JFJ Forums

Hi,
I found you guys on the internet search engine.  I have a friend who said that the Messianic Jews would be a great group to join because they are not so seeped in Western Traditions as most Evangelical churches.

I am however having trouble finding information about what Messianic Jews think about the roles of women in the services and as leaders.

Can someone tell me if women are allowed to preach or teach in these meetings?  Is there information on the web that gives your general beliefs about women, their role in the church, etc.

THANKS!

Another question if you please.  
What is a rating?  I saw that in my profile page.

The flaw with that thinking is that most Messianics are gentiles,
and the few Jews involved in MJ usually come from a secular
background.

So they are probably just as likely to be steeped in Western traditions
as everyone else.





Not being a Messianic, and not being familiar with their meetings,
I can't answer that for you. But there are many others here who
will be quite willing to answer any questions you may have.

Oops, I rudely forgot to say "welcome to the forum"-
so Welcome!

I'm not a Jew, but the Messianic Jew Paul wrote:

As in all the congregations of God's people, let the wives remain silent when the congregation meets; they are certainly not permitted to speak out. Rather, let them remain subordinate, as also the Torah says; and if there is something they want to know, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for a woman to speak out in a congregational meeting. 1 Cor 14:33,35 CJB (entire chapter for context)

On leadership: Let a woman learn in peace, fully submitted; but I do not permit a woman to teach a man or exercise authority over him; rather, she is to remain at peace. For Adam was formed first, then Havah. Also it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who, on being deceived, became involved in the transgression. 1 Tim 2: 11-13 CJB (again whole chapter) (We, women, are STILL the "weaker vessel.")

1 Timothy 3 goes into "leadership requirements"...all about men.

In various passages in the NT it says we can/should instruct younger women, and of course children. But we are never to assume the role of "spiritual leader/teacher/pastor" over any man.

So, from the teachings of THAT Messianic Jew, who was also an Apostle, and founder of many congregations, conveyor of God's word through the Holy Spirit, whose writings ARE scripture, I would have to say that leadership of women in the church is strictly forbidden, regardless of what any congregations do today, Jew or gentile.

Aside from the use of some Hebrew, the Messianic Jewish (MJ) congregation I occaisionally attend is pretty much just like American Evangelical Protestantism in both worship style and theology.  Their worship is comprised of ~1 hour of singing lead by a worship band and then ~1 hour of preaching.  There is almost no liturgy as you find in synagog services and the congregation is comprised of ~90% gentiles.  Maybe it's different at other MJ churches, but my experience has been that, aside from some spoken Hebrew and some Hebrew dress (yarmulkes, shawls, etc.) it is very "Westernized".  As with any other form of Protestantism, worship style and doctrine will certainly vary from one MJ church to another.

@ Sheitl Queen

"The flaw with that thinking is that most Messianics are gentiles"

How many Messianics really have at least one Jewish parent ?

@ wkirscher

As a matter of fact the "Messianic Jews" is just an ordinary Evangelical movement.

Gudea -
I just want to make it clear that while I disagree with some of the teachings of the MJ movement, I agree with their core beliefs: that Yeshua is the Messiah, that he has come to bring salvation to the world and that we are to go out and boldly proclaim this.  He will soften the heart of those he chooses and they will be open to receiving this Good News.  Who knows .... maybe that is why you are here.  Welcome.

@ wkirscher

The "core beliefs" of the "Messianic Jews" are the same as in any other Evangelical church- and they still claim to practise "(Messianic) Judaism" rather than "Christian fundamentalism".
I am here to tell it.

Goodbye

Almost none. Although some either have  very
distant Jewish ancestors, which they then decide makes
them a Jew, or they find what they believe to be Jewish
background, but no proof.

A few have a Jewish father, less have a Jewish mother.
Mostly it is a gentile movement.




I agree with you. Although many will claim Messianic Jews have
been around since Jesus, it seems to be a movement that really
sprung out of Jews for Jesus.

Earlier Jews who converted to Christianity often did so to avoid
persecution, and the last thing they wanted was to be associated
with Judaism in any form. They became Christians, although you
often seen Messianics calling them "Messianic Jews".