Ministry - VineLife Communities

The Church in America is being shaken! For centuries it was strong and central to the lives of the American people. It thrived on the flames of religious liberty and the truth that "salvation is by grace through faith" ignited by the Reformation. Then, after World War II, its glory seemed to fade and be replaced by the programs and traditions of men to the point where it is no longer "salt and light" to the world. We believe that we are on the front edge of a Second Reformation of the Church, the result of which shall be the releasing of the beauty and power that is intrinsic to its true nature, that of the Body of Christ on the Earth. Jesus wants His Church back!

Jesus gave His followers the mission of preaching by proclamation and action that "the Kingdom of God is here, new order has come-the enemy is no longer in power!". We believe the result of our preaching and demonstrating this exciting and totally powerful kingdom message will be more vibrant, healthy families coming to Jesus. We will encourage these families to gather in communities of faith, consisting of 10-15 people, supernaturally related to the whole Body of Christ, to one another, and served by the Ephesians 4:11, gifted equippers.

We understand that these new communities of faith are initially quite vulnerable to many problems, to the attacks of fleshly men, and to our enemy, Satan with his demon army. Therefore, we embrace the leadership structure given by our Lord in the New Testament. These Ephesians 4, gifted equippers, make up a leadership team of servant-equals who are not oppressive, controlling or confining, but rather serve to the glory of God.

We believe that "The Great Commission: To go and make disciples of all nations," can be accomplished through Teaching, Training, and Equipping.

The New Testament speaks of elders being appointed to graciously oversee the Work of the Faith in area churches, functioning as undershepherds on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe "elding" is a function, not an office in the church. In the contemporary church in America, elders are more often seen as officers of the church who serve on a "board" that approves or disapproves, budgets, programs, and activities in a local church. This is not our model for those who function as leaders in a VineLife Community. The following guidelines may help you in determining the function of elders (servant leaders) in your Community of Faith:

Perhaps the greatest characteristic of an Elder is that he lives his life out from a real, authentic and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. His foundation and head is Christ. He has learned to develop a growing relationship with Christ that is marked by listening to and obeying Christ from an attitude of love and respect. John 14:21
An Elder is one who has actively participated in the fellowship and work of the church and is known as one who cares for and lays down his life for others because of his love of the brethren. John 15:13
An Elder is one of proven godly character in his home, occupation, community and church. He glorifies God by the way he lives. He is mature as a man and as a follower of Christ. He is known relationally like a wise "family" uncle and does not depend on position or title for influence.
He is a servant at heart. He is not a leader who serves but a servant who leads. He serves in a way that is best for God's people and not himself. He will serve out of sincere desire and not for fame or money or reputation or control. Matthew 20:25-28, I Peter 5: 1-4
An Elder's heart has been greatly influenced by God's love so that he is secure in the Father's love. He has a heart understanding of who he is "in Christ" and is therefore free from the fleshly drive to perform and accomplish something in order to find self-worth and the praise of men. Ephesians 1:1-14
His focus is to help the believers know, love and live their lives out from Christ. He wants to bring them under the loving rulership of Christ and not his own rulership. He never forces his ministry but waits until he is received. He shows them how to become increasingly dependant upon Christ and not himself. He guards against the fleshly inclination of the people to make him their king. Philippians 2:3-8
An Elder will help the "family" learn how to relate well to one another with love, respect and a mutually submitted attitude. He will help them to develop a sense of community and to participate by sharing their gifts and talents as the Lord would lead. I Cor. 12-14, 1 Peter 5:5
He receives traveling ministries knowing full well that helping the saints mature requires more than just his or other local ministries. Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-12
" An Elder fits well into a community of Elders who are mutually submitted to one another. They hear and obey the Lord together in an interdependent relationship. Acts 14:23, 20:17, I Thes. 5:12, I Tim. 5:17, James 5:14, Hebrews 13:17
An Elder teaches others how to live life as a follower of Jesus Christ and when necessary uses words. His primary influence is as an example. John 13:15, Philippians 3:17, II Thes. 3:7-9, 1 Peter 5:3.