What is the Vineyard

The Idea to use the word "Vineyard" as a name for a church came out of the Gospel of John, in the passage where Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard. He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches." (John 15:5) But what is a Vineyard church? Where does it come from? What does this church believe? What differences are there between a Vineyard church and other Christian churches? Why are we starting Vineyard churches in Norden?

A Christian Church Movement

Vineyard is a Christian "evangelical" church movement. Evangelical churches believe and confess: One God as Creator of heaven and earth, the Bible as God's revealed Word and final authority, the incarnation of Jesus Christ as the act of God becoming a man, Jesus Christ's death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus Christ as Lord and the only way to the forgiveness of sins and eternal live with God etc. The Vineyard is an international church movement, or "church family". It consists of churches in many different countries that have a relationship with other Vineyard churches in an international fellowship network. The goal of the church family is to give support and encouragement to churches and to the church leader. Those who have chosen to be part of the Vineyard church network have done so because they identify with the values, which the Vineyard holds, and with the church lifestyle to which the Vineyard aspires. These pastors have faith in the leadership, which exists within the movement, and want to serve in a close relationship with other leaders who are likeminded. The first Vineyard churches in Norden were the Oslo Vineyard and the Stockholm Vineyard, which were both started in the autumn of 1992. Since 1992 many other church-plants have begun or been adopted by those who want to have a relationship with the Vineyard church family of Norden. Individual churches are autonomous (or independent), but function in close relationship to other Vineyard churches and other Vineyard leaders in Norden, through regular leader's meetings and personal contacts.

A Church Family with Common Values

Christian churches have at the most basic level a common confession in which Jesus Christ is the "corner stone". Every congregation or church family has, however, its own distinctive character and personality. Different churches emphasize different values, and often prioritise different aspects of Christian lifestyle in their teaching and in their fellowship. A few things which are emphasized and to which we aspire in the Vineyard are for example:

A devoted love for God, which is expressed through worship, music and creativity.
Biblical teaching that is practical and down-to-earth but which is still theological and well founded.
A church life in which God's presence is the center, and in which God's Holy Spirit characterizes our fellowship.
An informal and relaxed fellowship environment in both the services and the smaller "house-groups" where friendship and brother- and sisterhood can be built.
An environment of training in which Christians can be helped to grow in character and in their ability to serve others with the gifts of the Spirit.
A simple and non-dramatic style in which our interaction is characterized by authenticity and openness.
A love for our fellow human beings, which is expressed by unselfish service to others.
A warm and open fellowship where both spiritual seekers and Christians from other churches feel welcome and respected.

A Part of the larger People of God

A fundamental attitude, which is important for the Vineyard movement, is the recognition of the larger People of God, and a respect for the different church movements that exist. In other words, we do not want to be an elitist or sectarian movement that sees itself as God's only effective tool. The Vineyard is rather seen as just one tribe among God's larger people, a small expression of God's church in the world, a branch in the great garden of the Kingdom of God. No church that exists is alone capable of reaching the whole of its city, or the whole of its country with the gospel of Jesus Christ. All of the different churches are necessary because of their unique manner and personality. All of the different parts of the Church, the body of Christ, need each other. For this reason, Vineyard leaders are encouraged to seek regular contact and fellowship with other Christian churches and pastors in their area.

A Church-Planting Movement

A number of people are open for the Gospel and are therefore attracted to the churches that already exist and find their spiritual home without problem. But there are many people who have a personal faith in God and who are open for the Gospel, but do not find a home in any of the churches that already exist. Sometimes it seems as though they are receptive towards the Gospel's content, but have been put off by the "package" - the outer form and structure. A conviction within the Vineyard movement is that new congregations are needed in order to present the same Gospel in a new "package". Multiplicity and variation among the churches is needed in order to reach the enormous variety of different people with different lifestyles and cultures that exist, not least in Norden. Church planting has statistically been proven throughout the world to be one of the most effective methods of bringing people to faith, and for the Kingdom of God to expand in a community. Church planting is therefore encouraged even within cities where there are already Christian congregations.

A Renewal Movement

Older, more established churches are like treasure chests, filled with the wealth of experience and history - a wealth of faithful people who are good examples for Christ, a wealth of music and musicians, and often a broad wealth of ministries and material resources. At the same time, the need may arise for new inspiration, new life and renewal in the midst of this great wealth. The majority of Vineyard churches are relatively new, and have, therefore, greater possibilities for testing and appropriating new forms for their meetings, new structures and new styles of music etc. There is much less need to take into account older and more established forms of worship. It is therefore easier to encourage and make room for new things, which the Lord wants to do in the church. A wealth of new life grows out of this environment, and can be a resource for more established churches. The leaders in the Vineyard have the support of many leaders in other churches for their role as a renewal movement of this type. For this reason, conferences, weekend meetings, training seminars etc. are arranged in which older congregations and Vineyard churches can work side by side. In the final assessment we wish for the Kingdom of God to be enlarged, and we all need each other in this wonderful task, which we have been given by God.

A Small Part in the Big Mosaic of the Kingdom of God

In conclusion, one could say that the Vineyard is just a small part among other beautiful parts in the big mosaic of the Kingdom of God in which the image of Jesus Christ is taking form, in which the name of Jesus Christ is above all other names, and in which all honour belongs to God!