Vineyard Values
There is a distinct feel to all Vineyard Churches. These values and motivations don't necessarily make us who we are, but they do help us to understand why we do what we do. Here is what Bert Waggoner, USA National Director had to say concerning these values:
What difference do these core values make to the life of the Vineyard? They don’t make us different. They simply refine our understanding of who we have always been and bring to the surface what really is distinctive about the Vineyard—what is at the center of our centered-set movement. They are not new values; they have always been who we are. We must nurture these core values so that they continue to be evident in every Vineyard church. These values give us the reason for our existence. They will not change. As we have defined them, they apply to all our churches in all their diversity and will endure as the Vineyard grows."
THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
EXPERIENCING GOD
RECONCILING COMMUNITY
COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY
CULTURALLY RELEVANT MISSION
Vineyard Genetic Code
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
- Contemporary worship in the freedom of the Holy Spirit
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation
- An active small group ministry
- Ministry to the poor, widows, orphans and those who are broken
- Physical healing with emphasis on signs and wonders as seen in the book of Acts
- 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
- Evangelistic outreach
- Equipping the saints in areas such as discipleship, ministry, serving, giving, finances, family, etc.