Short of divine intervention, it appears that the Messianic Congregations in Israel are moving toward a major division.

In what is shaping up to become the first official breakdown among the Messianic Jewish congregations in Israel, those of us watching are hoping for the best, but it is not looking good.

Troubles began two years ago when a few Messianic Jewish leaders reported to the Hebrew-speaking Leadership Conference on what they saw as troubling theological positions being promoted by a ministry called Tikkun. Based in Jerusalem, Tikkun has planted and oversees numerous local Hebrew and Russian speaking congregations in Israel. Their leadership remain highly respected by both Messianic Jews in Israel and Christians abroad.

So what’s the problem?

In a word, theology. Positions thought to be held by Tikkun are threatening to divide large segments of Messianic Jewish believers in Israel. Here are the main issues driving the conflict with Tikkun and its leadership: Alignment. Asher Intrater, one of the leaders of Tikkun based in...