The Beginnings of the Vineyard The term "vineyard" is a Biblical metaphor for God's people - the community where He is at work. Starting as a small Bible Study, in Southern California USA, the fellowship quickly grew into a church led by Ken Gulliksen. Later Ken was to turn the Vineyard church over to John Wimber, while Ken went on to plant other churches. In Spring 1982, John Wimber and several other pastors led their churches into relationship with the Vineyard as their vision coincided with that of the original Vineyards. It was obvious to all that God had called John Wimber to lead, pastor, train and encourage the leaders of the churches. From this association, the Vineyard has reached out to bless and encourage churches all over the world, as well as to establish new Vineyard churches. The Vineyard has relationships with many denominations, as well as many other churches in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Latin America, Australia and the South Pacific. In 1987, the various Vineyard churches formed a formal church association called the Association of Vineyard Churches. These churches are locally autonomous and self-governing, but are overseen and encouraged on a voluntary basis by those with recognised experience, leadership and ministry. There are at present thousands of Vineyard churches worldwide with the majority now being outside of the USA.
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