One of the joys of living in Israel is getting to know the Messianic leaders here, but especially those in the Jerusalem area. We have found leaders who have been through the fire, people of grit, and people of integrity. I believe the Lord has brought me to Israel for several purposes. First, to support the new Discipleship Training Program, REVIVE ISRAEL, under the leadership of Asher Intrater. Second, to be available to help Eitan Shishkoff, especially with leadership training. The third is to build relationships with those whose values resonate with ours. Lastly, we are available to travel from Jerusalem to wherever the Spirit leads, mostly on this side of the ocean.

Accountability in Israel

One leading prophet spoke about the effectiveness of the Body of the Messiah in Israel and Jerusalem as limited due to an orientation of independence. To a degree, Israel reflects the independent congregational models that have recently grown up in the West. This is a fragmented or fractured type of Christianity. Though new to the Israeli Messianic scene, I would like to encourage and believe for closer inter-congregational relationships. Mutual accountability and organic connectedness can bring spiritual breakthroughs that will change Israel. This is the model lived out by the apostles, who began in one congregation in Jerusalem. From this grew the worldwide movement for Yeshua. Thankfully, there have been several years of leaders praying together, both nationally and in Jerusalem. It is an important beginning. Genuine covenant accountability can only arise where there is secure trust, a lack of competitiveness and a hunger for shared ministry among leaders.

A Proposal for Integrity

At a conference a year ago, the very esteemed leader, Jack Hayford, proposed that every ministry and organization be invited to join an organization which would certify their meeting standards of real accountability to ethical integrity.

This would not be a governing organization, but like the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability, would examine the governing documents of the joining group, its process for disciplining erring leaders and the standards of ethics that would require such discipline. A level of real accountability would be required for all leaders. In addition, there would be a disclosure of salaries to show that such salaries were not exorbitant according to the standards set by the new society (which would be quite generous). The response to this idea at our conference was quite good. It has not happened yet. Such a basic step would be welcome. Rev. Hayford well saw that there was rampant independence which has led to much abuse. Fallen leaders continue in ministry to the great destruction and wounding of many people. Sometimes whole congregations are lost.

Biblical Accountability

In the Bible, leadership accountability was maintained by an interlinked structure of relationships among leaders and the people. The twelve, who would give leadership to whole movements, were linked in mutual accountability (Matthew 18:15ff). The eldership of the cities where the new faith took root oversaw, at times, tens of thousands of believers. The cities were linked by apostles. All were in submission to the eldership of the city who were themselves in mutual submission and led by a head elder. Since the Reformation, this unity of accountability has broken down, but the Reformers never envisioned fragmentation or independent congregations. They still hoped for one unified Body in each city. Doctrinal differences led to splits, but the ideal still remained. The idea of free enterprise churches with no inter-accountability was inconceivable.

Independence and Unity

One of the great errors of today's movements and new congregational plantings is an independent spirit that contradicts the prayer of Yeshua that we would be one as He and the Father are One. The idea of practical organic unity and joint effort is met with cries of "denomination" as if this is a violation of the Bible! The thought is that we are superior to such linkages. What arrogance! We must build on the wisdom of the past!

There are good and bad structures for unity; some hinder and some foster great growth. Those genuinely led by capable five fold ministers thrive (Eph. 4:11-16). Without unity, there can be little effective congregational discipline for gross sin. The person can simply move on to a new independent congregation. Often a local congregation just does not have the sway to discipline a fallen leader. It is beyond their capability. Outside authority built on established trust is needed.

In addition, strategy and cooperation are keys to bringing about real growth. The pursuit of Biblical unity is crucial for revival. We can be so much more effective together; we need one another.

Fostering Covenant Relationships

Fostering covenant relationships is the beginning of such unity. This is a deep commitment one to another. It requires intimacy. After this comes a sense of mutual submission and accountability. Joint efforts become the heart of those who are covenanted. Some level of government then becomes obviously necessary for these efforts. Those with stronger leadership gifts rise to the occasion. Prophetic people confirm those who are called into the five fold ministry. Once these functions are accepted, there is such life and mutual support that others are drawn to it.

Independent, unaccountable leaders take their stance based on fear and an inordinate desire to fully control their own work. No outside voice is desired. Yet countless lives are deeply wounded when such leaders fall. Congregations that could have been saved are destroyed. Relationships are lost. The progress of the Gospel is hindered. Most of all, there is a violation of the command of Yeshua that we be one. This oneness begins with prayer and the common experience of the Spirit. It is only in His power that we become truly one. Our prayer is that we will see a model of restored unity and power in Israel and especially Jerusalem, that will lead to a great harvest in the Land of Israel, and in many parts of the world. Our leadership team has sought to model these values for over 25 years. May God give us grace to continue to do so. May we be His instruments toward this covenant unity and accountability.

By Daniel Juster