, so are we in the world.” He is the head, and we are the body. The body lives out the values of the head. Therefore, the ministry of prayer reflects Him, who always lives to make intercession for us. In the ministry of the Word, we are actually testifying of Him the very truth. In the ministry of overseer, seeing that things are carried out decently and in order—this reflects King Messiah, who orders all things. The end result is to manifest Yeshua—that the life of Yeshua be made known. His values, His character, His name shall be honored and exalted.

 *Adapted from upcoming book on which the Planter’s Conference will be based, click here to learn more