To establish a church planting and renewal movement in Southern & Central Africa which is driven by a set of specific values, held together by adult relationships, and results in the planting of churches with a unique and recognizable ethos and style of ministry in pursuit of the mission given in Luke 4:16-18, Matt 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8.

We want to be value driven and goal or purpose-directed. This calls for us as leaders to have a clear, firm grasp of our values, priorities and practices. The following is an attempt to elaborate on these, as we understand them at present.

In September 1992, at a pastor’s conference, John Wimber outlined areas that are essential characteristics of Vineyard churches. He called these the Vineyard Genetic Code because they are common traits that identify us as a family.

This document is the result of approximately ten years of work. The need for a statement of faith arose shortly after the beginning of the Vineyard movement in 1983. On one hand, we felt obliged to set forth our biblical and historically orthodox beliefs; on the other hand, we wanted to describe the values and priorities that make the Vineyard unique within the context of Evangelicalism.

Vineyard churches are self-governing, but overseen and encouraged on a voluntary basis by experienced pastors. The Association of Vineyard Churches in each nation is led by a National Director, and each region within the nation is overseen by an Area Pastoral Coordinator (APC).

In 1974, after working as an assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California and planting a church called Jesus Chapel in El Paso, Texas, Kenn and Joannie Gulliksen moved to Los Angeles to begin a ministry that had been on their hearts for several years. Starting as a small Bible study, the fellowship quickly grew into a church. God prophetically gave the name “Vineyard” to those who initially gathered together.

From time to time the Vineyard Movement has been subject to various criticisms. Position Papers aim to clarify inaccuracies and misunderstandings, and respond to these criticisms in a public way.