After all, that’s kind of an odd word to use to define a church, isn’t it? What exactly makes a Vineyard church different than any other church?
Well, to put it simply, Vineyard churches are an association of similar churches across the country that share the same core values and beliefs. This doesn’t mean that they are all exactly the same or that they do things in the exact same manner, but rather that they all value and pursue the same things.
At a Vineyard pastors conference in September, 1992, founder John Wimber taught on 10 areas of ministry that were essential to any Vineyard church. John called these areas the Vineyard Genetic Code because they are the common denominators that identify us as a family. A Vineyard experience typically includes:
• Clear, accurate, Biblical teaching
• Worship time that is relevant and attractive while still connecting people to God
• Spiritual and natural gifts being put to effective use
• An active small group ministry
• Ministry to the poor, widows, orphans and those who are broken
• Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing taking place in the lives of those the church connects with
• A commitment to missions - church planting at home and world missions abroad
• Unity within the whole body of Christ; a relationship with other local churches
• An outward-focused life geared toward pointing people to God
• Equipping people in areas such as discipleship, ministry, serving, giving, finances, family, etc.
For more information, check out this video: http://vimeo.com/831650