Once a Christian is convicted to make changes to their faith and proceed on the journey of incorporating their Hebrew Roots into how they practice their faith, they often need to find a different type of community to support them in that. Although it can be difficult, many find they need to leave their Protestant or Catholic Church and seek a congregation that believes and practices similarly.
Going down the river in two canoes
My rabbi described this point in life as going down the river in two canoes – one foot in each. All goes well until you come to a rock. Then you have to choose which canoe to stay in to continue down the river.
Like many in the Hebrew Roots Movement, I had my feet in two canoes. I still do in some areas. But issues came up that were difficult to resolve – holidays, Bible versions, how and what to teach children, etc. and I had to decide which canoe my family and I were going to stay in.
When a rock is approaching
While it’s growing quickly, the Hebrew Roots Movement is still less represented than other traditional Christian faiths. I’ve been contacted by Christians all over the world who have reached the point where they need to stay in the Hebrew Roots canoe but can’t figure out where they belong. Congregations that believe this way can be difficult to find but in less than a 10-year period (the amount of time I’ve been searching for resources in this area), The amount of congregations has grown significantly!
So, if you’re one of those, feeling like you need to get into one canoe and are watching a rock approach, this post is for you! I’ll share ways I’ve discovered to find a Hebrew Roots faith community and maybe one of these ideas will help you find your own!
Use Online Directories
A few organizations have recognized the problem of finding a congregation and created online directories of Hebrew Roots/Messianic Jewish congregations. Not all are listed on these but they’re a great place to start!
- 119 Fellowship Finder
- Answers in Torah Messianic Jewish Congregations Directory
- Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) Directory
- Tikkun America’s Congregation Directory
- EliYah’s Fellowship Finder
- Messianic Metroplex (Texas only)
Plug in to a Bible Study
Torah Club is a deep, in-person Bible study, bringing the Jewishness of Jesus and the Bible back. There’s a good chance there’s a group near you! Find a Club in your area here!
Use a search engine
You can use your favorite search engine or mapping program to find a congregation as well. Search terms such as “Messianic Jewish” or “Yeshua” will be helpful.
The other place to look is on social media. Some smaller congregations may not have a website or be listed in a directory but have a Facebook page, MeWe group, or profile on Instagram. Use the terms above and include the name of your city to help dig up congregations not found elsewhere.
None in your area?
If you’ve searched online and can’t find a community in your area, don’t be discouraged! You’re not alone in how you practice your faith, you just haven’t found your people yet. Keep searching! But in the meantime, participate online with congregations that live-stream or record their services. There are many of these and, like live congregations, the number is growing!
Podcasts and Bible teachings
- Torah Class – podcasts and Bible studies
- 119 Ministries – podcasts and teachings
New to the Hebrew Roots Movement? Find out What to Expect at a Messianic Synagogue here!
I’ll continue to update this post with congregational resources I find. If you know of any not listed here, add them in the comments! Let’s do all we can to connect our fellow believers in Yeshua, our Messiah!
My wife and I have been participating online for about two years with Beth Yeshua International (Macon, GA) and Corner Fringe Ministries (Minneapolis, MN). We have visited both congregations and for about the last year we have been participating in a Corner Fringe Ministries home congregation in Dixon, IL. Two other ministries that we believe are quite good a Grafted Church in Yukon, OK, and Epic Life Church in Terrell, TX.
Im looking to find an Hebrew roots fellowship in London, Ontario Canada
I live in the state of maine. Looking for a church for truth and understanding.
Hello,
Joanne,
My wife and I have 2 children. Most in our congregation have left maine, to Missouri. We are also in Maine. Downeast on the coast.
We keep Shabbat, and usually do our reading on Sat at 2pm.
We are working through Revelation at the moment, very deep in fact.
You are welcome to join us.
if so Reply by email and we will respond.
Thanks
Blessing to you
@Jayne in San Diego. I’m Very interested in connecting with you. I’ve found the same thing to be true. I 100% agree with you. I’ve been to one congregation and it’s as you said. I want to find a like minded person who maybe we can start something together. I just happened to see this blog and your post. Maybe we can be connected through this blog. I’m on FB as Kelly Bowles Chapman. I am in east county. I hope you see this.
Bless You !!
@Jayne in San Diego. I’m Very interested in connecting with you. I’ve found the same thing to be true. I 100% agree with you. I’ve been to one congregation and it’s as you said. I want to find a like minded person who maybe we can start something together. I just happened to see this blog and your post. Maybe we can be connected through this blog. I’m on FB as Kelly Bowles Chapman. I am in east county. I hope you see this.
Bless You !!
Hi I am looking for a Hebrew group near Lancaster, NY. One that worships the Creator only, no one else.
[…] people with a congregation in their area. I’ve compiled the directories I know of in one post, How to Find a Hebraic Congregation, and I included options for an online community in case you cannot find a live one near […]
I moved to Reedsport Oregon seven years ago and have been searching diligently for a fellowship, the closest I can find is Bend Oregon or Lincoln city Oregon both are several miles away if anyone has any idea of a fellowship within 30 miles I would be so appreciated thank you
EliYah.com also has a fellowship finder.
Thank you, Chris!
you are so lucky to live in florida. there is the seed of abraham messianic hebrew roots ministry on merritt island. i wish i could find a fellowship in san diego, ca. there are many messianic jewish congregations but they are jewish and practice jewish traditions and jewish liturgy which does not interest me. i love the torah and all the scriptures thru the gospels, but i’m not interested in any man-made religion, i believe only what is in scripture. and i love the ISR scripture book, that is my bible
This is a wonderful article! Many thanks 🙂
Serra Ileana, I to am in south Florida. Naples to be exact. Where are you? I’m a momma of 7. Walking in Torah for 12 years.
Thank you for your website. It is very helpful! It is also very hard to find a Hebrew roots congregation in South Florida. Will try some of links you have posted.
Blessings and Shalom!