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#26176
Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:11 PM
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Needs to get a Life
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I've recently been told that someone I know is leaving their church to join the Vineyard Community of Churches. Can anyone tell me something about this church and a man named John Wimber?
Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
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Wes, I think the link below should provide you with some info. on Wimber and the vineyard movement...more charismania basically. www.discernment.org
tj
"-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..."
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Persnickety Presbyterian  |
Persnickety Presbyterian Joined: Sep 2003
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Wes said:
I've recently been told that someone I know is leaving their church to join the Vineyard Community of Churches. Can anyone tell me something about this church and a man named John Wimber? Wes, The Vineyard churches are charismatic. The movement was founded in 1982 by John Wimber, who left Calvary Chapel because he had become convinced that the charismatic gifts are available today. Their website: http://www.vineyardusa.org.
Kyle
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.
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Two words: Toronto Blessing <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/flee.gif" alt="" />
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
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SemperReformanda
While it is true that the Toronto Airport Church (Toronto Blessing) used to be in the Vineyard movement. They were too radical even for the Vineyard movement and were kicked out.
Tom
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Tom,
I actually didn't know that. Don't Vineyard churches still do the slaying in the Spirit type stuff though?
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
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Needs to get a Life
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I actually didn't know that. Don't Vineyard churches still do the slaying in the Spirit type stuff though? I don't actually know that. I suspect that may vary from Church to Church, much like it varies in Pentecostal Churches. One thing I learned when I was a Pentecostal, is that even with in the same denomination affiliation, there are varying degrees of beliefs among the Churches. I attended one Pentecostal Church for instance that if it wasn't for the name on the Church, until you attended a prayer meeting, you could think you were attending an Arminian Baptist Church. Tom
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Aside from the theological orientation which, as the other posts have described, is mainline charismatic, the Vineyard churches tend to appeal to younger people. They have a very relaxed, informal atmosphere, even for charismatics. I still remember in the 90's when I lived in Miami, Florida, that I had neighbors who were Vineyard members. On Sunday morning I would see them leaving home wearing jogging shorts and T shirts and I didn't know if they were going to church or to the beach! Not that what you wear to church really matters--God sees the heart--but it was unusual for my Presbyterian eyes.
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I want to thank those of you who made comments about the Vineyard Churches and provided links to further info. I have learned a lot from the info you've provided. It appears that the Vineyard church's focus is on the modern church growth movement which puts a great amount of emphasis on increasing membership numbers and being trendy. I read in their theological and philosophical statements that their purpose is to build and maintain The Vineyard USA which is committed to and models the Vineyard convictions, values, priorities, practices, and leadership standards..... which includes bringing renewal to the larger Church of Christ around the world. It's interesting to me that the Vineyard Church movement began in 1994 and is just writing their statement of beliefs yet they believe they can renew the church around the world. Sounds like a teenager who wants to tell their dad he doesn't know how to run the business.
They state that it is their desire to be very relevant to our culture. They call this "culture current." Which they describe as creating an atmosphere of ease, and to speak, act, and dress in ways in which our culture can respond positively. For example they also want to reflect this value through worship music that is of a popular style. I found support for what many here have suggested regarding their charismatic leanings. They state that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended for our day as they were practiced in the NT. In their own words they write: "We aim to move in the signs of the present fulfillment of the kingdom, invoking the Spirit's powerful presence, ministering through the Spirit's gifts, and seeing God heal and work wonders."
I'm concerned for my friend who is leaning toward joining this church.
Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
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Wes
One minor correction, I believe the VineYard movement began before 1994, because I read somewhere that Keith Green was involved in the movement. He died around 1982-1983 in a plane crash.
If I understand the movement’s roots, back then it was only mildly charismatic.
Tom
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Thanks for pointing that out Tom. In the material others posted on this thread it only went back to the early 90's. However, I did a little further research and found this: History of Vineyard Community Church"I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing." - John 15:5 In 1974,the Lord brought together several musicians meeting together in Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, to begin a new ministry called the Vineyard. The first meeting began as a small Bible study group in the home of Chuck Girard (from the musical group "Love Song"). Soon, other Vineyards also began with similar priorities: - Worship
Relationships
Personal and Outward Ministry
Those who make up the church include:
Musicians
Students
Homemakers
Military personnel
Professionals and...
Others whose lives have been changed by God's love and mercy
In 1982, John Wimber (from the musical group "The Righteous Brothers") led the Vineyard Movement into an extensive and fruitful relationship with others: American denominations The Church of England Churches in Europe and Africa Underground Churches in Europe, Asia, and China In the winter of 1993, the Vineyard became a denomination called the Association of Vineyard Churches. The Vineyard Community Church began in the winter of 1994 by Pastors Andy and Sharon Meade along with several other families. Andy and Sharon Meade are both ordained and have been in the ministry for 18 years. For the past seven years they have co-pastored Vineyard Community Church - Virginia Beach, which they planted in January 1994. With a worship attendance of 800 and with nearly 300 first time decisions for Christ each year, Vineyard Community Church is among the largest churches in Virginia Beach and one of the Association of Vineyard Churches most evangelistic churches. It also received the recognition in 2001 as one of the nation’s best protestant churches in a study sponsored by the Lilly Endowment. Before starting Vineyard Community Church, Andy and Sharon served as assistant pastors under Todd Hunter for three years at Vineyard Christian Fellowship - Virginia Beach. Andy received his Bachelor of Arts of Religious Studies from the University of Arizona in 1986. In 1992 he received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Education from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Sharon received a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in 1984 and received a Master of Education in 1987 from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia while also serving as adjunct education professor at Regent University Wes
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
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