The Assemblies of Yahweh is a nonprofit religious organization with its international headquarters in Bethel, Pennsylvania ^[1] which developed from the radio ministry of Elder Jacob O. Meyer in 1966. ^[2].^[3]The Assemblies of Yahweh is the largest cohesive group that consistently uses the name of Yahweh but is not a part of the Sacred Name Movement. ^[4]

Beginning

Elder Meyer left the religion of his youth and began a spiritual pilgrimage that lead to the knowledge of the sacred name of Yahweh. In his search Elder Meyer explored various religious sects including groups using the sacred name.^[2] Finding “widespread disorganization and confusion” ^[5] the doctrines of the Assemblies of Yahweh where published and the organization was officially chartered in 1969.^[2]

Mission statement and membership

In 1969 the Assemblies of Yahweh received its charter from Berks County, Pennsylvania. The core of this charter reads: "Our purpose is to teach and preach the word and sacred Name of our Heavenly Father and the truth of the inspired scriptures, to promote the interest of religion and the spread of spiritual holiness throughout the world."^[6] To be a member of the Assemblies of Yahweh an individual must profess a dedication to Yahweh, be baptised (by submersion) in water in Yahshua’s name, have had the hands of the Elders laid on them to receive the Holy Spirit, maintain a life of total dedication to Yahweh and agree with the group's "Statement of Doctrine."^[5]

Doctrinal beliefs

The Assemblies of Yahweh profess to follow the Old and New Testaments as closely as possible.^[3] This causes the group to be viewed as an admixture of Judaism and Christianity although they do not actually mix Christian doctrines with the teachings of the Scriptures.^[2] They believe that in order to understand the will of Yahweh, the Bible must be harmonized and adhered to as infallible.^[5] The Assemblies of Yahweh professes that the name of the Supreme Being is “Yahweh” and the name of the Messiah is Yahshua. The group adheres to dietary restrictions laid out in Leviticus 11 and Deutoronomy 14 and practices tithing.."^[5]

They proclaim the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath and a period of rest and worship is observed. In addition to the weekly Sabbath the Assemblies observe a number of annual holy days including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Pentecost (Shavuot), the Feast of Trumpets, the Fast of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.^[7] Some matters the Assemblies of Yahweh reject as unbiblical are the Trinity, infant baptism, homosexuality, polygamy, female ministers and eternal hell.

Organizational structure and outreach

The Assemblies are led by a "Directing Elder" and since their inception, this post has been held by Jacob O. Meyer. He is assisted by a group of individuals called "the Work of the Ministry" who assist him in practical matters and provide council on questions of doctrine. There are also "Teaching Elders" ordained to serve as instructional leaders, deacons ordained to serve the needs of the assemblies and missionaries to help spread the faith.^[2] The Assemblies of Yahweh conducts outreach through periodicals, radio and television broadcasts, literature and books.^[8] Among several of the self published books is the Sacred Scriptures Bethel Edition^[9] There is a shortwave radio broadcast via its WMLK radio station and an internet webcast^[10]

Educational

The Assemblies of Yahweh has two educational institutions located in Bethel Pennsylvania:

• Obadiah School of the Bible (1974)^[11]
• Dalet School (1976) ^{[3][12][13][14][15]}

References

External links

• Assemblies of Yahweh Homepage - Official Site of the Organization
• “Sacred Name Broadcaster”