So, when there is so much turmoil, so much fear, so much uncertainty, so much unrest in our world and in our lives, it is easy to ask, “Where is this epiphany, this manifestation of the Lord?” I think the answer lies within two key lines of today’s Gospel. What are those lines? And why should we carry those lines with us each day? Check it out…
So, when there is so much turmoil, so much fear, so much uncertainty, so much unrest in our world and in our lives, it is easy to ask, “Where is this epiphany, this manifestation of the Lord?” I think the answer lies within two key lines of today’s Gospel. What are those lines? And why should we carry those lines with us each day? Check it out…
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
This is a study of Jesus as innovative and that this is a key factor in successful leadership. Christian leaders are ever seeking to be innovative to be relevant in this age.
Christian Community: The Foundation of Discipleship (Building A Better Discip...Jonathan Sullivan
Faith is nurtured and sustained in the context of a community of believers. This session will explore how the Church in various contexts (family, parish, school, etc.) sets the stage for a life of discipleship.
This is the third in a five-part webinar series on Christian discipleship. Slides and other handouts can be found at http://bit.ly/BetterDisciple.
During this time of the pandemic, instead of focusing just on the cross that Christ died on – a death that was for us…what if we spent some time on the deaths that happen to us…to focus on our crosses and on our dying that needs to occur each day? In other words of the need to die to our egos, our strategies, our politics, and our prejudices. If not, then are we missing the point Christ was making when he called for us to carry our crosses? Check it out…
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi and the Gospel provides us one of the six accounts of the multiplication of loaves and fishes – the only miracle recorded by all four Gospel writers. Maybe you have noticed the one line in the Gospel, which I have missed all these years. What is that line and why is it so important in yielding the key to unlock the meaning of this well told story – and thus of this Feast Day?
Check it out!
Jesus expected a process of change, growth and development in the life of his followers. Many writers suggest a three or four stage process. A four stage process is outlined here, along with personal challenge / application.
During Advent we are called to celebrate that the Kingdom of God is here and now and at the same time still to come - that the Lord is truly near. But often we do not feel that way. Instead we can be more like John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel, wondering where God is in our lives. But there is reason to Rejoice! on this Gaudete Sunday – and for Thomas Merton the reason was found on the corner of 4th and Walnut in Louisville, Kentucky.
What did he realize that day? And how can his insight change the way you look at your life? How can his epiphany give you reason to Rejoice?
Check it out…
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
This is a study of Jesus as innovative and that this is a key factor in successful leadership. Christian leaders are ever seeking to be innovative to be relevant in this age.
Christian Community: The Foundation of Discipleship (Building A Better Discip...Jonathan Sullivan
Faith is nurtured and sustained in the context of a community of believers. This session will explore how the Church in various contexts (family, parish, school, etc.) sets the stage for a life of discipleship.
This is the third in a five-part webinar series on Christian discipleship. Slides and other handouts can be found at http://bit.ly/BetterDisciple.
During this time of the pandemic, instead of focusing just on the cross that Christ died on – a death that was for us…what if we spent some time on the deaths that happen to us…to focus on our crosses and on our dying that needs to occur each day? In other words of the need to die to our egos, our strategies, our politics, and our prejudices. If not, then are we missing the point Christ was making when he called for us to carry our crosses? Check it out…
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi and the Gospel provides us one of the six accounts of the multiplication of loaves and fishes – the only miracle recorded by all four Gospel writers. Maybe you have noticed the one line in the Gospel, which I have missed all these years. What is that line and why is it so important in yielding the key to unlock the meaning of this well told story – and thus of this Feast Day?
Check it out!
Jesus expected a process of change, growth and development in the life of his followers. Many writers suggest a three or four stage process. A four stage process is outlined here, along with personal challenge / application.
During Advent we are called to celebrate that the Kingdom of God is here and now and at the same time still to come - that the Lord is truly near. But often we do not feel that way. Instead we can be more like John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel, wondering where God is in our lives. But there is reason to Rejoice! on this Gaudete Sunday – and for Thomas Merton the reason was found on the corner of 4th and Walnut in Louisville, Kentucky.
What did he realize that day? And how can his insight change the way you look at your life? How can his epiphany give you reason to Rejoice?
Check it out…
Making disciples who make disciples is at the heart of the call to follow Christ. Here are some notes on the gap between our intentions and practice (adapted from Greg Ogden's book, Transforming Discipleship).
Making disciples who make disciples is at the heart of the call to follow Christ. Here are some notes on the gap between our intentions and practice (adapted from Greg Ogden's book, Transforming Discipleship).
CORE VALUES
BELIEFS&
02
Our Core Values & Beliefs booklet is an attempt to provide a brief summary
of who the Vineyard is and what we believe. Our Statement of Purpose is a
concise affirmation of why we exist. Our Core Values give meaning to all that
we do. They also drive our purpose, define what is central to us, position the
Vineyard in the larger body of Christ, and remove ambiguity in mission. You
can learn much more about our Core Values if you visit www.vineyardusa.org.
Our Statement of Faith provides the foundation for all that we are. The
Statement of Faith is based on the Bible. The Bible is our final authority in all
matters of faith and practice. However, since the Bible is a diverse collection
of narrative stories, poetry, law, and letters, it is helpful to summarize its
teaching in a concise form that can be comprehended by both those deeply
rooted in the church and those who have little exposure to the Bible. This is
the historical function that the ancient universal church creeds played in the
first four hundred years of Christ-centered faith.
It is also important for each community of faith to express these ancient
truths in its own language, and not merely adopt the language of another age
and culture. Every community of faith has two major obligations in regards to
its faith, namely absolute faithfulness to the Word of God, and sensitivity to
the world in which that community lives. This means that the Vineyard move-
ment must express the historical, biblical, orthodox Christian beliefs that we
hold in common with all Christians, and the particular doctrines that are our
distinctive voice, in terms that are relevant to 21st century Christians.
Our Statement of Faith is based on the conviction that the kingdom of God
is the central theological motif that gives definition to all that we believe. It
is a kingdom of God centered theology. This statement is our best current
understanding of the Bible from that kingdom perspective. Our prayer is that
God will bless our sincere attempt to be humble ambassadors of His rule and
reign, and to be a people that practice the presence of God and proclaim His
Gospel, so that His will may be done on Earth as it is in heaven.
For the greater glory of God and the well-being of people!
Phil Strout
National Director • Vineyard USA
CORE VALUES & BELIEFS
FOREWORD
03
04
05
CORE VALUES & BELIEFS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD 2-3
OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER 6-7
A PEOPLE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD 8-9
OUR CORE VALUES 12–15
• Partner With The Holy Spirit
• Experience And Worship God
• Reconcile People With God And All Creation
• Engage In Compassionate Ministry
• Pursue Culturally Relevant Mission In The World
OUR OBJECTIVES 16-17
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH 18-21
• God The King And The Holy Trinity
• God The King: The Creator And Ruler Of All Things
• Counterfeit Kingdom: Satan And Demonic Hosts
• The Kingdom In Creation, The Fall, And The Doctrine Of Origina.
17. THE Story OUR Story MY Story There is a good understanding that the Bible provides guidance on how we acquire, use and share our money. We regularly hear stories of what God is doing in and through the ministries of our congregation I see God at work in my life. And I often share with people what God is up to. We know stories that teach us that there is abundance -- there is enough to do all that God is calling us to do. We regularly hear stories of what God is doing in and through the ministries of our Synod I know and do share at least one story of what God is doing through a ministry or member of our congregation. We gladly hear regular preaching about how God's Word teaches us about managing and sharing all that God has entrusted to us. We regularly hear stories of what God is doing in and through the ministries of our Churchwide Organization I know and do share at least one story of what God is doing through a ministry of our Synod. People can tell one story in the Bible which they are able to relate to Christian stewardship. We make mutual commitments to each other regarding what we will give for the sake of our common mission I know and do share at least one story of what God is doing through a ministry of our Churchwide Organization. When considering how to use and employ our church's assets, God's Word is what guides us. We regularly thank each other for our generosity. I’m grateful and regularly tell others so. There is a good understanding that our role before God is as Stewards, not owners, of all that God has entrusted to us. We celebrate generosity I can share how my finances are being used to love and serve the neighbor and to build up the body of Christ Bible studies are offered here, and they regularly address the issues of Christian Stewardship We view giving as a pathway for growing closer to God -- A Spiritual Discipline I have come to highly value generosity and have a plan to become a more generous Christian There is understanding of basic Biblical Principles for Giving We provide assistance to our members to grow in their giving and in this spiritual discipline. I see abundance -- I know and trust that there is more than enough for me and for what God is calling me and us to do together.
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