Have you ever been to a Vineyard Church?

Question

If so, what was your experience like? What do you think?

guraqt2me: I'd be curious to hear which Vineyard Churches your relatives are apart of? Please elaborate b/c I'm interested. Keep in mind though that most Vineyards are very different from one another. This is the movement's greatest strength and weakness.

Pastor Art: There are roughly 600 Vineyards right now, and they vary greatly. I can't speak for every Vineyard Church, but I wouldn't let a single experience determine what you think. I would read through the book "empowered evangelicals" before I would make a deliberation on the church.

SunnyAnnie... Interesting take on it and thanks for the input. Every Vineyard is different, but I recall thinking the same things the first time I attended a Vineyard (I was not a follower of Jesus at the time). I've been to churches over the years that were weird and just pretending, but I am not ready to rule out everything that I don't feel comfortable with as purely mystical or fake. I'm sure a lot of people including the Pharisees felt like that when Jesus healed people and called out their "problems in life".

Answer 1

Yes. I have friends who are members and I've visited a few times. It's a VERY relaxed atmosphere, so that is either a pro or a con depending on what you're comfortable with. People wear jeans and no shoes or flip flops. (I believe in being comfortable, but showing a little more respect for the place you're in.) Just my opinion.

The music and the sermons tend to follow a contemporary, nondenominational leaning. (Which I prefer.) They do communion about every 6 weeks, so they are more Baptist like in that matter.

They still believe that Jesus is God's son, died for us on the cross, and belief in him is the only way to Heaven. So, ultimatley, that's all that matters and the rest is formality and personal comfort level.

I was raised a Baptist, but my children and I always enjoy ourselves at the Vineyard church when we visit.

Answer 2

Vineyard Church Cult

Answer 3

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No church that teaches hellfire, the trinity or a social gospel is Biblically sound. Vineyard falls down here, I'm sorry to say. My understanding is that they put a lot of emphasis on social work (although there's nothing wrong with that in itself) as a way to demonstrate practical Christianity, but Christ didn't teach that and I'm not sure that handing out junk food at public gatherings would be quite what he had in mind either. It's no real use to anyone and Jesus said his followers would be no part of the world (John 17:14, 16), not seeking a way to fit into it. Another thing I fear is that there's a lot of emphasis on 'displays of spirit' and that betrays a lack of real scriptural understanding (and I understand from previous questions on here, do a search, that some people have felt very uncomfy and even scared during services, but since when does God scare his worshippers?) - as does the toleration of unscriptural morals. I know someone who was/is a Vineyard member - used to work with him. He's moved now and so I can't say if he's still with them or gone to another church now. He wasn't honest - even tried to get me to do dishonest things, like keeping an overpayment of wages, which the law considers theft! I could have been prosecuted had I listened to him and been found out! He doesn't seem to me to be a good advert for his church - there were other things that betrayed a total lack of Bible standards and even respect for them to the point that I honestly thought he didn't believe in God and was stunned when I found out he was an active 'Christian'! Christ said that you would be able to spot the true religion by it's fruitage. If someone from any given church is rude, dishonest, immoral etc, then I know they haven't had true Bible teaching. I've been well-grounded in Bible standards and teachings (have read the whole Bible 11 times and am reading it again, in 7 or 8 different translations so far) and I find a lot of things in Vineyard out of harmony with God's word. So far, only Jehovah's Witnesses (oh no! Horror!!!) meet the criteria, so I would recommend them if you want to find somewhere who really teach and respect God's Word. Sorry it's a bit long!

Answer 4

I have attended a vineyard on and off for the past 7 years. I always thought it was easy to praise God when lives were in middle-class comfort. However, where i live, the church is prone to many unsavoury attacks by people who spend more time criticising the ins and outs than having, learning and working at relationship with God. It is only now, 7 years on, that the biggest cult in the world is capitalism and peoples lust for more. More, things, more status, more more more. Really it is a shame that there is so much corrupt politics and media brainwashing, for if there was less...YOU might attend, with an open mind, heart and hands to receive a message of acceptance - whether you can afford the posh suits and boots to meet the king or only have a budget for jeans and t.shirts. The best things about this church is its the inward and not the outwards. Every church is different but in essence, everyone is about Jesus.

Answer 5

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RE:
Have you ever been to a Vineyard Church?
If so, what was your experience like? What do you think?

Answer 6

The church focuses on a God who is present and is highly relatable. Meaning then the gifts of the spirit are taken highly. The church believes in God, the trinity Jeus as the one who died for our sins. I have been blessed by this church, and as someone above stated that they are leaf list isn't true at all. Believe me, I am one screwed up Christian, and. A, blessed to have friends at e vineyard church who love me and want to see me grow as a Christian who I feel no judge,met when I confess my sins. It was odd at first t see people pray for healing so advertly. But then I seen people healed and I myself was healed. And it wasn't because I wanted to be healed. no the vineyard teaches that Gods Glory comes first before anything else. It wasn't so I can feel good but so I can share the love of God with others instead of being sick. I have attended two Vineyard Churches and they have both relied on scripture and let scripture internet scripture always within all their sermons. They never shy away from the actual context of the scripture. If you are familiar with John Piper and his mode of preaching, it is very similar.

Answer 7

I liked it. I visited it with my wife a few weeks before she moved out and left us for ever.

My wife didn't like it. She didn't like it because they said, "We believe the Bible and nothing else."

That's what they said at the morning service which I didn't attend, but that's what she didn't like about it.

We went back that evening since they were showing a film from James Dobson's film series.

I haven't be back to that Vineyard since.

That was 11 years ago.

I don't even know if there is a Vineyard near where I live now or not.

Pastor Art

PS: Perhaps I should start one?

Answer 8

I have no idea what a Vineyard Church is.

Answer 9

I am currently a member of one and it's not like anything I've ever been to! I mean that in a good way.
A very relaxed no pressure atmosphere, casual dress and at least where I attend the music is good and they even take breaks in the middle of the service for coffee and snacks!

Answer 10

The way I see it, they are compromising the Bible to please the people. They don't have a statement of faith so what exactly do they believe?

B: the bible reveals that Jesus is not only the Son of God but God Himself. And we are not saved to go to heaven. We are saved to have God's life.

If you are a seeking Christian then read your Bible and ask God to bring you to other genuine seeking Christians. The Lord is surely found by those who seek Him. I get the feeling that most of the vineyard members are not seeking God but rather a "feel-good" emotion and outward miracles.