 The Vineyard is a movement which began in the US in 1979 and was founded by John Wimber. John Wimber believed in church planting as a major means of evangelism and so this is a major priority for us. He led the Vineyard in working with signs and wonders just as much as practical acts of mercy. He constantly encouraged us to "give the church back to God" - let Him run the church - not control it ourselves.
Dates in the life of John Wimber
1964-1970
John and Carol Wimber led hundreds to Christ personally during this period.
John becomes co-pastor of a Quaker church. Carol is an elder.
1974
John Wimber offered a job by Peter Wagner to help establish the Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth in the U.S.A.
1976
Carol and some of the leaders of the Quaker church start a home meeting. Bob Fulton facilitates and Carl Tuttle leads worship because he's the only person who can play guitar. The meeting grows from 12 to 50 in a few weeks.
Early 1977
The group has grown to 100 and John has become the leader.
May 1977
Wimber's group becomes the Calvary Chapel of Yorba Linda with 150 in attendance. John is designated pastor and continues his work with Fuller Evangelistic Association.
March 1978
After ten months of preaching and praying without anyone healed, Wimber and team see their first healing.
Later in 1979
Todd and Debbie Hunter are the first church planters sent out from Wimber's church. They plant a church in West Virginia.
January 1982
The first 'Signs, Wonders and Church Growth' course held at Fuller Seminary taught by John Wimber.
April 1982
Calvary Chapel of Yorba Linda becomes a Vineyard.
May 1982
Wimber becomes head of Vineyard movement.
January 1982
The first visit to England by John Wimber, where a good rapport is formed with various Church Leaders.
June 1984
A class on the supernatural, started at Fuller Seminary, goes public. It soon goes worldwide.
Later in 1984
John and a team come to England. Hundreds of churches are touched by their teaching and prayer ministry.
1987
First UK Vineyards started.
January 1995
John Wimber hands over the role of Senior Pastor of VCF Anaheim.
July 1997
John Wimber installs Todd Hunter as National Director of AVC (USA).
November 17, 1997
John Wimber dies from massive brain hemorrhage.
Since:
The Vineyard continues to grow and reach out across the world. | 