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HOW DO YOU JOIN THE VINEYARD?
As a background to this question, it is helpful to understand three sociological models of the church.

The Laissez-fair of "Fuzzy set" mode
This model is the key to an understanding of church that leads to a "phantom church. Here, structure and definition are minimized and spontaneity overvalued.

Bounded set model
The second model is the bounded set where there is a very definite understanding of what it means to be inside and outside. There are a set of sometimes unwritten rules that determine who is part of the church. To belong, one has to follow these unwritten "rules".

Centered set model
The third model, which we like to pursue, is the centered-set model. This is an understanding of the church where at the center as our focus is Jesus, the Bible and our particular values which express God's particular calling to us. Membership is understood not in terms of being inside or outside but something much more dynamic. We understand that people might be at different distances from the values at the center but for us the important thing is not so much where they are presently but in which direction they are moving. We are all on a journey of being more definitely committed to our values and expressing them more fully.

In this sense, John Wimber often taught that our values are rather like the sign on the front of the bus that indicates its destination. We welcome anybody getting on the bus provided they are clear as to where we are going and also want to head in the same direction as us! Again, to quote John Wimber, "You donÕt join the Vineyard, but discover that you are Vineyard!" Hearing these values will bring forth different responses depending upon what the Spirit of God is doing in a particular person. We are aware that many will be called to different expressions of Christianity by God and we respect that. At the same time, we know that as some people hear us teach on these values, where we are going and what God has called us to, something deep inside of them will identify fully with this. In that regard, these values are caught not taught!
As Bob Fulton once said, "Go out and sing your song. When somebody comes saying that you are singing their song, then get together. Don't try to teach somebody your song when they are singing another song."
Two levels of relationship and belonging.
Apart from honoring and loving the whole body of Christ, we have two categories of relationships that people can adopt with regard to the Vineyard movement. Firstly, there is the category of being a "friend of the Vineyard" where you can benefit from all that we have to offer and enjoy a relationship of friendship with our movement while maintaining your own particular identity.
Then there is the category of actually "joining the Vineyard" and becoming a member of the Vineyard. We often see this as happening after what John Wimber spoke of as a period of courtship. This speaks of a time when somebody has the freedom to fully investigate what we are about and where we are going and at the same time, we are able to get to know them and see if they truly are genuinely meant to be part of the Vineyard. The reason for this thoroughness of approach is to ensure that we build with integrity and faithfulness to what God has called us to.

WHAT THE VINEYARD CHURCH DOES NOT DO FOR YOU
It is not a bank or aid organization.
It will not control, parent or spoon feed you.
It will not interfere, except in matters concerning: Heresy Financial mismanagement Immorality Spiritual abuse.
It will not do it for you. You will need to demonstrate your own calling, leadership and anointing.
WHAT THE VINEYARD WILL DO FOR YOU
It will help pastors to be financially free and self-supporting.
It will commit itself to relationships in an atmosphere of openness and accountability.
It will assist in developing ministry partnerships with interested churches and individuals.
It will help the local church to solve problems when invited.
It will empower you in the following areas - Ministry Leadership Leaders helped to become self-supporting - implementation of Natural Church Development Ensure faithfulness and integrity concerning Vineyard values - Financial matters.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE VINEYARD CHURCHES OF EAST AFRICA PLEASE VISIT THE CONTACTS PAGE AND GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CHURCH NEAREST YOU