Bishop Justin Elwell

Age: 51

Married: Yes, 29 years

Children: Yes, 2 sons

Residence: ADK Mountains, New York.

Ordination: Messiah Congregation (Washington Mills, NY), and Restoration Fellowship International (Cleveland, TN).

Education: Master of Theological Studies (MJ Studies); Doctor of Theological Studies (Biblical Ethics); Doctor of Theology (New Testament).

Current Research: First Century Jewish Christianity and Gentile Inclusion: 30 CE – 90 CE. Advisor: Karl D. Coke, Ph.D.

Vocation: Messianic Rabbi – Messiah Congregation.

Bishop: Restoration Fellowship International.

Hobbies: hiking (ADK 46er), running, music, books, research, the outdoors, off-grid living.

I am intending to share thoughts on theology, hiking, mensch living (ethics).

As Bishop and Executive Director of Restoration Fellowship International, Justin leads with a commitment to biblical integrity, apostolic faith, and the restorative power of the Gospel. His mission is to equip believers and empower leaders through sound biblical teaching, accountable fellowship, and Spirit-led ministry, fostering a global community rooted in the New Testament pattern of worship, service, and unity. Through servant-hearted leadership, he seeks to restore individuals, strengthen families, and advance the Kingdom of God in every culture and nation.

Clockwise from top left: graduation pic, twining with a young congregant, trail running in the ADK.
Clockwise from top left: meeting young believers on the trail, conference in Tennessee, graduation in India (2016), graduation in Mexico (2017).
Top: Inaugural class of The Sowers School of Ministry, Ndhiwa Kenya, 2012. Bottom right: with Pastor Sam Bakther John. Bottom left: with Bishop Peter Midodo, and his wife, Pastor Rachel.
Clockwise from top left: with Dr. Karl and Pastor Emmanuel Paul, Vellore India, 2016. Dr. Karl with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin, chief rabbi of Efrat Israel. With Dr. John Looper and my son Aidan, Cleveland TN 2019. With Dr. Karl, 2018.

Mountain mensch is, of course, a play on “mountain man,” but it is so much more than that. To be called a “mensch” is a high compliment, similar to being called a “tzadik” or righteous person. While I cannot claim such a status in myself, it is the pursuit of my heart as I follow my Messiah – Yeshua/Jesus.