Adat Eytz Chayim (Messianic Christian congregation)

Adat Eytz Chayim is a congregation in Grand Rapids, MI belonging to Messianic Judaism.

Founding

Adat Eytz Chayim (Tree of life) Congregation was founded early 1999 (5759 by the Biblical Calendar) as a Messianic Jewish congregation. It has five primary objectives:

  1. to propagate the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) "to the Jew first and also to the non-Jew" as outlined in Romans 1:16.
  2. to foster the spiritual growth and discipleship of the congregants while Providing opportunities for fellowship among like-minded believers.
  3. to teach the scriptural and historical foundations of faith in Yeshua, and to worship him in a cultural context as the promised Jewish Messiah.
  4. to restore the "Jewishness" of the Gospels and teach the same to all who make inquiry.
  5. to build bridges of reconciliation and education between the Church, the Jewish people, and the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.

In order to promote these objectives, it pattern its worship services and educational programs accordingly.

Because it is a Messianic Jewish congregation, it does not adhere to nor promote doctrines and theologies that deviate from Messianic Judaism (i.e. British Israelism, Two House, Covenant Theology, Sacred Name, and all replacement type theologies) which it claims are anti-Semitic and/or counter to its set goals and objectives, and as a result, it expects visitors as well as its own constituency to honor and respect its worship patterns and objectives.

Beliefs

The root of the human dilemma is rebellion against God, disobedience has separated us from God and thus from a truly abundant life (Isaiah 59:2, Ecc. 7:20). Yeshua bore the penalty for our violation of God's Torah. In so doing, he fulfilled the prophecies of a sin-bearing Messiah (Isaiah 53:4-6). By entering into the B'rit Chadasha (New Covenant) through Yeshua the Messiah, both Jew and non-Jew have now become reconciled to God and are growing into a holy temple, a spiritual dwelling place for God, with the promise of eternal life (Ephesians 2:11-22, John 3:16).

There is a continuing call upon those born Jewish, who discover Jesus as the Messiah, to grow in their Jewish identity. The previous covenants God made with Israel (e.g. Abrahamic, Mosaic) have not been abolished by Jesus, but brought to their greatest understanding (Zech 8:23, Matt 5:17, I Cor 7:17-18).

Governance

Adat Eytz Chayim has a constitution and by-laws and is registered as a non-profit corporation with the State of Michigan. It has a Board of Directors and a Board of Elders operating in the capacity of administrative and/or teaching. The board meets on a monthly basis to elect officers as needed, set policy, and conduct congregational business. The Board of Elders has the scriptural and legal authority to set congregational policy and rule on doctrinal issues. New elders can be nominated and added to the board by the current Board of Directors as scripture dictates (Acts 14:23, I Timothy 3:1-6, Titus 1:5-9). The Board of Elders delegates authority to committees and individuals in order to accomplish its objectives. These committees and individuals operate as an extension of the Board and therefore are required to coordinate their activities with the Board on a regular basis.

Current Board of Directors consists of Gene Benting, Tim Fegel, Mike Lohrberg°, and Dean VanderMey° and advisor Rick Schantz°. [°also "teaching elders"]

Activities

The Davidic Worshippers dancers are featured in the services the Shabbat prior to each new moon. The Davidic Worshippers dances at other congregations or teaches authentic Israeli dances.

Sevices are held every Shabbat (Saturday) at Wyoming Park Bible Fellowship. During services, Dr. David Stern's Complete Jewish Bible is read as well as incorporating blessings and readings from Jeremiah Greenberg's Messianic Shabbat Siddur. The liturgical worship is followed by Oneg (lunch).

The congregation sends out guest speakers on the history of the Jewish festivals, or other items of interest, or to blow the shofar.