The Lord’s Vineyard

What if I told you about a church born from a convergence of hippies, folk musicians, and a “beer-guzzling, drug-abusing pop musician”? Right here, at The Lord’s Vineyard, that’s exactly the kind of unexpected history we’re dealing with. The Lord’s Vineyard isn’t just a building. It’s a thread in a larger tapestry, woven from the vibrant threads of the Vineyard movement. This movement blossomed in the late 1970s, a fascinating crossroads of American Christianity and culture. The story begins earlier though, with the Jesus People movement of the 1960s. Hippies, disillusioned with the search for God through drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, found a different path. Ministries like Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa became beacons, guiding them toward a new spiritual awakening. One such seeker was Kenn Gulliksen. He started a church in West LA in 1974, under the umbrella of Calvary Chapel. This became the first Vineyard church, a place where average people mingled with soon-to-be-famous musicians like Bob Dylan and T-Bone Burnett. The name “Vineyard,” inspired by Isaiah and John’s gospel, officially took root around 1975. By 1982, a loose fellowship of at least seven Vineyard churches existed. Enter John Wimber, another Calvary Chapel alumnus. His journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, led him to a pivotal meeting with Kenn Gulliksen. A friendship formed, and by 1982, John emerged as the leader of the growing Vineyard network. Wimber’s influence dramatically shaped the Vineyard’s theology and practices. His story is remarkable. He started as a “beer-guzzling, drug-abusing pop musician.” A Quaker-led Bible study transformed him at age 29. Within a decade, he led hundreds to Christ, overseeing numerous Bible studies with over 500 participants. His impact grew. He became a prominent figure at Fuller Theological Seminary and eventually planted Calvary Chapel of Yorba Linda. This church would later become Vineyard Anaheim. Wimber’s own theological understanding expanded over time, influenced by scholars like George Eldon Ladd and interactions with missionaries. He became convinced of the importance of all spiritual gifts. He began training his congregation to embrace a full-orbed kingdom ministry. Vineyard Anaheim flourished. Thousands found faith. Wimber’s famous course at Fuller, “Signs, Wonders and Church Growth,” spread his teachings on healing and the Holy Spirit. The Vineyard movement continued to grow, navigating exciting and turbulent times. Wimber’s wisdom guided them, emphasizing a “radical middle” that balanced evangelical tradition with Pentecostal/Charismatic practices. The Lord’s Vineyard you see today is a part of this rich legacy. A legacy of unexpected beginnings, radical faith, and a commitment to “do the stuff” of the kingdom of God.