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.
The Bible reveals who God is, and it's how we know the things we know about Jesus (who reveals exactly what the Father is like). As confusing and extraordinary as the Bible can be, it will always lead us to God. We can call it our "plumb line" - it keeps us straight and true. So we teach the Bible, main and plain.
Jesus announced and demonstrated the Kingdom of God, the restoring of God's reign and rule over the earth where all things will be made new. It's here NOW. It's also not completely here - it's NOT YET fully here.
As we hold this tension, we have a theology for signs and wonders, and also suffering and pain.
This is a simple but central prayer in all our gatherings and services. With Holy Spirit we are empowered people of God's kingdom. Holy Spirit is always present but we invite Holy Spirit to empower us for the work God has for us to do in our mission field - right where we are, in that very moment. And it's a simple reminder that it's His power, not ours, that will change lives.
Before anything else, we are worshippers of God. We spend our time, energy, focus, and love on God. We give Him the best of all we have.
Following Jesus' example, at the core of the things we do for others, we care for the poor, the outcast, the outsider, and those who are lost, those who are in need both physically and spiritually. We are all in need in some way, so we care for and serve one another.
This is loving God, and loving others.
We have all experienced brokenness and pain. We all look and sound different. None of us have it "all together". So whatever state you're in, whether you believe the same as us, whether you're alone or part of a family, you'll be accepted and loved when you come to Vineyard.
We are all learning and growing. At Vineyard, we believe Jesus changes us, so we partner with that and say 'yes'.
Throughout history God has performed extraordinary miracles. When Jesus came, he brought the power of God's kingdom to stay with us, and demonstrated that power through healings, raising the dead, and setting people free. As His people, we can go about our everyday lives empowered to do the same extraordinary things. We can be our normal selves, and let God do the amazing through us as we pray for His presence and power to come - even in the simplest of circumstances.
Signs and wonders were a major component of Jesus' ministry and he taught and released others to do it too. In Vineyard, seeing the Kingdom released (things made new) in other's lives is not just for the person up-front. Everyone is given gifts, the skills, and the commission (calling) to serve God. As a result, everyone can "do the stuff" - everyone can pray and see Holy Spirit signs and wonders - it's the work of all Jesus followers.
While there is certainly a level of being taught and understanding theology in the midst of ministering to others, one of the best ways to learn how to be effective in ministry is to hang out with someone who is a step or two (or ten) ahead of you. Like children, we learn through playing (being a part of it) and practice (having a go). And of course, asking Jesus for wisdom.
Jesus himself equipped his followers, then they taught the next generations of Jesus followers. We invest in ourselves and others who love Jesus to be equipped to do ministry. Not only 'doing the stuff' but teaching others to do so too!
We welcome adventurous faith - learning takes risk, and we don't learn to be effective followers of Jesus if we don't try new things in our faith journey. We get comfortable with the uncomfortable and let Holy Spirit lead.
On a personal note, we do our best to stay close to the Father so that we don't bound off and find trouble!