Messianic group says Jewish evangelism can complete the Great Commission
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2003
By Kelly Davis

PHOENIX (BP)--Sharing the Gospel message with the Jewish people in order to complete the Great Commission is their main purpose, the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship's president said at a June 16 meeting in Phoenix.

And Southern Baptists have an opportunity to play an integral role in assisting the fellowship achieve their goal, said Steve Barack, rabbi at B'nai Ohr Beth Tefilah, a Messianic fellowship in Lindenhust, Ill.

"The size and influence of the Southern Baptist Convention gives us the opportunity to evangelize more people," Barack told about two dozen people attending their 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. gathering. The fellowship met prior to the June 17-18 SBC annual meeting in Phoenix.

"If Jewish evangelism becomes a focus for Southern Baptists and matches the biblical mandate of ministering to the Jews first, then we can fulfill the Great Commission together," Barack said.

In addition to assisting local Messianic congregations to increase in size, Barack said the fellowship also encourages partnerships with Southern Baptist churches.

The group affirmed purpose statements discussed at an executive meeting last October and Barack appointed fellowship member Robin Rose of Dallas to spearhead a committee to draft a permanent mission/purpose statement to be presented at a late fall executive committee meeting.

The purpose of the fellowship is "three-fold," Barack said.

First, the fellowship exists to promote Jewish evangelism. Second, the fellowship promotes Messianic congregational planting. Third, the fellowship acts as an ambassador to the Southern Baptist Convention.

Speakers at the Messianic Fellowship meeting included R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.; Jim Sibley, coordinator of Jewish ministries for the North American Mission Board; and Doug Metzger, director of NAMB's Strategic Focus Cities initiative.

Officers elected for 2004 are Barack, president; Jorge Sedaca, Southfield, Mich., vice president; Diana Owen, Dallas, secretary; and Penny Isbell, Bessemer, Ala., treasurer.
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