What are the Standards of the UMJC?

The UMJC has created core beliefs as well as chartering standards for congregations that choose to become members of the Union. These standards are held with the utmost sincerity and help the Union pursue its objectives as a single unit.

Basic Standards: All congregations and fellowships who seek membership in the UMJC shall commit themselves to the following:

1. We believe the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of G-d.
2. We believe that there is one G-d, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of the L-RD Yeshua, the Messiah, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the believer is enabled to live a godly life.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in the L-RD Yeshua, the Messiah.
8. We believe in the process of discipline and conflict resolution taught in Matthew 18:15ff, as applicable to all congregants and leaders.
9. As Jewish followers of Yeshua, we are called to maintain our Jewish biblical heritage and remain a part of our people Israel and the universal body of believers. This is part of our identity and a witness to the faithfulness of G-d.

Member Standards: Criteria for chartering Messianic Jewish congregations, fellowships and non-congregational ministries:

1. The applying congregation is to be in agreement with the Standards and willing to abide by the By-Laws of the UMJC.
2. The applying congregation shall have at least 10 Messianic Jewish members* (By definition, a Messianic Jew is a Jewish person who has repented and received Messiah Yeshua as his or her own personal atonement.)
3. The applying congregation shall have met for the entire year immediately preceding application.
4. The applying congregation shall be meeting at least weekly on Erev Shabbat or Shabbat.
5. The applying congregation shall submit a copy of its By-laws or other governing document with its application, which shall contain a process for removal of members and leaders for scriptural cause.
6. The applying member shall have a minimum of three leaders who meet the scriptural qualifications.
7. The applying congregation shall select 2 delegates from among its leaders to be its official representatives to the UMJC.
8. Any group not meeting the above requirements but endeavoring to do so, shall be eligible for associate membership upon application, provided that it has a minimum of two leaders who meet the scriptural qualifications.
9. Any group not qualified for full membership or associate status may apply to be an affiliated fellowship, and upon approval shall have observer status only. *Members are defined as those who are committed to the Congregation as their primary center of worship, in financial support and regular attendance. [Revised in June, 1998]

Statement on Scripture:

In accord with our conviction that “the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of G-d,” we see all of its texts as true and authoritative in what they teach. [Adopted June 2004]

Statement on the work of Yeshua:

Yeshua is the Messiah promised to Israel in the Torah and prophets. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He provided the atoning sacrifice that gives assurance of eternal life to those who genuinely trust in Him. Jewish people, along with all people, need the spiritual redemption that is only available in Messiah Yeshua, and need to put their trust in Him and His sacrificial work. Our role as a union of congregations is to embody the message of life and redemption through Messiah in the context of the larger Jewish community. [Adopted June 2004]