“The Unchurchable”

     According to the Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word used for “church” in the New Testament is “ekklesia”, meaning “a calling out”, and  “a religious congregation”. The early first century churches established by Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul), Peter and others, were mostly small groups of “called out” believers that met in each others homes to study scripture, sing songs of praise, worship and break bread together. They were a spiritual family, sharing their worldly goods, helping and supporting each other, while sharing the good news about the Messiah.  New Believers, both Jew and Gentile, were welcomed into the local spiritual family.

          The word “church” today holds a completely different meaning for some.  In fact, it is a major stumbling block to salvation for many!  There are several groups of people who need to know Messiah Jesus, but are so offended or turned-off by the “organized religion” of today’s churches, that it is a major stumbling block to their salvation, and or spiritual growth.  Let’s consider some of them!

          Those Imprisoned By Tradition!  There is a large group of Gentiles who recognize the false teaching and man-made doctrine of the religion they were raised in, but fear condemnation if they were to seek after biblical truth, in a bible believing church.  They would face reprisals from their family, friends, and live in fear of being sentenced to hell for questioning their religious teachings.

          Those Turned-Off By Organized Religion! Their number is legion!  This group has been turned-off because “organized religion” has failed to meet their spiritual and personal needs, or answer their questions.  They are disheartened by all the different denominations, and doctrinal division, and have come to the conclusion that there is no infallible truth.

          Those Damaged By Cults! - These folks had opened their hearts and devoted their lives to what they believed was the ultimate spiritual truth, only to discover lies, hypocrisy and mind control.  They may have suffered separation from their families, loss of their worldly possessions, and loss of their dignity, in the name of false religion, and often in the name of a false Messiah.

          God’s Chosen People - the Jews!  As the church evolved over the centuries, much false teaching found it’s way in because of heathen tradition and human pride. The Jews were the scapegoats! They have been persecuted, in the name of the church, and in the name of Christ, for thousands of years, so that to most, the name of Christ is not to be uttered except as a curse. Almost all Jews would rather lose an arm that set foot inside a church.  I know first hand how Jews suffer the loss of family, friends and community should they accept Jesus as Messiah.

          Believers have two serious problems!  First, how do we reach these groups with the biblical truth about Messiah Jesus, and His atoning sacrifice upon the tree?  Second, if we do reach these folks, and they accept Jesus, where do we send them to be spiritually fed, and to find fellowship with other Believers?  Most would never set foot  in a church, and those who do find Jesus, may never feel comfortable within today’s Gentile congregations.

          The answer is Bible based “Fellowships” like “The Lions Tribe”!  A “fellowship” is not a church in the modern day sense, but rather fulfills many of the spiritual needs of Believers, in the same manner as the early, first century congregations.  There they can find a spiritual family, where all are welcome - Jew and Gentile, Black or White, Believers or those seeking.  They will be fed with the Word of God, and find a place to use their spiritual gifts.  It is a place to break bread together, praise the Lord and worship. .

          A “fellowship” is a non-threatening environment, with an informal structure, a sense of family, and most importantly, is not a religion.  There are no denominational distractions, and it’s foundation and basis of truth is the written Word of God.  At “The Lion’s tribe”, we teach God’s Word, both the Tenach (Old testament) and the Brit Hadassah (New Testament) from a Jewish perspective, as it was written, which can be comprehended by all, but is not offensive to our Jewish friends and neighbors.

          A “fellowship” is a place to bring family, friends and neighbors who are searching for the truth, have an interest in what the Bible teaches, and not what man thinks.  It is a place where those who have been offended by “organized religion” or demoralized by cults can find love, compassion and salvation.

          This writer, who was at one time one of those who was “unchurchable”, and found Messiah in just such an informal fellowship, over 30 years ago.  I was imprisoned by tradition, saw hypocrisy within my childhood religion, and could not find answers to my questions.  The love and acceptance I found at a home-based fellowship melted my heart, and allowed my defenses to crumble so I could search for and accept the truth of God. Under no conditions would I ever have looked for these things in another “church”.

          If you, or someone you know is offended by or turned-off by “church”, but feel a need to find out what is really true about God, I would like to invite you to visit us at “The Lion’s Tribe”, a messianic fellowship!  

          If you are Jewish, and are curious about why we are so convinced that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah, and want to know what Moses and the Prophets of Israel had to say about him, please come! 

          And, if you are already a Believer, and belong to a church, but have a burden to reach the “unchurchable” within your community, we welcome and appreciate your participation.  You come too!

          For information about our fellowship and meeting place & dates please visit our website at: www.Shiloh-Ministries.org or call us at (631) 864-2932

 Ron Cusano

“The Lion’s Tribe”
Shiloh-Ministries