Doctrine Guides

Vineyard Churches typically emphasise:

• Biblical Teaching
• Contemporary Music
• The Centrality of Christ
• Mercy, Compassion and Grace
• Concern for the Poor
• Prayer for the Sick
• Respect for the Whole Body of Christ
• Training and Equipping all Believers to Minister
• Small Groups

Values

Vineyard's primary purpose is to provide a church home where people can mature and grow in their relationship with God and be equipped as effective disciples of Jesus Christ. Vineyard churches are orthodox and evangelical in belief, while at the same time practicing Pentecostal power. We hold to the established truths of the Church, especially as held in the reformed traditions. However, we also believe that God is still active today through His Holy Spirit in the lives of His disciples to do all the works that Jesus and the early church did. We are constantly looking for the breaking through of the Kingdom of God in people's lives.

We value:

The Pursuit of God

We are hungry to know God's presence, hear His voice and follow hard after Him.

Christlikeness

We desire that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' love, mercy, grace, truth, purity, power and integrity will shine through all that we are and do.

Being Spirit-Led

We honour Jesus as our Head and the Holy Spirit as our Counsellor and the Administrator of our churches. We seek to respond to the Holy Spirit's daily leading of our personal lives and our ministries and of the local church.

The Mercy of God

We believe mercy is fundamental to all that God does in salvation. Therefore, we aim to extend mercy to one another and to all to whom we minister.

Prayer

We believe an effective life of prayer is essential because it is our primary means of communication with God.

Discipleship

We want to teach all Christians to believe Jesus' words, obey His commands and do His works. We aim first to grow as disciples of Christ ourselves and then to make disciples of others.

The Kingdom of God

We aim to move in the signs of the present fulfilment of the Kingdom invoking the Spirit's powerful presence, ministering through the Spirit's gifts and seeing God heal and work wonders.

Integrity

It is important for us to speak the truth, deal honestly and live uprightly.

Servant Leadership

We believe Christ has put significant leadership authority in the hands of the pastor and associates. We aim to exercise that authority with humility, selflessness, grace, care for the people and a sincere desire to build up the Body of Christ. We also believe this is the model of leadership for the family and community, as well as the Church.

The Individual

We want to enable and support mature relationships and family growth. This applies whether a person is single or married.

Unity

We are convinced that all who belong to Christ are one in His body, the Church. We aim to maintain unity by honouring all who call on Jesus' name and by seeking reconciliation with all parts of the Church.

Developing Relationships

We are honoured by every person who God adds to the Vineyard. We aim to work together to build the Church through maintaining mutual respect, open communication, determined co-operation and believing and speaking the best about each other.

Reality

We aim to "walk in the Spirit" and see supernatural works of God, while also functioning in the natural plane based on God's leading in conjunction with excellent, rational thinking.

Simplicity

We wish to do nothing for "religious effect" but to operate in natural, low-key, unhyped patterns. We desire to do the ministry of Christ with joy.

Cultural Relevance

We aim to develop an atmosphere of ease, and to speak, act and dress in ways in which culture can respond positively. For example, we reflect this value through worship music which is of popular style.

Fruits and Gifts

We value living and expressing the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We value character above giftedness.

Liberty

We want to create a freedom to follow Jesus rather than conforming to arbitrary standards. We embrace grace, not legalism.

Sovereignty of the Holy Spirit

We want to maintain flexible structures, values, traditions and practices to allow the Holy Spirit to move sovereignly.