Rabbi Eric & Barb Carlson

Congregation Zion’s Sake

Rabbi Eric Carlson is founder and shepherd of Congregation Zion's Sake located in Newport News, Va. Congregation Zion’s Sake is a "One New Man" (Ephesians 2:15) Messianic Congregation where Jew and Gentile break down the wall of enmity and worship together as “One in Messiah”. Through a prophetic vision from God he was called to spread the “Good News” of the Jewish Messiah according to Romans 1:16: “To the Jew First”, to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy, and to reach the lost and hurting among the Nations.

Eric is a native of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Theology degree. He attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, retiring in August 2003 after 22 years of decorated service in the Submarine Force. Responding to God’s call he founded Congregation Zion’s Sake in May 2000 and entered full time ministry upon retiring from Naval Service.

Eric serves on the Board of Directors for Messianic Vision, the “River of Life” and “Hope Charitable Services”. He also serves as the Spiritual Advisor for the Williamsburg, Virginia Chapter of the Woman’s Aglow.

Eric is host of “Torah Chai”, a daily Radio program on the Oasis Network and has been a speaker at MJAA conferences, the regional Woman’s Aglow retreats, college commencements, and numerous ministry outreaches in the United States, Israel, Africa, and Russia.

Eric is married to the former Barbara Patterson of Altoona, Pa. Barb teaches Israeli and Messianic Worship Dance and leads the Congregation Zion’s Sake Dance Team. She has led her Dance team on several mission trips to Russia and has taught dance nationally at the MJAA South Eastern Conference several years in a row. Eric and Barb have 4 children (Amy 21, Jendi 18, Tyler 15, and Erica 11) and reside in Newport News, Va.