What is a Vineyard Church?

Upon hearing of someone attending a Vineyard Church, I immediately began wondering what a Vineyard Church is. Is a Vineyard Church a name of a specific church, a specific denomination, or a conference of another denomination? Is it a completely new and different church style? I had so many questions; I decided it was time for some study on the topic. So upon further investigation, I discovered a little more about the Vineyard Church.

The Vineyard Church is a new, rapidly growing church plant movement. John Wimber was the founding father of the Vineyard Church. He worked with Peter Wagner to establish the Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth. Originally attending and staffing at a Quaker church, the Wimber family decided to plant a new church that was to be known as a Vineyard church in Costa Mesa, CA. This was all happening in the 1970's.

In 1982 Fuller Seminary opened a new course named Signs, Wonders and Church Growth, and this class was taught by John Wimber. This was the first official teaching documenting the Vineyard Church doctrine, purpose and mission. Later that year, in May Vineyard Ministries International known as VMI was started.

As the 80's went on, the founders of the Vineyard Church circulate throughout the world teaching about their new church. The Vineyard Church focuses highly on healing, spiritual gifts and all things of the spiritual realm.

In 1985 the AVC or Association of Vineyard Churches was started and by the next year in 1986, the association has grown to incorporate up to 200 church plants. As the Association of Vineyard Churches grows each year, new staff is hired to oversee the church plants and help them get started.

A magazine was also started to promote the Vineyard Church as underwent several name changes. Some of the publications included: First Fruits, Voice of the Vineyard and Equipping the Saints.

The Vineyard Church set up a Vineyard Genetic Code. This Code notes some common areas of ministry that are carried throughout each Vineyard Church. While each Vineyard Church is not the same as the next, the beliefs and doctrine that are carried throughout each one remain the same.

Some points on the Vineyard Genetic Code include Biblical teaching, clear usage of Spiritual gifts, modern worship, ministry in a small group setting outside of the church service, physical healing, signs and wonders as in the Biblical times, clean mission commitment- at home and abroad, and trying to equip all the church goers with the proper knowledge and tools to send them into their own personal mission field.

After reading more about the Vineyard Church, I still have many questions, and not a very clear view of what the church really is. It appears to be a modern church that focuses on the Bible and its truth while living in the 20th century. Though the church movement is new and growing, it does remain true to the ancient truths stated in the Bible. If you have any questions about the Vineyard Church, visit their website: www.vineyardusa.org. You will find much information and a church locater. You'll never know what a Vineyard Church really is until you visit one yourself!