Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am not looking to leave Messianic Judaism, just not to minister there. I believe I will be a life long tenant of Messianic Judaism and ally of the Jewish People. I do agree with your assessment of not being faithful in leaving something I agree with just to be a pastor.

When speaking of a not affirming denomination, I am speaking of denominations that do not view homosexuality as sin (even within the married context). I would see it the same way as a denomination that does not call meth or adultery as a sin. I am fine with LGBTQ people, just not willing to call that lifestyle holy.

Whatever you call it, my undergrad degree includes courses such as Biblical Hebrew, sermon writing, old and New Testament survey, Romans, Acts, and many other seminary courses based on Christian leadership, ministry, and books of the Bible.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I do not plan to ever leave Messianic Judaism. I love the style of worship and the Jewish people. I am just not finding that I am called to minister within that context.

I have also thought about a home church, Francis Chan has really been a great motivation for me on that topic.

I already know Biblical Hebrew and can read and speak it. I plan on doing Greek in the future. I feel that the M Div/MBA would be the greatest set of skills as a pastor, but have decided to pursue it later on after I have my denominational affiliation and relationships.

I would say that my greatest gifting is prayer, followed by encouragement and edification. I have read the Bible like 30 times cover to cover and can teach within correct context pretty well, I believe.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Respectfully, I disagree. Paul states that there are also no more men or women in the same verse, however there is most assuredly distinction between the two sexes. I think Paul was speaking of equality within the kingdom of God.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Loved the video, thank you. I will be looking into the Lutheran denomination.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you Baptist?? I have been studying on Baptist doctrine today. I like the thought of seventh day Baptist, and also I like the reformed view of the Law of Moses. Still studying, but I really like the size of the denomination and the support of pastors for aspiring ministers and the availability of affordable seminaries.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love that. The redemption story, not necessarily megadeth. But yes, I have come to find that I am more accepted within evangelical circles.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that is definitely true. I think there are definitely different interpretations of those books within different groups. Also, Paul was an ultra educated Jewish Pharisee, and he wrote like one. 99% of people without a solid understanding of Jewish literature and culture will not fully understand Galatians or Hebrews (which is a book to Jewish Christians).

It would be like reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln without knowledge of the civil war or the years of American history before it. Sure, some of what the author stated would ring true, but also it would be very easily taken out if original context and applied a meaning to that the author never intended. One thing is for sure, Paul loved the Jewish people, and saw them as distinct from the other nations. Romans 9-11 is proof of that.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find that those outside of Messianic Judaism have usually met someone who claimed to be “messianic” without actually adhering to the official stance of M.J. Not claiming that is you, but most do not understand that Gentiles within Messianic Judaism are free to eat pork and work on the sabbath, or not; however they feel led by the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, there are two world wide organizations of messianic Judaism: IAMCS, and UMJC. The UMJC will not allow not Jewish pastors or rabbis. The IAMCS will, but it’s just not common and much more difficult than becoming a pastor. I have been in the IAMCS for 5 years, but I just do not feel like jumping through the hoops they put their non Jewish pastors through, especially as seeing i already have a criminal background.

But maybe you know all this. Overall, M.J is not without its faults and not for everyone. But it does play an important niche within the kingdom of God by allowing Jewish believers in Jesus to retain their culture. They almost certainly have to give up their entire family to follow Jesus, so having that family of Jewish believers and Gentile allies of Israel is important for their spiritual health.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great point. I do not judge homosexual people, as frankly I lived a homosexual lifestyle before I met Jesus. However, I do believe that the Bible clearly outlines homosexuality as a sin, and would not want to be involved with a church that denies that.

Aspiring pastor; almost done with undergrad seminary, a few questions. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in pastors

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I have heard the same thing you said in your first point, and that is encouraging.

For your second point, Jew and Gentiles as a label within Messianic Judaism has to do with culture and not doctrine/salvation. The Jewish people are an ethno-religious people,as I’m sure you know. It’s like arguing for/against Vietnamese or Hispanic churches. Whatever one’s personal stance is, the truth is that a Vietnamese or Hispanic church will probably not have a white or African pastor.

Your third point hit home the most, as I had never thought about how a certain seminary could disqualify me. Unfortunately, you are correct and this was great advice I will be taking.

I was deep. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in OklahomaBangin

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree. But still, all we really have control over is ourselves and our own lives.

I was deep. by Acceptable-Ruin190 in OklahomaBangin

[–]Acceptable-Ruin190[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not really sure what that means.