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| importance of values | ||
Although each Christian church adheres to similar doctrines and statements of faith, we each value certain aspects of the Christian life over and above others. It is important to understand our values because they give birth to our practices. “ Gives meaning to all we do, defines and drives the purpose of the movement, defines who we are, defines our culture, and allows for diversity. ” |
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Theology and practice of the kingdom of God
Throughout its history, the Vineyard movement has been centered on the kingdom of God as described in the Bible. We have been committed to proclaiming the "good news" of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the future reign of God breaking into the present through the life and ministry of Jesus -- it is the movement of God's presence. When we're together, God is with us. In our relationship with God, we seek to continually know Him better and understand His ways. He has given us His Word, the gospel, to reveal His loving nature and to provide guidance in our lives. Therefore, we give time for the teaching of His Word, seek to implement it in our lives, and believe it can break in and work through us.
Experiencing God
We believe that God is searching for us and longs to draw us into loving, intimate relationship with him. Here at the Vineyard, we welcome God’s personal presence. We seek to be attentive to his presence and we value the passionate pursuit of his presence in order to respond in obedience to his initiatives. As we become increasingly sensitive and responsive to the Spirit’s presence, we can learn to “see what the Father is doing” and support his work in our lives.
Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to enter into an eternal relationship with God, freely and with confidence. One of the primary aspects of this relationship is our continual worship of Him. Worship takes many forms, but at its core is the idea of surrender and honor given to God. Another way we experience God is through prayer. We offer prayer time at the end of each service.
Reconciling community
Jesus took down the barriers, the dividing walls between people. Anyone can come and feel His love, grace and acceptance. Oftentimes, we can be stuck in our ways and in doing so, it prohibits the kingdom to break in -- we then cannot see what God is doing or has put in our path. These become "barriers" to what God wants us to become. We strive to follow Jesus. At the Vineyard, our slogan is "come as you are." We want you to feel welcomed and at home.
Compassionate ministry
We seek to be people who demonstrate the same mercy, compassion and power as Jesus. He modeled a life of outreach, healing and compassion, giving Himself away to the poor, outcast, and broken-hearted. This expression of the love of Christ is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the church. We make time for healing, prayer and developing relationships with others God has placed into our lives.
Culturally relevant missions
We strive to love the nations. Our God is a missionary God. The essence of the Good News is that Jesus did not stay confined to the heavens but left, in order to bring us back into relationship with Himself, the Father, and the Spirit. He continued to model outreach through His works of compassion and healing. He taught it as one of the basic elements of faith. He then sent His followers into the world to share God's love and plan (Luke 9:1-9; 10:1-20). Jesus also sends us out (Matthew 28:16-20). We seek to reach out, showing God's mercy and love to the world around us. We support organizations with missions such as standing against human trafficking (Tamar's Justice and SheThailand) and providing care for orphans (Arms of Love and Compassion International).