The Assemblies of Yahweh is a nonprofit religious organization with its international headquarters in Bethel, Pennsylvania, United States. The organization developed independently out of a radio ministry begun by Jacob O. Meyer in 1966. The Assemblies of Yahweh is the largest sacred name group, but it is not part of the Sacred Name Movement.
Origin
The Assemblies of Yahweh consider themselves to be the reconstituted Apostolic Assembly that went into dormancy in AD 70. The sect's founder, Jacob O. Meyer, learned about the name Yahweh while he was taking a biblical theological course. As a result, he became convinced of the importance of exclusively employing the names Yahweh for God and later, Yahshua for Jesus. Meyer went on to found the Assemblies of Yahweh in 1969. The organization sometimes refers to itself as "Modern Day Elijah", because, means "My El is Yahweh" ) also alluding to and concerning the return of the worship of Yahweh in the "latter days". The Assemblies leaders call their faith 'True Worship', rather than Christianity or Judaism. They are less commonly known as MessianicIsraelites, possibly based on.
Mission statement
In 1969 the Assemblies of Yahweh received its charter from Berks County, Pennsylvania. The core of this charter reads:
Beliefs
The Assemblies of Yahweh profess to follow the Old and New Testaments as closely as possible. This causes the group to be viewed as an admixture of Judaism and Christianity, although they do not actually mix Christian or Jewish doctrines with the teachings of the Scriptures. They believe that in order to understand the will of Yahweh, the Bible must be harmonized and adhered to as infallible. Members believe it is integral to keep the commandments of Yahweh including the seventh day Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, the holy days as defined in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16, and a diet of clean foods as defined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
Eschatology
The Assemblies of Yahweh believes in a Great Tribulation, a Beast System which is interpreted to mean a world ruling government and synchronistic religion on this earth opposed to Yahweh's commandments and finally, a millennial 1,000 year Kingdom of Yahweh on this earth which will usher an era of productivity, miracles, love, peace and tranquillity through the universal keeping of the commandments with Yahshua the Messiah ruling as King over this world.
Organizational structure
Leadership consists of:
A "Directing Elder", responsible for the spiritual direction of the Assembly.
"Teaching Elders", ordained to serve as instructional leaders.
"Deacons", ordained to serve in the needs of the assemblies.
"Senior Missionaries", consecrated to serve Yahweh in local areas; many times used as local leader and a new-inquirer contact point.
"Missionaries", consecrated to serve Yahweh in local areas to help spread their Faith.
The Assemblies of Yahweh is led by a Directing Elder, originally Jacob O. Meyer. In accordance with his will and last testament, the Assemblies of Yahweh has since been led by two followers: Teaching Elder Jonathan S. Meyer and Deacon Nathaniel A. Meyer. They are assisted by a group of individuals called "the Work of the Ministry" who assist in practical matters and provide counsel on questions of doctrine.
Begun in 1973 as Obadiah Assembly, a class concentrating on public speaking, Obadiah School has continued to grow and today has an extensive biblical curriculum. Centered on the Bible class, each course is biblical in nature. Today the graduates form the core of the Assemblies of Yahweh with many of the graduates going on to lead local Assemblies.
Dalet School
From its rudimentary beginnings in 1976, Meyer designed the Dalet School in the reflection of a one-room schoolhouse. The students are given the ability to hear the instruction of underclassmen and overclassmen. The school today teaches over 40 children and contains classes from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Witnessing
The Assemblies of Yahweh witness in nearly every format available to them. They believe that radio station WMLK will be instrumental in reaching people all over the world and especially those countries that censor their networks or resist religious programs. The Assemblies of Yahweh uses many tools to spread their message across the world and contact individuals.
