“Do you think of the future as something that just happens, or something you help create? Are you leading your congregation into the future or just hoping to keep things together as the future arrives?” These questions shaped the discussion of the recent UMJC leadership couples retreat, entitled “Leading into the Future,” January 10–12, in Nashville, Tennessee. About forty Messianic leaders from around the USA interacted with three UMJC leadership teams on the dynamics of leading intentionally and according to vision. Presenters represented diverse personalities, methods, and philosophies of ministry, but all shared the vision of congregations where Jewish people can encounter Yeshua as Messiah and live for him as Jews.

Discussions drew upon Sacred Strategies: Transforming Synagogues from Functional to Visionary, by Aron, Cohen, Hoffman, and Kelman, a recent book “about eight synagogues that reached out and helped people connect to Jewish life in a new way—congregations that had gone from commonplace to extraordinary” (from the publisher’s website, www.alban.org).

UMJC President Howard Silverman commented, “The retreat epitomized our vision of uniting and strengthening Jewish congregations that honor Yeshua the Messiah of Israel. Given the fact that each presentation included a younger colleague and a number of the people in attendance were in their 20's and 30's, it really was a reminder of the importance of our K20 initiative.”

Retreat participants added their comments: 

“I appreciated the speakers—their openness and willingness to share unselfishly, their good humor, love, and respect for each other.”

 “It was one of the best seminars I have attended. I leave here very encouraged about our future and the importance of the Union.”

“It was anointed and God used this time to deeply touch my life.”

“Excellent! Very relevant and very encouraging. I am so glad I came.”

“Practical, encouraging, awesome!”

Special thanks go to the presenters: Seth Klayman and Aaron Kasdan of Shaarei Shalom, Cary, NC; Rich Nichol and Nathan Joiner of Ruach Israel, Needham, MA; and Ira and Gloria Brawer and Jesse and Janneth Hutcher of Ayts Chayim, Boca Raton, FL. Together they laid out a detailed, accessible, and inspiring vision of congregational transformation in today’s world.