A useful introduction to Jewish ministry today

The Messianic Movement: A Field Guide for Evangelical Christians
Rich Robinson & Naomi Rose Rothstein, Eds.
Purple Pomegranate Productions, 2005
ISBN:188102262
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The Messianic movement - that growing body of Jewish believers in Jesus seeking to live out their faith in a Jewish context – is not a new movment. For many years it was barely noticed by the evangelical church at large. But recent devlopments among Messianic leaders and congregations are catching the attention of a growing number of evangelical leaders. Some of those developments carry profound implications for the work of the gospel, particularly among Jewish people. Christians need to be better informed about this movement described by its practioners as Messianic Judaism.

As with any religous movement, the Messianic movement exists on a fairly wide spectrum of doctrinal distinctives and practice of ministry. Trying to sort through the differences can be a daunting task. But there is help available.

For a general overview of Jewish ministry from congregations to mission agencies, there is probably no better initial guide right now than The Messianic Movement: A Field Guide for Evangelical Christians. In 198 pages you will learn about Messianic congregations, discover what “Torah-observance” really means, and meet many of the major players in Jewish ministry today.

Among several valuable appendices is one called “Rationale for Jewish Evangelism”. That such a subject requires treatment at this late date in Christian history belies the growing ferment within Messianic circles. Sadly, a growing number of Messianic leaders believe evangelical missions to the Jewish community should disappear.

Christians unfamiliar with Jewish ministry may be surprised to learn that the publication of this guide was itself a point of controversy within the Messianic community. One Jewish believer, writing in a major Messianic publication, begain his review of the book with these words: “Jews for Jesus writing a field guide on the Messianic movement is akin to England’s monarch producing a guide-book on America’s New England states. They may have visited and even lived there before, but they certainly aren’t intimately involved or capable of being an expert on it.” When seasoned ministry leaders within one of the leading ministries to Jews are written off as cavalierly as this, evangelicals need to sit up and take notice.

Profound changes are blowing in the winds of Jewish ministry. The Messianic Movement field guide will provide a good starting point for believers who care about the future of the Jewish believing community.