Messianic Jewish leaders from all over the United States converged on Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the UMJC’s midyear Excellence in Ministry retreat December 7-9. The UMJC is probably unique in the Messianic Jewish world in not only requiring continuing education for its leaders, but also supplying continuing education free of charge, to promote excellence among veteran leaders and newcomers alike.

This year’s retreat focused on the Messianic future, featuring presentations by a number of gifted younger leaders. Nathan Joiner, a rabbinical intern at Ruach Israel in Needham, MA (partially funded through the UMJC internship program), spoke about mentoring and being mentored. He summarized the process for mentors in three phrases: look up, to gain and impart vision to the one being mentored; look out, for opportunities for the mentee to serve and to become established in ministry; look within, for the timing and ability to turn significant areas of responsibility over to new leaders. Nathan led participants in a lively discussion on applying these lessons within their home congregations.

Joshua and Monique Brumbach spoke on the new American Jew, highlighting differences and similarities between the Boomer generation (now in their 50s and 60s), Generation X (in their 30s and early 40s), and millennials (in their teens and 20s). One commonality is that all three have deep spiritual needs, which Messianic Judaism has great potential to meet. To create spiritual homes for all of them, Josh and Monique asked leaders to look beyond the status quo and embrace change in numerous ways, including:

• reevaluating the content and structure of services,
• providing multiple points of connection beyond the main service,
• getting quality feedback from those we are trying to reach and serve, especially those who do NOT come back to services,
• finding ways to connect more deeply and authentically with the wider community.

Britta Phillips, a young cantor with UMJC member congregation Beth Emunah in Agoura Hills, CA, led an experiential seminar based on the traditional Jewish afternoon prayers. In addition to the powerful impact of the service itself, the seminar also demonstrated the power of play and innovation to touch people in fresh and unexpected ways. Rather than just encouraging leaders to renew their services, Britta provided a living example.

Participants evaluated the entire seminar very favorably. One leader summed up the sessions in one word, “Dynamic!” and especially liked “the cutting edge approach to a topic, which is a little scary.” Another noted, “Inspirational, motivating, informative. This will work on the ground.” Several leaders especially appreciated the time allotted for discussion and interaction, although they would have liked even more time.

The seminar and its leaders demonstrated that the Messianic future is already upon us in the person of some gifted young leaders, and that it holds tremendous promise to reach many more Jewish young people with the life-changing message of Yeshua.

The UMJC is offering a free follow-up webinar by Josh and Monique Brumbach on "Creating Spiritual Homes for the New American Jew," with Nathan Joiner and Britta Phillips as panelists, on Tuesday, January 5, at 8:00 PM EST. For more information and registration, click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/348332371.