What is meant by "Messianic" Congregation and are Gentiles welcome?

The term "Messianic" derives from the Word "Messiah." When applied to a Jewish believer, the phrase means he or she is a follower of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior of Israel. Jewish people who have embraced Jesus (Yeshua), refer to themselves as "Messianic Jews." Gentile believers in Messiah (frequently referred to as "Christians") are absolutely welcome to attend Beth Ariel and are spiritual equals with Jewish believers (Galatians 3:28). Gentiles comprise nearly half of our membership and we have many intermarried couples who have found Beth Ariel to be the answer to their often complex spiritual needs. We seek to demonstrate the biblical model of community and fellowship through the "One New Man" Body life principle found in Ephesians 2:14-15.

Is Beth Ariel Jewish or Christian?

It's both, but this requires some explaining: Jesus was Jewish, the disciples were Jewish, the early first century "church" (Messianic movement) was Jewish, and the Scriptures were written mostly by Jews. After all, Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth fulfilled the many messianic prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures describing the coming of the long awaited Messiah. But due to rather tragic historical circumstances, the Jewishness of the faith receded as Gentiles dominated the church and made significant changes in the traditions and rituals that did not follow the biblical model. At Beth Ariel, we strive to maintain a first century approach where Jewish identity, a love for Israel, and sensitivity to the unique cultural needs of Jewish believers is nurtured and balanced with New Testament truth. Beth Ariel is a spiritual home to many interfaith couples and families who desire to meet the challenge of blending the two heritages. Many Gentile families, couples and singles are also members who appreciate the richness of the Jewish roots of their faith.

Are you "Jews For Jesus?"

No. Jews For Jesus is what is known as a "parachurch" evangelical outreach organization. Jews For Jesus is located in San Francisco and has staff members throughout the world. Though in one sense you could say we are "Jews" who are "for" Jesus, we do not identify with that appellation. We are Messianic Jews and are part of a broad movement of God. Messianic Jews now number in the hundreds of thousands. There are over 150 Messianic congregations in the U.S. and over 100 in Israel. You don't have to sacrifice your Jewishness to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  For a full listing of Messianic congregations in the United States and around the world, please visit the congregational directory page of the Messianic Times.

Do you Bar and Bat Mitzvah your children?

We certainly do! We believe this ceremony and celebration is a very important community ritual and spiritual rite of passage for our children. The ceremony provides parents an opportunity to publicly pass on to a new generation a Godly heritage. Beth Ariel offers instruction in Hebrew, biblical studies, traditional prayers, and preparation before the age of thirteen.

Do you have a Sunday School program?

Absolutely! Beth Ariel is committed to a vibrant Sunday school program. Our volunteers are trained and are top quality teachers. We believe that a strong Bible-based Sunday school program is the foundation of a congregation and the chief cornerstone to ensure spiritual growth and maturity.  Messianic curriculum is supplemented to make sure our Sunday School Ministry is well-rounded. We provide nursery and toddler care and classes that range from Kindergarten to elementary all the way up to teens. We also incorporate special events for the teenagers - concerts, bowling nights, etc.

Do you celebrate the traditional High Holy Days?

Of course! We provide worship services for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pesach (Passover Seders) and Purim. We also celebrate Hanukah, the Lord's birth and His glorious Resurrection.

Does Beth Ariel observe the Lord’s Supper and Baptism?

Yes. Immersion in water (baptism) and the Lord’s Supper are signs of the New Covenant commanded by the Messiah Jesus to be practiced and observed by His followers (both Jew and Gentile) during the present age (Matthew 26:26-29; 28:19-20; Acts 8:35-37; I Corinthians 11:23-30).

Do you offer mid-week gatherings and special congregational events?

Yes, we do! Our congregation is spread out due to our uniqueness. Members travel from all over Los Angeles to attend our services. A once-a-week spiritual injection is not enough to sustain and keep us spiritually fit and accountable. To meet this need for fellowship, we have developed "growth groups" that meet weekly and bi-monthly in the evening, depending on the location of the group. The study groups are located in the San Fernando Valley and the Conejo Valley. Contact the Beth Ariel office (818) 610-8600 to find out meeting times and places. Beth Ariel also offers opportunities to fellowship with other couples and families through our regular congregational pot-lucks, couples' ministry get-togethers, women's ministry retreats, and women and men's Bible studies.

Do you have an elder board or other governing body?

Yes, we do! Beth Ariel has an elder board that governs congregational business. We believe an elder board promotes healthy leadership and provides for an accountability structure that pleases the Lord. We also operate under the auspices of Evangelical Free Churches of America (www.efca.org), a governing body to whom we are accountable theologically, morally and financially.