Here at Northridge Vineyard Christian Fellowship, we pursue Jesus and the fullness of His Kingdom. But how did this journey begin?
The Vineyard Movement started with John Wimber. In 1977, he began pastoring a church in California. By 1982, it became the Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Wimber had been a pastor in the Quakers church. He also worked as a church growth consultant.
A key moment occurred in 1980. John invited Lonnie Frisbee to speak at an evening service. After Lonnie spoke, he asked the Holy Spirit for forgiveness. He said, “Come Holy Spirit.” Then the Holy Spirit came. There was an outpouring of power. People wept, wailed, shook, and fell. Some spoke in tongues. About 1,700 people were converted. Also 700 were baptized in water over about a year. Power encounters continued in church meetings.
Since those early days, the Vineyard movement has grown. It has been a significant influence. This influence spread across the US and the UK in the 80s and 90s. Prior to 1995, successful Vineyard conferences were held in Australia. But the first Vineyard churches in Australia started in 1995. These were in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
On March 13, 2003, Australian Vineyard churches became their own national movement. Thus, the Association of Vineyard Churches, Australia was born. Northridge Vineyard is a member of Vineyard Churches Australia.
Northridge Vineyard Church is located in Thornleigh, a Sydney suburb. Vineyard churches see Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God as foundational. It is where God’s beautiful future breaks into our present. This shapes our core values.
Northridge wants to help people encounter the Father’s love. We embrace our new identity in Jesus. We equip people to walk out their God-given destiny. The Holy Spirit empowers us. We aim to walk alongside those who carry pain. We want to restore their God-given dignity. We bring God’s healing.
Northridge wants to be a church family. A culture of authentic relationships is important. We love each other. We seek to be reconciled in a healthy way. As a church, we seek to increase our reach. We strive to develop deep relationships with each other. We also want to connect with other churches. We aim to reflect the diversity of our local community.
We believe that the message of Jesus is good news. We invite those who don’t know Jesus into a relationship with him. Our heart’s desire is to be light-bearers. We want to be peace-makers and joy-bringers. We want to be city-shapers. We partner with the Holy Spirit. Together we see the beauty and justice of God’s Kingdom. It breaks in and fills every part of our world.
Northridge offers programs for kids and youth on Sundays at 9.30 am. We also have an evening community. It meets Sundays at 5 pm. It is a relaxed, smaller gathering for all ages. We love to worship creatively. We learn together in community.
Youth Ministry at Northridge is for those in 6th-12th grade. Our desire is that each youth would receive God’s love. We want them to grow in their love for God. Our goal is that they become mature reflections of Jesus.
Northridge Vineyard Church has grown with God’s favor. The prayers of the people have helped. Also the personal investment of those who call Northridge home. We invite you to join us as we continue this journey.