Logo Copyright © 2007 NCCG - All Rights Reserved
Return to Main Page

RESOURCES

Disclaimer

Introduction

Symphony of Truth

In a Nutshell

Topical Guide

5-144000

5 Commissions

10 Commandments

333 NCCG Number

144,000, The

A

Action Stations

Agency, Free

Alcohol

Angels

Anointing

Apostles

Apostolic Interviews

Apostolic Epistles

Archive, Complete

Articles & Sermons

Atheism

Atonement

B

Banners

Baptism, Water

Baptism, Fire

Becoming a Christian

Bible Codes

Bible Courses

Bible & Creed

C

Calendar of Festivals

Celibacy

Charismata & Tongues

Chavurat Bekorot

Christian Paganism

Chrism, Confirmation

Christmas

Church, Fellowship

Contact us

Constitution

Copyright

Covenants & Vows

Critics

Culture

Cults

D

Deliverance

Demons

Desperation

Diaries

Discipleship

Dreams

E

Ephraimite Page, The

Essene Christianity

Existentialism

F

Faith

Family, The

Feminism

FAQ

Festivals of Yahweh

Festivals Calendar

Freedom

G

Gay Christians

Gnosticism

Godhead, The

H

Heaven

Heresy

Healing

Health

Hebrew Roots

Hell

Hinduism

History

Holiness

Holy Echad Marriage

Holy Order, The

Home Education

Homosexuality

Human Nature

Humour

Hymnody

I

Intro to NCCG.ORG

Islam

J

Jewish Page, The

Judaism, Messianic

Judaism, Talmudic

K

KJV-Only Cult

L

Links

Love

M

Marriage & Romance

Membership

Miracles

Messianic Judaism

Mormonism

Music

Mysticism

N

NCCG Life

NCCG Origins

NCCG Organisation

NCCG, Spirit of

NCCG Theology

NDE's

Nefilim

New Age & Occult

NCMHL

NCMM

New Covenant Torah

Norwegian Website

O

Occult Book, The

Occult Page, The

Olive Branch

Orphanages

P

Paganism, Christian

Pentecost

Poetry

Politics

Prayer

Pre-existence

Priesthood

Prophecy

Q

Questions

R

Rapture

Reincarnation

Resurrection

Revelation

RDP Page

S

Sabbath

Salvation

Satanic Ritual Abuse

Satanism

Science

Sermons & Articles

Sermons Misc

Sermonettes

Sex

Smoking

Sonship

Stewardship

Suffering

Swedish Website

T

Talmudic Judaism

Testimonies

Tithing

Tongues & Charismata

Torah

Trinity

True Church, The

TV

U

UFO's

United Order, The

V

Visions

W

Wicca & the Occult

Women

World News

Y

Yah'shua (Jesus)

Yahweh

Z

Zion


    7
    Conditions for Membership

    in the Messianic Evangelical Community
    Third Edition (April 2013)


    If you have surfed onto this page looking to meet Messianic Evangelical members, investigators and friends, please go to our main discussion network page for further directions.

    Catechumenical and Probationary Membership

    1. A person wishing to become a member of the Messianic Evangelical Community must apply to the Pastor of a local assembly, a traveling evangelist or apostle/emissary if there is no fully organised assembly in his region, and fulfill the following conditions:

    • 1. He must have been truly born again of the Ruach haQodesh/Holy Spirit (Jn.3:3-8; 1 Pet.1:23), accepting Yah'shua the Messiah/Jesus Christ as his personal and only Saviour (Ac.13:23; Eph.5:23; Phil.3:20; 1 Tim.1:1; 2 Tim.1:10; Tit.1:4; 2:13; 2 Pet.1:11), and have a fixed and immovable desire to walk in obedience to all the mitzvot/commandments (Mt.5:19; 19:17; Jn.14:15) and live in the holiness of the Master Yah'shua/Jesus (Rom.6:22; 1 Cor.1:30; 2 Cor.1:12; 7:1; Eph.4:22-24; 1 Tim.2: 2,15; Heb.12:10,14);

    • 2. He must have repented of - and be in the continuous daily lifestyle process of repenting of - all known transgressions against the Torah/Law of Messiah (Mt.3:2; Mk.1:15; 6:12; Lk.13:3,5; 15:7; 17:4; Ac.2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20; 2 Cor.12:21; Rev.2:5,16; 3:3,19; 9:21) in the spirit of Chag haMatzah (Feast of Unleavened Bread) and have made whatever restitution he can for wrong-doing to others (Ex.22:3,5-6,11-12,14; Lev.5:16; 6:5; 24:18; Num.5:7-8);

    • 3. He must be baptised into the Master Yah'shua the Messiah/Lord Jesus Christ and into the New Covenant of Messianic Israel (Mk.16:16) by full immersion in water (Jn.3:23; Mt.3:6,16; Ac.8:36-38) by the Pastor, one of the Zaqenim/Elders of the local assembly, an Evangelist, his local Bishop/Overseer, or the local Apostle/Emissary, who shall, dressed in white clothing (if possible) (Rev.3:4,18; 6:11; 7:9,13-14; 19:14), first pray to Yahweh and then:

      • 3.1. Address the candidate before the witnesses present, and ask: "Have you truly repented of all your sins?" If the candidate replies, "Yes", with a pure conscience, a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the Zaqen/Elder shall ask: "Are you willing to take upon yourself the Name of Yah'shua the Messiah, having a determination to serve Him to the end?" (1 Pet.4:14; 1 Thes.1:9; Mt.24:13; Heb.6:11; Rev. 2:26) If the candidate replies, "Yes", he will be invited to bear his testimony of the Messiah Yah'shua and of his call to be a covenant part of Messianic Israel before the congregation. The congregation will then be invited to receive the candidate into fellowship as a baptised member by a simple show of hands. If there is any objection, a discrete enquiry will be made until all are satisfied. If there are no objections:

      • 3.2. The administrating Elder shall stand in the water with the candidate, and with upraised right hand, say: "Having been commissioned by Yah'shua the Messiah/Jesus Christ, I baptise you into the Messiah Yah'shua and into the New Covenant of Messianic Israel in the Name of the Father Yahweh, and of the Son Yah'shua, and of the [Sevenfold] Ruach haQodesh. Amen" (Mt.28:19), and then fully immerse the candidate (NC&C 135);

    • 4. He must have reached the age of accountability, be able to discern between good and evil, and be able to make a conscious decision for Messiah/Christ (NC&C 295; Phil.1:10). Children less than 8 years old who are capable of making a reasoned decision for Messiah/Christ shall not normally be accepted as baptismal candidates without a special dispensation from the local Bishop/Overseer or, in his absence, the local Apostle/Emissary (NC&C 185).

    • 5. Baptisms by immersion performed by ministers of other denominations shall be considered as valid baptisms into Messiah and into the covenants of that part of the Body of Messiah into which they were formerly baptised, but such baptisms shall not be considered valid for membership in Messianic Israel which also requires a covenant to be Torah-obedient (observing the weekly luni-solar Sabbath, Seven Annual Festivals, to wear tzitzit (men) and head-coverings (women), Yahweh's Kashrut dietary laws, etc.).

    • 6. In common with the practice of the sub-apostolic Messianic Community, when the Body of Messiah was no longer one owing to various schisms, a candidate shall not be admitted to the ordinance of baptism until he has acquired a basic knowledge of the Besorah/Gospel (Mt.13:11; Phil.1:9; Col.1:10; 1 Tim.2:4; 2 Tim.2: 25; 2 Pet.1:5; 3:18) and has obtained a testimony from the Ruach haQodesh/Holy Spirit that he has been called into this part of the Messianic Community (Jn.3:11; 1 Jn.5:9).

      • 6.1. Those earnestly seeking to do these things may be admitted as catechumens or investigating members (the first of three stages of membership) by enrolling in the School of Goyim {Catechumens} where they are taught the tenets of the Apostles' Creed (see §D). The duration of instruction will depend on their individual backgrounds and understanding.

      • 6.2. The ordinance of baptism represents the second stage of membership in Messianic Israel as a fellowship, covenant community and organisation, and is the seal of the covenant of discipleship, which is that the candidate shall take upon himself the Name of Messiah/Christ and seek to be obedient to all of Messiah's/Christ's mitzvot (commandments - New Covenant Torah) with all his mind, might and strength.

    • 7. The ordinance of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, confirmation or Chrism (which follows a year later after baptism) (Ac.8:14-17; 19:1-6) and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Ac.2:42; 20:7) are not administered immediately after baptism but are subject to the fulfilment of other conditions that follow;

    • 8. The candidate must make a public declaration of his faith in, and commitment to, the Master Yah'shua the Messiah/Lord Jesus Christ, testify that Yahweh has personally called him into this part of Messianic Israel, and promise to uphold the latest edition of the Constitution, be obedient to its statutes and his Pastor, his local Bishop, the Local Apostle responsible for his assembly, and directives given by the Patriarchate, as a condition of his membership;

    • 9. He must remove his name from the records of all other church or religious organisations (i.e. cancel his membership therein) and give his whole allegiance to the Messianic Evangelical Community (Ac.20:28);

    • 10. A child or youth under the government of his parents who are in opposition to his being baptised should carefully weigh up all considerations and act according to the mitzvot/commandments, his conscience, and the personal revelation of Yahweh to him (Ac.11:14; 16:15,31,33; 18:8; 1 Cor.1:16; 16:15).

    • 11. Any man or woman complying with these requirements shall be considered a probationary (baptised) member of this Messianic Evangelical Community in good standing.

    Full Membership in the
    Messianic Evangelical Community

    A person wishing to become a full member of the Messianic Evangelical Community by taking Bar/Bat Mitzvah (confirmation, chrism) and by actively participating in the Lord's Supper (NC&C 135), and thus qualify for eventual Priesthood Ordination must fulfil the following requirements:

    • 1. He must demonstrate that he has been walking in holiness (set-apartness) and purity before Yahweh and the members of his local assembly for a minimum of one year from the time he became a regularly enrolled as an active catechumen, and have set a good example as a believer to the world (NC&C 201; Heb.12:14);

    • 2. He must be able to demonstrate that he has made good progress in mastering his senses and passions, treating his body like a Temple of Yahweh (1 Cor.3:16-17, 19; Gal.5:24; Tit.2:12; 3:3), in that:

      • 2.a. He has not smoked, sniffed or chewed tobacco for one year;

      • 2.b. He has not drunk alcohol for one year (NC&C 9);

      • 2.c. He is conscientious and doing his best to live as healthy a lifestyle as he can according to his abilities and resources by abstaining from the consumption, injection or sniffing of poisonous, addictive or carcinogenic chemical stubstances or drugs in food, drink, cosmetic applications, etc. (e.g. caffeine);

      • 2.d. He has not been microchipped, tattooed or otherwise had contact items inserted and has taken what steps he reasonably can to have the same removed;

      • 2.e. He has been morally clean and chaste and has lived a sexually pure life for a minimum of one year, being true to his marriage covenants in thought and deed, or being celibate in heart and body if he is single (Mt.5:8; 2 Cor.11:2; Phil.1:10; 2:15; 4:8; Tit.1:15);

      • 2.f. He is trustworthy, holding peoples' confidences, is not a gossipper (i.e. shuns Lashon Hara), and does not talk indiscriminately to others about sacred matters or about others' private lives (Ex.18:21; Prov.13:17; Lk.19:17; Rom.1:29; 2 Cor.12:30; 1 Tim.3:11; 5:13; NC&C 269);

      • 2.g. He has been a good steward over his resources, giving generously to Yahweh's treasury and is willing to faithfully live the Law of Tithing (2 Cor.9:7; Ps.37:26; 112:5; Prov.11:25; 22:9; 2 Cor.9:11; 1 Tim.6:18; Mk.12:41-44) by contributing a third of 10% to the ministry, a third of 10% to the poor and a third of 10% for the annual festivals;

      • 2.h. He must be seen to be a true and faithful servant to the local assembly of which he is a member, supporting and upholding those in authority over him in ahavah/love and righteousness (Lk.2:51; Ac.6:7; 2 Cor.2:9; 7:15; 10:5; Phil 2:8; Tit.3:1; 1 Pet.1:14);

      • 2.i. He must be seen not to be contentious and argumentative, but meek and humble in all things (Mt.5:5; 11:29; 18:4; 23:13; Eph.4:2; Phil.2:8; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet.3:8; 5:5-6);

      • 2.j. He must accept all the Laws of Israel, including her strict courtship and marriage laws and practices, which follow a three-fold unfolding called Dedication (NC&C 197; 284) (equivalent to "engagement", which is a declaration of intent), Betrothal (binding marriage contracts without sexual contact -- NC&C 174) and Full Marriage (NC&C 78);

      • 2.k. He must complete, if physically and mentally able to, the School of Israel course, Foundational Studies of the Bible, understand and accept all the principles therein, be firmly grounded in its doctrine, and be able to show his pastor his completed work booklets (2 Tim.2:15);

      • 2.l. If a woman, she must have consistently observed the apostolic regulation to wear a head-covering in public meetings when praying or prophesying and generally in public (NC&C 6; 1 Cor.11:1-16) (received by girls at the age of 12 at Bat Mitzvah) as a sign of her submission to her husband (whether she wears this at home shall be decided by her husband) or father (if she is unmarried); if a man, he must have consistently observed the Torah regulation to wear tzitzit (tassels) in public (received by boys at the age of 12 at Bar Mitzvah) as a sign of his submission to Yahweh's Torah (Num.15:37-41; Dt.22:12; Mt.9:20; 14:36) and to his father before he is married;

      • 2.m. He must have demonstrated cleanliness in mind, heart, and body, having also a clean and orderly home (NC&C 30; Rev.15:6; 19:8,14);

      • 2.n. He must have observed the apostolic regulations governing hair (NC&C 71; 1 Cor.11:6,14-15) and dress (NC&C 5; 1 Tim.2:9; 1 Pet.3:3-5);

      • 2.o. He must have satisfied his teacher(s) in the Sabbath School(s) of which he is a member that he has a mature doctrinal understanding of what Bar/Bat Mitzvah (confirmation, Chrism) and partaking of the Lord's Supper means (NC&C 135; 1 Tim.4:16; 6:3-4; 2 Tim.4:3; Tit.1:9; 2:1);

      • 2.p. She, if married, must be submissive to her husband in Torah-righteousness (1 Pet.3:5-6; Eph.5:22-23) and he, if married, must show respect for his wife (1 Pet.3:7) and love her (Eph.5:25,28,33);

      • 2.q. If he has children, he must demonstrate that he is teaching them to obey him in Torah-righteousness (Eph.6:1; Col.3:20; 1 Tim.3:4);

      • 2.r. He must demonstrate that he is living in harmony with his brethren and sisters in Messiah in mutual submission to the emet (truth) in compassion and humility (1 Pet.3:8; Eph.3:18; Col.3:12-14);

      • 2.s. He should be bringing forth an important fruit of Christian/Messianic discipleship, viz. a loving and warm heart mingled with generosity of spirit (NC&C 298; Heb.13:1; 2 Cor.8:2; 9:11);

      • 2.t. He must have obtained the spirit of hospitality, being eager to share the fellowship of his home with his brethren and sisters in the covenant (Rom.12:13; 1 Tim.5:10; 1 Pet.4:9; NC&C 342; 3 Jn.1:8; Ac.16:15);

      • 2.u. In short, he must have been a probationary member in good standing in his local assembly/colony for a minimum of one year since the day he enrolled as a catechumen (1 Thes.3:8; 1 Pet.5:9).

    • 3. A probationary member having fulfilled these conditions may approach his Pastor for an interview. He will be interviewed by his local Pastorate. If the Pastorate judges him worthy, he will (if possible) be referred to his Bishop/Overseer where he will be interviewed again by the Bishopric (1 Cor.3:13; 1 Tim.3:10; Rev.2:2; 2 Cor.2:9; 8:8; 13:5-6; Gal.6:4). If found worthy, he will be called to give a further public testimony and may then receive Bar/Bat Mitzvah/confirmation/chrism by the laying on of hands (Ac.8:18-19; 1 Tim.5:22; 2 Tim.1:6; Heb.6:2), apoointment of tzitzit or headcovering by his local Bishop/Overseer before an assembly of his local assembly and participate in the weekly (or monthly) Lord's Supper unless he has a father who is a member in which case it is the father's prerogative and duty to perform this. (In the absence of a Bishop/Overseer he will be confirmed by an Evangelist, Apostle, Missioner, or local Pastor, depending on the organisational status of the assembly of which he is a member).

    Excerpts from the provisional Messianic Evangelical Constitution - revised and expanded 21 December 2009 and 14 April 2013


    Note: MLT (Mischpachah Lev-Tsiyon) is distinguished from local Messianic Evangelical asseblies as a voluntary fellowship under higher covenants living together having all things in common in proto-Firstborn communities separated from the world - members of Messianic Evangelical Community live in their own homes in cities, towns and villages in the world under their own private economic management. Membership in an MLT community is not normally granted until adequate testing has taken place in an ME local assembly to determine worthiness over an extended period of time. A minuimum requirement for entry is usually that an applicant from the ME Community has served faithfully for a minimum of one year as a Deacon or Deaconess, possesses a pastoral recommendation and has served for a probationary period (usually a minimum of one year) in an MLT community.


    Further Reading

    [1] How Do I Join ME? Advice for Seekers after Truth


    This page was created on 6 February 1997
    Updated on 14 April 2013

    Copyright © 1987-2013 NCCG - All Rights Reserved