Reflections on LCJE-NA March 2005
By Pastor Dan Strull, Olive Tree Congregation
So, what led me back to the LCJE-NA annual conference after a nine-year hiatus? I am a congregational leader by trade, not a front-line evangelist. As an under-shepherd it is easy to get caught up in the care of God's sheep at the expense of actively pursuing those God desires to add to the flock. I hoped that attending the conference would help me maintain the primacy of actively reaching our people with the gospel of Messiah Jesus. I was not disappointed and returned from the conference energized to in two ways: I was both encouraged and concerned.
Great encouragement came from many sources throughout the conference. The daily concerns of pastoral ministry can sometimes dull my vision for seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Spending three days with a truly diverse (male/female, Jewish/Gentile, Dispensational/Reformed, etc.), and wonderfully creative group of people who are united in their passion for reaching Jewish people with the gospel is a great way to boost one's morale. Hearing Bodil Skjøtt's paper on "Orality and Jewish Evangelism" encouraged me to remember the value of story in preparing effective sermons. Other presentations provided thought-provoking perspectives on everything from communicating the gospel in a post-modern society, to a radical reinterpretation of the problem addressed by Paul in Galatians. Perhaps the greatest encouragement came through time spent schmoozing and/or arguing with dear brothers and sisters in Messiah over a meal (lots of good sushi!), a walk to the local Starbucks, or just standing around during the breaks.
The conference also left me with several concerns that have profound implications for my ministry within a Messianic Jewish congregation. I appreciated Pastor Jerry Tankersley's willingness to speak about the PCUSA's Israel divestment policy. (I was also impressed by the loving and courteous restraint shown by the LCJE members in their interactions with Pastor Tankersley!) However, his presentation clearly revealed the profound blindness and anti-Jewish thinking that still exists among professing Christians. I left determined to reassess and increase the effectiveness of our own congregation's outreach to our non-Messianic brothers and sisters in Christ for the sake of promoting a genuinely Christ-centered, scriptural appreciation for our people and the land of Israel.
As if we do not have tzuris enough from those "outside the camp," issues of concern were raised from "within the camp" as well. The lively and sometimes heated discussions surrounding Stan Tellchin's newest book, and the Christianity Today article "Jacob vs. Jacob" highlighted what appears to be a growing schism within the wider Messianic Jewish community over the issue of evangelizing our people. Because the LCJE seeks to be a broad-based organization, my understanding of the issues was enhanced because people representing both sides (to a limited extent) were present to critique each other. However, greater clarity not withstanding, I have a growing concern over the apparent theological drift way from biblical orthodoxy in hamartiology, soteriology, and ecclesiology, reflected by those in the Messianic movement who want to distance themselves from the church and deny the validity and value of Jewish missions. I was struck afresh by the LCJE-NA's importance as a forum for discussing these issues and a vehicle for maintaining/ promoting a biblical position on them to the church.
Returning to the LCJE-NA meeting was definitely a good idea. The fellowship, encouragement and dialogue over these vital matters has stirred my heart and renewed my thinking regarding outreach and our relationship to the church at large. The encouragement and the concerns have energized me in my service as pastor of the Olive Tree Congregation. Should the Lord permit, I look forward to my involvement in the LCJE in the years to come, and would definitely encourage other congregational leaders to get involved as well.
Dan Strull
dan@olive-tree.org