Classic Vineyard

Today one of our team spoke. He has seen vineyard grow and develop from the early years and recounted his memories of vineyard today.

He described what he thought was "classic vineyard". He recounted his memories of going to some of the first Vineyard meetings in the US where John Wimber was meeting in the Gym. Being hit with the worship, no OHPs, Hymnals just a music team being used to lead people into worship. He described it as like being hit with waves of worship.

This is similar to my first experiences of Vineyard where we walked into a small vineyard church and were hit with worship that was like rain to our souls. It brought life and refreshing like rain in the desert.

He went on to describe another aspect of "classic vineyard", the teaching around the "Kingdom of God", that it could break through into our lives today. That God wants to heal, wants to set free and we can invite him to break into lives.

Another aspect of classic vineyard was "mercy", works of grace and mercy, looking after the poor. Described the street parties in the US, where they would bless a neighbourhood with food, fun, music and gifts.

Also that we are to all be involved, its not about the pastor, everyone can pray, everyone can hear, we can do the stuff everyday.

So as a church over the last month we have felt God call us to rediscover our identity, what is at vineyards core. Why are we vineyard?

We worship
We ask and expect to see Gods kingdom break into this one
We actively show mercy
We all do the stuff, see healing, deliverance and abundant life

So another great day at Liverpool St.