Every church has a story
Every church is unique in its practices, people, and understandings of the Bible.
Here you will find information about the history, values and distinctives that are part of Vineyard churches globally.
Vineyard History
The history of the Vineyard stems from a hunger to know spiritual satisfaction in a world that cannot offer fulfilment. Today, the Vineyard Movement is a family of churches around the world, distinct in cultures but held together with the same values, and Spirit.
The Jesus People Movement & The First Vineyard Church
In the 1960s, the Jesus People movement emerged in the U.S. among hippies, many of whom were searching for the spiritual fulfilment of God but not finding it in the alternative cultures of the day. The first Vineyard church was founded in West LA in 1974 and grew rapidly. In 1975, the first Vineyard churches were established and led by Kenn Gullisken for five years. By 1982, there were at least seven Vineyard churches.
A Movement and Its Teaching
John and Carol Wimber joined Calvary Chapel and soon became key figures in the Vineyard movement. In 1982, John was recognised as the leader of the Vineyard churches, which became the "Association of Vineyard Churches." John Wimber was a former pop musician who found faith through a Quaker Bible study. John Wimber greatly influenced Vineyard theology and practices until his death in 1997.
John Wimber’s understanding of church ministry was influenced by theologian George Eldon Ladd's writings on the kingdom of God. John began teaching his church to practice all biblical gifts of the Spirit, combining evangelism with healing and prophecy. Vineyard Anaheim grew as the congregation experienced the Holy Spirit's power, leading to significant growth and renewal. John emphasised a balanced approach, integrating both Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic traditions. He pastored the movement with wisdom, encouraging a balance between the Word and the Spirit. His influence is documented in Bill Jackson's book, "The Quest For The Radical Middle," and is evident in movements like The Alpha Course and New Wine.
A Global Network, Including Australia
Today, the Vineyard movement has over 2400 churches worldwide. Calling themselves "empowered evangelicals," they blend Evangelical traditions with Pentecostal/Charismatic practices, guided by Core Values to plant churches and serve communities. The Vineyard's mission is to create "outposts of the kingdom of God," caring for the poor, healing the sick, worshipping God, and doing the work Jesus did.
The first Australian Vineyard Churches were planted in 1995, in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. After congregations and numbers of people grew, the Association of Vineyard Churches Australia was officially formed in 2003. Peter and Kathy Downes were appointed as National Directors in September 2003, serving until April 2016. In June of the same year, Kirk and Nichole Delaney commenced serving as National Directors.
Vineyard Values
Our values give meaning to what we do, inspire and inform our actions, and form the central priorities of our culture. Vineyard values position Vineyard churches in the larger body of Christ, helping to define what it means to be "Vineyard".
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Vineyard Churches Australia Values can be found through the button below.
Vineyard Distinctives
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Vineyard churches are set apart in character by a set of distinctives that are captured in easy-to-remember sayings. This helps to remind us of Jesus's teachings and the biblical instruction about how to live life following Jesus well, reflecting the Vineyard 'flavour' of the Church.