Before completing the application, please read the “Building Community” booklet.
Terms of Affiliation
for
B’ney Yosef North America
Purpose. B’ney Yosef North America (BYNA) is a network of North American followers of Messiah Yeshua who have heard the call to join together for the common purpose of regathering and reconciliation of the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel in North America. These guidelines establish the procedures by which individuals, home fellowships, and congregations may become part of that network by affiliating with BYNA, as well as the benefits and responsibilities of affiliation.
Affiliation Benefits. The following benefits are available to BYNA Affiliates and will expand as our Affiliate network grows. Our use of the terms Apostolic Covering and Apostolic Role (Shaliach – Hebrew for Apostle – sent out one) are in the context of the voluntary nature of affiliation with BYNA. Affiliates remain autonomous in governing their own affairs within the parameters of the BYNA Mishpacha Guidelines. The Elders will act as delegates to administer Kingdom principles with mercy and love to Affiliates.
Apostolic Covering. Affiliates enjoy the spiritual oversight and guidance from the Elders, seasoned shepherds (credentials can be found at the end of this document as an addendum) whose intent is to meet the need addressed in Ezekiel 34:5, “And they were scattered because there was no shepherd. And they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.” This covering includes:
- Counsel. The Elders have vital experience and skills to operate rightly in the “People Business.” These couples offer wise counsel for groups of all levels and their leadership. They have the eye to see leaders among the groups to develop and train, that they may be raised up to be mature leaders in their communities. Affiliates who experience relational, legal, or doctrinal difficulties may call on the Elders for assistance and, if necessary, for mediation between parties in disputes.
- Mentorship. Affiliate leaders may schedule regular face-to-face meetings, in person or via video calls, with the Elders, to receive training, fellowship, encouragement, a listening ear, and overall support. These meetings grant Affiliates the sense of importance, significance, and belonging to the greater whole of this community. In addition, feedback from Affiliates enhances our understanding of what is happening in the community beyond our own vantage point. We are here to support, not to control.
- Leadership Development. BYNA will provide practical training opportunities to equip leaders of home fellowship and congregations. This is especially intended for new leaders who may never have had the benefit of formal ministerial or pastoral training.
- Conflict Resolution. BYNA affiliation offers opportunity to request mediation of issues between and among Affiliates based on the principles of the Mishpacha Guidelines.
Network of support. Affiliates become part of a growing network of communities who are responding to the call to regather the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel in North America. This includes contact information and a communication network to facilitate relationship building. To enhance this network, Affiliate leaders will have opportunity for face-to-face meetings with other leaders, both in person and at regional events, and in virtual meetings.
Summit Participation. The periodic gathering, determined by the Governing Body, of the Affiliates as a whole for presentation and ratification of appointments, policies, procedures, and programs. Affiliates would be encouraged to send leadership or delegates to attend BYNA Summits, to participate in the discussions, offer their suggestions, and have representative voting when called upon. Voting would be one vote per Affiliate. Affiliates do not legislate, but rather affirm or deny. Any amendments will be presented to the Governing Body for review.
Discounts and Preferred Customer Status. Affiliates receive these benefits for merchandise and services offered by BYNA and affiliates that are for sale by BYNA, as well as special affiliate rates for BYNA summits and conferences. BYNA promotional materials, such as banners, which would be available at cost for Affiliates only.
Access to Houtz Scholarship. Affiliates will be eligible to nominate members for the Frank Houtz Scholarship for the Arts.
Access to Weekly BYNA Virtual Prayer Meetings. Affiliates are invited to join BYNA’s Prayer Circle to receive regular updates on prayer points related to BYNA, and to join the weekly prayer meeting held via RingCentral.
Affiliate Responsibilities.
- Affirm BYNA Vision and Mission.
- Abide by the provisions of the Articles of Declaration, Mishpacha Guidelines, and rulings of the Elders.
- Ensure annual Affiliation Fees are paid.
- Participate in BYNA events. One vote per Affiliate when voting is called upon.
Affiliation Process. Affiliation with BYNA is voluntary and invitational. Individuals, couples/families, home fellowships, and congregations who have an interest in affiliating with BYNA may do so by meeting the following requirements:
- Affirm agreement and commitment to comply with the BYNA Vision and Mission statements, the Articles of Declaration, and the Mishpacha Guidelines.
- Submit an Application for Affiliation along with the first year’s annual fee.
Affiliation is provisional upon receipt of the application and annual fee. Full Affiliation status is granted after the application is reviewed for approval.
Affiliation Fees. The intention of requiring fees is primarily to give each Affiliate a sense of official participation. Fees do support the administrative and other work of BYNA, but more importantly, they enable Affiliates to invest in this network of communities of the scattered House of Israel.
Affiliate Fees are based on affiliate size according to the following schedule:
Gatherings of 20 or more members: $150.00
Gatherings of less than 20 members: $75.00
Couples/Family, regardless of size: $40.00
Individual: $25.00
Fees are assessed annually. Payment is due on the anniversary of affiliation. Affiliates who need assistance paying fees may request such assistance during the application or annual assessment process.
Affiliates who are interested in sponsoring other congregations, home fellowships, families, or individuals may contact the BYNA Executive Secretary at [email protected].
Definitions.
Affiliate. An autonomous congregation, home fellowship, family unit, or individual who desires to walk together (associate) with BYNA by aligning with our Vision and Mission, and who agrees to abide by and demonstrate the principles of the Articles of Declaration and the Mishpacha Guidelines.
Apostolic Covering. Spiritual oversight originating from the Elders to provide the services of a Shaliach (Hebrew for Apostle – sent one) for the network of Affiliates. The Elders will act as delegates to administer Kingdom principles with mercy and love to Affiliates.
Apostolic Role. One who walks under Yeshua’s authority to organize, develop leadership, offer guidance to, and, if necessary, provide correction for an Affiliate. This role is transregional, originating from outside the local group to offer unbiased, spiritually discerned counsel. Apostolic authority in BYNA originates from the Elders.
Governing Body. The Elders and the Administrative Council constitute BYNA’s Governing Body.
Summit. The periodic gatherings are determined by the governing body of the affiliates as a whole for the presentation and ratification of appointments, policies, procedures, and programs.
BYNA VISION
The regathering and reconciliation of the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel in North America.
BYNA MISSION
Nurturing those of Hebraic identity in Messiah’s body by fostering reconciliation.
BYNA’s Articles of Declaration and Mishpacha Guidelines can be found in the BYNA Building Community booklet