The Vineyard Movement
The Association of Vineyard Churches, also known as the Vineyard Movement, is a neo charismatic evangelical Christian denomination.[1] Today this movement consists of over 1,500 affiliated churches worldwide.[2] The Vineyard Movement is rooted in the charismatic renewal and historic evangelicalism. Instead of the mainstream charismatic denomination, however, the Movement has preferred the term Empowered Evangelicals to express their roots in traditional evangelicalism as opposed to traditional Pentecostalism. Members also sometimes call themselves as the "radical middle" between evangelicals and Pentecostals. The Vineyard Movement goes by many other names as well, such as the “third wave,” “power theology,” and the “signs and wonders movement.” Some of the Vineyard churches are even connected with the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) movement.
History
The first Vineyard Church was formed when Kenn Gulliksen brought two Bible studies together, both meeting at the houses of singer/songwriters: Larry Norman and Chuck Girard.[1] In early 1975, thirteen groups met at the Beverley Hills Women's club.[2]
In the early formation of the Vineyard Church Movement starting in 1977, John Wimber, an evangelical pastor and teacher on church growth, joined Kenn Gulliksen and founded a Calvary Chapel in Yorba Linda, California.[3] Wimber's teaching on healing and the ministry of the Holy Spirit led to conflict with Calvary Chapel. In a meeting with Calvary Chapel leaders, it was suggested that Wimber's church stop using the Calvary name and affiliate with Gulliksen's Vineyard Movement.[4] In 1982, Wimber's church changed its name to the Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Gulliksen turned over the churches in under his oversight to Wimber. This marked the beginning of Wimber’s leadership of the Vineyard Movement.
Beginning in 1988, Wimber established relationships with prophetic figures such as Paul Cain, Bob Jones, and Mike Bickle who pastored Kansas City Fellowship, an independent church which would fall under the Vineyard banner as Metro Vineyard and later formed the heretical Kansa City Prophets movement. This movement had an early intent of forming 2,000 churches by the year 2000. The stated goal of the Vineyard Movement was to combine the best of evangelical thinking with Pentecostal practices.
The Vineyard Movement has suffered an apparent leadership short coming after Wimber's death on November 16, 1997.[5] However, Todd Hunter, who served as National Coordinator since February 1994 and as acting Director of the Vineyard at the time of Wimber's death, became the National Director in January 1998 and served in that position until he resigned in May 2000.[6] After Hunter's departure, the National Board of Directors named Bert Waggoner of Sugar Land, Texas, as the new National Director. As of 2007, the Association of Vineyard Churches includes over 1,500 churches around the world and this number continues to grow due to a strong preference placed on church-planting within the Vineyard mission.[7] In October, 2011, Phil Strout was selected by the National Board of Directors to succeed Waggoner as National Director in January 2013.[8]
In the early formation of the Vineyard Church Movement starting in 1977, John Wimber, an evangelical pastor and teacher on church growth, joined Kenn Gulliksen and founded a Calvary Chapel in Yorba Linda, California.[3] Wimber's teaching on healing and the ministry of the Holy Spirit led to conflict with Calvary Chapel. In a meeting with Calvary Chapel leaders, it was suggested that Wimber's church stop using the Calvary name and affiliate with Gulliksen's Vineyard Movement.[4] In 1982, Wimber's church changed its name to the Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Gulliksen turned over the churches in under his oversight to Wimber. This marked the beginning of Wimber’s leadership of the Vineyard Movement.
Beginning in 1988, Wimber established relationships with prophetic figures such as Paul Cain, Bob Jones, and Mike Bickle who pastored Kansas City Fellowship, an independent church which would fall under the Vineyard banner as Metro Vineyard and later formed the heretical Kansa City Prophets movement. This movement had an early intent of forming 2,000 churches by the year 2000. The stated goal of the Vineyard Movement was to combine the best of evangelical thinking with Pentecostal practices.
The Vineyard Movement has suffered an apparent leadership short coming after Wimber's death on November 16, 1997.[5] However, Todd Hunter, who served as National Coordinator since February 1994 and as acting Director of the Vineyard at the time of Wimber's death, became the National Director in January 1998 and served in that position until he resigned in May 2000.[6] After Hunter's departure, the National Board of Directors named Bert Waggoner of Sugar Land, Texas, as the new National Director. As of 2007, the Association of Vineyard Churches includes over 1,500 churches around the world and this number continues to grow due to a strong preference placed on church-planting within the Vineyard mission.[7] In October, 2011, Phil Strout was selected by the National Board of Directors to succeed Waggoner as National Director in January 2013.[8]
Statement of Faith
In looking at what any sect or group teaches it is necessary to understand their statement of faith. Looking at a group’s statement of faith will help determine what is right and wrong with a group. However, it is essential to remember that a group is only as good as its statement of faith when that group follows that statement of faith. This is why it is so crucial to look at the origins the Vineyard Churches statement of faith. In doing so, it can be determined where this movement when wrong. In this case, it is in the beginning.
For most of the early life, not until 1994, the Vineyard Movement, Vineyard churches had no official statement of faith. It should be noted that there was a common belief system instead. Reasons why the Vineyard churches did not have a statement of faith in the beginning is due to the following beliefs;
Looking at the above reasons for a lack of a statement of faith for 10+ years with in the Vineyard Movement should raise some serious concerns about the biblical purity of this movement. Movements like the Vineyard churches that have a lack of statement of faith are wide open for unbiblical and cultish teachings, practices and beliefs.
While the Vineyard Movement has a statement of faith today, it is anything but consistent. The Vineyard Statement of Faith is generally considered to be a biblically-based Evangelical Christian profession of faith. However, it has no mention of any issues that are considered to be controversial or divisive. Thus, this statement of faith is a best a feeble effort to develop unity over biblical correctness.
In addition to the Statement of Faith (released in 1994), the church released a statement of "Theological and Philosophical Statements" written by Bert Waggoner in 2004 to clarify the church's position on some issues that had been unclear from the Statements of Faith, including the church's priorities as it relates to worship and Bible study. The church also has published a 10-point "Vineyard Genetic Code," taught to a session of senior leadership by John Wimber in 1992, that outlines the 10 areas of ministry considered essential to any Vineyard church. Rich Nathan has described the Vineyard Movement as part of a "Third Wave of the Holy Spirit.”
With the trend towards "Third Wave" theology and the 10-point ", Vineyard Genetic Gode” there should be serious care and concern given when or if one is thinking of joining this group.
For most of the early life, not until 1994, the Vineyard Movement, Vineyard churches had no official statement of faith. It should be noted that there was a common belief system instead. Reasons why the Vineyard churches did not have a statement of faith in the beginning is due to the following beliefs;
- The demonstrative teaching of John Wimber, who effectively direct the tone and doctrinal beliefs of the Movement
- A desire to express the "low-key," "low-pressure" environment of the church that encouraged people to "come as you are"
- Specifically, de-emphasizing any atmosphere or actions that could be considered patently dogmatic.
Looking at the above reasons for a lack of a statement of faith for 10+ years with in the Vineyard Movement should raise some serious concerns about the biblical purity of this movement. Movements like the Vineyard churches that have a lack of statement of faith are wide open for unbiblical and cultish teachings, practices and beliefs.
While the Vineyard Movement has a statement of faith today, it is anything but consistent. The Vineyard Statement of Faith is generally considered to be a biblically-based Evangelical Christian profession of faith. However, it has no mention of any issues that are considered to be controversial or divisive. Thus, this statement of faith is a best a feeble effort to develop unity over biblical correctness.
In addition to the Statement of Faith (released in 1994), the church released a statement of "Theological and Philosophical Statements" written by Bert Waggoner in 2004 to clarify the church's position on some issues that had been unclear from the Statements of Faith, including the church's priorities as it relates to worship and Bible study. The church also has published a 10-point "Vineyard Genetic Code," taught to a session of senior leadership by John Wimber in 1992, that outlines the 10 areas of ministry considered essential to any Vineyard church. Rich Nathan has described the Vineyard Movement as part of a "Third Wave of the Holy Spirit.”
With the trend towards "Third Wave" theology and the 10-point ", Vineyard Genetic Gode” there should be serious care and concern given when or if one is thinking of joining this group.
Teachings
By understanding both the history and the statement of faith, what the Vineyard churches teach makes more sense. There are certain aspects of the Vineyard Movement’s teachings that are suspect, if not entirely non-biblical. Members of the Vineyard Movement often rely on “experience with God” rather than following the Bible as the standard for faith and practice. Because of this, they teach that if what they do “works” pragmatically, then it must be from God. Additionally, the Vineyard Movement promotes various practices that have more in common with the occult and the New Age movement than with biblical Christianity. Some Vineyard Movement churches have been known to include “inner healings,” contact with familiar spirits, aura readings, and psychological programs.
Along with the problems mentioned above the Vineyard Movement tends to promote certain spiritual gifts such as healing, casting out demons, and binding Satan as the more desired gifts. In contrast, Paul warns us in the bible to stop desiring the “showy” gifts and understand the nature of love. The Vineyard Movement promotes exactly these things, encouraging Christians to think of themselves as greater than others by virtue of the sign gifts they believe they possess.
By promoting sign gifts and other “showy” gifts over biblical teachings and doctrine, the Vineyard church Movement in essence is denying the Great Commission and the very atoning work of Christ on the Cross. This argument can be made because movements like the Vineyard churches take and place man and what he can do with specific signs, wonders and gifts of the “spirit” over what Christ has done for us on the Cross. More times than less in movements like this, what is missing the most are the Biblical Gospel and the Christ of the bible. Instead, what is taught is a man centered, new age, mystical belief of occultic proportions.
While the initial goal of the Vineyard Movement, to combine solid evangelical theology with Pentecostal expressions of the Holy Spirit, was admirable at best. However, that is not the direction the Vineyard Movement has, for the most part, followed. This wayward direction first can be seen with the lack of a statement of faith in the movements birth and now today with its even more confusing attempt of clarification.
The Vineyard Movement increasingly emphasizes the miraculous gifts of the Spirit and de-emphasizes the need to use the gifts of the Spirit as the Bible instructs. The Vineyard Movement in its goal to “allow the Spirit to move in ways we do not expect,” has allowed doctrines and practices to infiltrate its ranks to which the Holy Spirit is opposed. The Vineyard Movement could be considered a theological cult in many of its teachings and practices. The Vineyard Movement is an example of what happens when followers of Christ have good motives, but lack the commitment to submit to the Word of God and to hold to proper biblical theology and doctrine
Along with the problems mentioned above the Vineyard Movement tends to promote certain spiritual gifts such as healing, casting out demons, and binding Satan as the more desired gifts. In contrast, Paul warns us in the bible to stop desiring the “showy” gifts and understand the nature of love. The Vineyard Movement promotes exactly these things, encouraging Christians to think of themselves as greater than others by virtue of the sign gifts they believe they possess.
By promoting sign gifts and other “showy” gifts over biblical teachings and doctrine, the Vineyard church Movement in essence is denying the Great Commission and the very atoning work of Christ on the Cross. This argument can be made because movements like the Vineyard churches take and place man and what he can do with specific signs, wonders and gifts of the “spirit” over what Christ has done for us on the Cross. More times than less in movements like this, what is missing the most are the Biblical Gospel and the Christ of the bible. Instead, what is taught is a man centered, new age, mystical belief of occultic proportions.
While the initial goal of the Vineyard Movement, to combine solid evangelical theology with Pentecostal expressions of the Holy Spirit, was admirable at best. However, that is not the direction the Vineyard Movement has, for the most part, followed. This wayward direction first can be seen with the lack of a statement of faith in the movements birth and now today with its even more confusing attempt of clarification.
The Vineyard Movement increasingly emphasizes the miraculous gifts of the Spirit and de-emphasizes the need to use the gifts of the Spirit as the Bible instructs. The Vineyard Movement in its goal to “allow the Spirit to move in ways we do not expect,” has allowed doctrines and practices to infiltrate its ranks to which the Holy Spirit is opposed. The Vineyard Movement could be considered a theological cult in many of its teachings and practices. The Vineyard Movement is an example of what happens when followers of Christ have good motives, but lack the commitment to submit to the Word of God and to hold to proper biblical theology and doctrine
[1] Despite the fact that some might see denominational labels as divisive, the founder of the movement John Wimber said "The Association of Vineyard Churches – for better or worse – is a denomination." Nigel Scotland Charismatics and the New Millennium (Guildford: Eagle, 1995).
[2] Vineyard official history page
[3] Bill Jackson, The Quest for the Radical Middle: The History of the Vineyard (1999):78.
[4] Jackson, Bill (1999). The Quest for the Radical Middle. Vineyard International Publishing. ISBN 0-620-24319-8.
[5] Vineyard official history page
[6] Jackson, Bill. "A Short History of the Association of Vineyard Churches" in Church, Identity, and Change: Theology and Denominational Structures in Unsettled Times. David A. Roozen and James R. Nieman, Editors. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2005. ISBN 0-8028-2819-1. p. 136.
[7] Vineyard Boise , Introduction to The Quest For the Radical Middle by Bill Jackson
[8] The Board of AVC selects new National Director
[9] Vineyard official history page
[10] Official announcement of Phil Strout as new National Director, Vineyard USA website. Last accessed 2012-03-07.
[2] Vineyard official history page
[3] Bill Jackson, The Quest for the Radical Middle: The History of the Vineyard (1999):78.
[4] Jackson, Bill (1999). The Quest for the Radical Middle. Vineyard International Publishing. ISBN 0-620-24319-8.
[5] Vineyard official history page
[6] Jackson, Bill. "A Short History of the Association of Vineyard Churches" in Church, Identity, and Change: Theology and Denominational Structures in Unsettled Times. David A. Roozen and James R. Nieman, Editors. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2005. ISBN 0-8028-2819-1. p. 136.
[7] Vineyard Boise , Introduction to The Quest For the Radical Middle by Bill Jackson
[8] The Board of AVC selects new National Director
[9] Vineyard official history page
[10] Official announcement of Phil Strout as new National Director, Vineyard USA website. Last accessed 2012-03-07.
