The earliest church patterned its interaction as a worshipping community after the synagogal Judaism in which they had been reared and in the norms of which they were comfortable in their relationship with God and with one another. Indeed, their congregations continued to be known as synagogues as evidenced by the words of instruction in James 2:2: "If there come unto your synagogue a man with a gold ring. . ." While the Greek word synagoge is universally translated "assembly" or "meeting" in this text, translators betray their lack of consistency when they translate the exact same word "synagogue" in Revelation 2:9: ". . .the synagogue of Satan." There is much then that we can learn from the first century synagogue about patterns of praise, worship, and service to God which we can effectively employ today.

One of the elements from which we can profit is the Jewish art of yeshiva. The word yeshiva is applied in various ways in the Jewish community, most often meaning a school for Torah and Talmud study. This is in keeping with the Judaic understanding that study is one of the highest forms of worship and with the pronounced emphasis on learning in the Jewish community in general.

Yeshiva in the sense in which it was used in first century Judaism–and therefore most likely in the earliest church–involved the bringing together of groups of people to study and discuss the Word of God and things that pertained to it. The Sanhedrin in the days of Jesus and the apostles was an excellent example of yeshiva, though it tended more toward being a Beit Din (house of judgment) rather than a Beit Midrash (house of study).

When there were questions of what was proper for the Jewish people to do in obedience to the commandments of God, the rabbis met together and deliberated on the subject. This was the way in which Halacha–the way in which the people should walk–was established. The deliberations were very democratic, and issues were settled by a simple majority vote. (Judaism was the first experiment in the democratization of religion and of society). This process underscored the Biblical axiom that "in the multitude of counsellors is safety" (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6).

One of the rabbis was recognized as the leader of the discussion group, the nasi, or prince. He was never considered to be the melek, or king. He was simply the first among equals who had the responsibility of facilitating the dialogue until the group collectively reached an understanding of the will of God on the issue at hand.

One can see this pattern functioning precisely in the New Testament church in Acts 15 where the apostles and elders of the church gathered in Jerusalem to debate the issue of the imposition of circumcision upon the Gentiles. James served as the nasi, coordinated the debate ("disputation" as Luke observed it!), and summarized the conclusion of the collective body.

Believers today can use this New Testament model for searching the scriptures together to discern the will of God for a particular worshipping community. The process is simple: just follow the example of scripture. Gather a small group together. Agree to disagree with mutual respect and affirmation. In order to be effective, a yeshiva must promote total intellectual and spiritual freedom. Be prepared to interrupt and be interrupted as the discussion flows. Do not be afraid of the "heat of the spirit," for the kingdom of God breaks forth as passionate people press into it.

Pray for divine guidance. Open the Bible. Have reference books and other materials readily available. (Refreshments are a good idea–you may be there fore a while!) Begin the process of discussion freely. Let one person serve as a facilitator of the dialogue, not necessarily as a final authority. Full participation should be encouraged, for no one knows which member of the group will have the piece of information that will open a new and clear avenue of thought for the entire group and ultimately facilitate the discovery of the answer. Do not be discouraged if one question merely leads to another question. And, do not be discouraged if the answer is not forthcoming. God wants each member of the group to come to spiritual maturity by learning to think for himself and to take responsibility for his own actions, not leaning on the crutch of some so-called authority.

Above all, enjoy yeshiva as a chance to exercise an important part of your Biblical Judaic heritage!