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by J.T. Alblas
The Vineyard movement has emerged during the last 30 years and has developed an identity of its own. Peter Wagner considers it a prototype of the ‘new apostolic churches’. Some people in the Vineyard are wondering how they should relate to the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’. Is Wagner correct in his assumptions? This paper is meant to help theVineyard define its position. Both movements and their main ideas are described. The perspective from which the assessment of the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’ is made, is defined. Based on this assessment a conclusion is drawn on how the Vineyard relates to the philosophy of the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’..
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by Derek Morphew
Human Rights have become possibly the pressing global issue of our time. This alone makes it imperative for thinking Christians to grapple with it. More profoundly, the struggle for human rights has to do with what it means to be fully human, with how and to what extent the human race can reach its potential and destiny. Any area of thought or endeavour that deals with man in his essence must be the concern of those who are committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, for he came to seek and to save the same humanity.
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by Alexander Venter
Values, Priorities and Practices are some of the words in the language of vision used by churches influenced by John Wimber. Now, with the Vineyard movement spreading all over the world, there is a critical need for an authoritative statement of the Vineyard philosophy of "doing church". No one is better qualified than Alexander, who helped formulate the original document. In addition to his link with history, Alexander brings his own gifts to this work. His prophetic gift-mix has filled the book with passion, his Teutonic mind has enabled him to produce a very thorough and carefully structured volume, and his years of pastoral experience have enabled him to speak as a seasoned practitioner not just a theorist. A text book indeed, which every Vineyard pastor, or church influenced by Vineyard philosophy, will want to consult.
Reviews
While the Bible is the most influential book in my life, Doing Church is by far the second most important book for pastors, leaders, and anyone wanting to understand how the church functions in this world. It is so valuable to me that I reread it every year.
Happy Leman - Senior Pastor of Champaign-Urbana, IL Vineyard; Midwest Regional Overseer - VUSA
... With the Vineyard movement spreading all over the world, there is a critical need for an authoritative statement of the Vineyard philosophy of “doing church”. No one is better qualified than Alexander, who helped formulate the original document. In addition to his link with history, Alexander brings his own gifts to this work. His prophetic gift-mix has filled the book with passion, his Teutonic mind has enabled him to produce a very thorough and carefully structured volume, and his years of pastoral experience have enabled him to speak as a seasoned practitioner not just a theorist. A text book indeed, which every Vineyard pastor, or church influenced by Vineyard philosophy, will want to consult.
Derek Morphew, Director, Vineyard Biblical Institute
... I have found that when I am doing well in ministry it is because I am doing the things I learned about “building from the bottom up”. The concepts in Doing Church will encourage you and motivate you to build in a positive, directed and value-driven way. They will make the difference between doing well “on purpose” rather than by accident.
Costa Mitchell, National Director AVC South Africa
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by Costa Mitchell
A remarkable practical and very humorous insight into the struggle to look in the mirror and love what you see. An unhealthy self-image can wreak havoc with everything we do, whether it be studying, our vocation, parenting or being a teenager. Without knowing the love of the Father, we can never become the people we are called to be. This book is not about a good self-image - but it will help you to develop a healthy one.
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by Derek Morphew
How can one help charismatic, evangelical Christians to understand and respond appropriately to the predicament of this nation without the community concluding that "our minister has suddenly become political"? Most Christians in South Africa agree that the church should be involved in bringing about positive social change, promoting peace and withstanding injustice. They also believe that the church should not meddle in politics, yet apartheid was born and bred in the South African church! Can we, as South African Christians, evade the responsibility of having a godly attitude towards it? Apartheid may well have become a political ideology, but what started in the church must surely be resolved in the church.
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by Derek Morphew
Gnosticism arose in the confused world into which the gospel was proclaimed. It was a time when the older religions were losing ground and new ones were gaining popularity. Neither the older deities nor the philosophies could answer a deep need of the common man, namely the need for certainty, for assurance, for security. It is an eclectic belief that has mixed together the ritual, drama and mystery of the astern religions with a fundamental concept found in Greek philosophy, that of dualism. We have then two basic ideas: the world of mystery (magic formulae, secrets and rituals) and the concept of dualism. Mix these assumptions with Christianity and the stage is set for Gnosticism.
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by John Wimber, Jack Deere, Wayne Grudem, Rich Nathan, & Derek Morphew.
The position papers tell us one fundamental fact about the Vineyard. We have been most controversial and disturbing in one specific area, namely the manifestations or phenomena of the Spirit. If one examines the contents of the position papers it becomes clear that each one, in a different way, responds to accusations against the Vineyard by those who have been disturbed or provoked by this aspect of our ministry.
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