Section 3–Class 3: How Your Local Church Can Welcome Jewish People

Section 3–The Church and the Jewish People

Class 3: How Your Local Church Can Welcome Jewish People

Teacher: Aaron Abramson

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Class Notes

Examples of Welcoming Churches

• Sarah’s story (upstate New York):
  • Met a Jewish believer at a church
  • Realized: “If you are Jewish and believe, so can I.”
• Nathan’s story (dating a Catholic woman, attended a Baptist church):
  • Experienced genuine love and care from the church
  • Witnessed Christians serving their community during the pandemic

What These Churches Did Right

• They were welcoming to Jewish people.
• They were culturally sensitive and caring.
• They were patient and respectful—no pressure.
• They lived out the gospel in tangible ways.
• Result: They built trust that led to gospel conversations.

Addressing Jewish Hesitations About Church

• Many Jewish people feel wary or suspicious of churches due to history.
• The church should be a comfortable, inviting space for Jewish visitors.
• Balance is key:
  • Avoid overwhelming guests.
  • Ensure they feel welcome and at ease.

Practical Steps for Welcoming Jewish Visitors

• Multiple touchpoints before inviting them to a Sunday service:
  • Social gatherings, lunch/coffee meetups, home groups
  • Events for kids (e.g., Vacation Bible School)
• Host Jewish-focused events at church:
  • Passover Seders
  • Jewish music nights
  • Community service projects
• Be aware of Jewish sensitivities in church:
  • Avoid theological statements implying Jewish people killed Jesus.
  • Avoid replacement theology (teaching that the church has replaced Israel).
  • Be mindful of Christian jargon (e.g., “washed in the blood”).
• Jewish-Gentile couples in church:
  • Many churches have interfaith couples where one spouse is Jewish.
  • Offer support and understanding for the unique challenges they face.

Biblical Role of the Church in Reaching Jewish People

Romans 11

• Jewish hearts are partially hardened, allowing the gospel to spread to the Gentiles.
• Paul affirms that Jewish salvation is still part of God’s plan.
• The church’s role is to “make them jealous”—showing a compelling faith.

How the Church Can Engage With the Jewish Community

1. Build bridges outside the church.
   • Get to know Jewish neighbors and friends.
   • Partner with local Jewish organizations.
   • Join interfaith events (e.g., prayer gatherings for Israel).
   • Serve alongside Jewish people in community outreach (e.g., food pantries).
   • Invite synagogues to partner in shared causes (e.g., homelessness relief).
2. Invite Jewish people to church.
   • Some Jewish people are open to visiting on Sundays.
   • Don’t assume they wouldn’t be interested—extend invitations.
3. Be patient and persistent.
   • Building trust takes time—sometimes years.
   • Keep showing love, respect, and consistency in outreach.

Ministering to Jewish People in the Church

• Assume unbelievers are present in every service.
• Make church language and programming accessible to Jewish visitors.
• Empower Jewish believers to participate:
  • Involve them in worship teams or special events.
  • Ask them to help explain Jewish traditions (e.g., Passover).
  • Jewish believers can help connect other Jewish visitors.

Discipling Jewish Believers

• Jewish believers may wrestle with cultural identity:
  • Should they join a church or a Messianic congregation?
  • Should they keep Jewish traditions?
  • How do they tell their family and friends?
• Support Jewish believers through these questions.
• Offer resources (e.g., connect them with Messianic ministries).
• Help their children navigate identity struggles (e.g., Messianic summer camps).

Ways Churches Can Support the Jewish Community

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Jewish salvation.
• Stand against antisemitism in all forms.
• Support Jewish evangelism and Messianic ministries.
• Show love and solidarity with Jewish people in practical ways.

Life Application

• No matter where you are, your church can impact Jewish lives.
• Loving the God of Israel and loving His people is the greatest testimony your church can give.

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