why a messianic congregation?

Beth Ariel Ottawa is a messianic congregation, which is a local chapter of Beth Ariel originating in Montreal, Canada. We are Jewish and Gentile believers who worship Yeshua and view the Scriptures through the lens of a Jewish perspective and spiritual heritage of Israel. 

Beth Ariel falls under the umbrella of Ariel Ministries Canada and Ariel Ministries, founded by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum on December 1, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas to evangelize and disciple Jewish Christians while emphasizing the importance of Bible doctrine and theology. The name, "Ariel," means "Lion of God" in reference to Messiah Yeshua as the Lion of Judah. 

The term messianic comes from the word Messiah. Messiah is the anglicized form of the biblical Hebrew word Mashiach, which means “anointed one”.  The term messianic can be used in the same way as the word 'Christian' is used, since Christ, in Greek, also means the 'anointed one'. 

Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus) however, will very often choose to call themselves “Messianic Jews” because it further defines their ethnicity as Jewish and avoids using the term “Christian” since this word has had a delicate and negative history in relationship to the Jewish people.

Just as there are many types of teaching or styles of worship that fall under the banner of “Christianity”, the same is true of messianic. It would be wonderful for example, to say that all messianic congregations or that all messianic Jewish believers held to the same doctrine and even the same belief concerning the deity of the Messiah Yeshua, but they do not. Messianic congregations also differ in their style of worship, their orientation to Torah, and to their understanding of rabbinic authority.

We at Beth Ariel Ottawa believe that diversity of worship style in the various congregations poses no problem, however we always advise people to read our "Statement of Faith" while investigating a messianic congregation since the term “messianic” can take on a much broader or diverse theological platform than one might have thought.

1. Our focus is sound Biblical teaching from the Messianic perspective that highlights the true and real Jewish Messiah, Yeshua, as well putting Israel back into her rightful place in the Scriptures, prophecies, promises and plan of God.

2. To focus our attention on the Scriptures, in light of Israel - Past, Present and Future.

3. To encourage us to recognize and celebrate the biblical Feasts of Israel in relationship to Messianic Prophecies in definition of our current position in end time prophecies.

4. To promote the weekly gathering and uniting of the one body of Jews and Gentiles in the worship of Messiah Yeshua.

5. To evangelize and share the gospel with the Jews and the Gentiles, that many may be saved.

6. To offer discipleship, preaching, and development of Biblical spiritual growth, character and wholesome living. 

7. To glorify God and enlarge His kingdom in all we do. 

We believe the Jewish people are God’s chosen people, elected by Him to be a holy nation and kingdom of priests.   God’s choice of Israel is irrevocable, despite the nation’s rejection of Yeshua the Messiah at His first coming.

If you feel you need some support, or godly counsel, we know that discipleship that doesn't include healing and restoration is not complete. We are here for you. Whether you are facing life decisions, tough choices, or freedom from bondage, vices, or strongholds hindering your intimacy with God or relationships with others, we will support you however we can. If we can't help you, maybe we can refer you to a resource that can. Just contact us and we will reply as soon as we can. 

On occasion, leaders from Beth Ariel or other ministries may come and bless us with their word and teaching, in line with solid biblical doctrine, most likely from a messianic perspective, and/or one that blesses Israel.

We can come to your church and speak about the Jewishness of Jesus, current events concerning Israel, how Christians can bless Israel, and celebrate the Biblical feasts of Israel and provide you with top-notch teaching on these topics and more. 

For more information, please read our Statement of Faith. and reach out anytime to our leader and pastor Charles Shefler through 'Contact us" or email us at info@betharielottawa.ca