Foreword by Phil Strout

I have always been so thankful for the mentors throughout my life and ministry. Some of the people that have had a great impact on my life are those I never met but read and then there are those that I have had relationships with. Derek has done a great favor in collecting and editing many of the pastoral letters and articles that came from the pen of John Wimber. Many that will read this book never met John Wimber but have heard him referenced for so many years. Others, who knew him, will enjoy the access that this edition brings in a way of remembering so many thoughts, teachings and stories. In a humorous way, it has been interesting to hear people say, “John said this, and John said that” and at times there seems to be differing points of view. Here we have many of the teaching and thoughts from the very material that the Vineyard produced regarding ministry, worship, social issues, theology and many practical tips for what church could and should be.

I highly recommend this volume to be used to help people who did not get the chance to know John, to take the time to consider what he said and did. For those that did know and heard John, use this as a reminder and be encouraged to pass this on to the people that you may be discipling at this point of your life.

Thank you Derek, for the hard work and service to the body of Christ.

Endorsements

I highly recommend this volume to be used to help people who did not get the chance to know John, to take the time to consider what he said and did. For those that did know and heard John, use this as a reminder and be encouraged to pass this on to the people that you may be disciplining at this point of your life.

Phil Strout, AVC USA


These pastoral letters capture some of John’s best thinking on a range of subjects, in a formative season in the growth and development of the Vineyard. So many of the insights, values and convictions here have shaped how we approach ministry. I’m personally so glad to see these pastoral letters available to a much wider audience.

John Wright – National Director VCUKI


It is an exceptional privilege to glean from the wisdom of legendary leaders! John Wimber has done us a great favour in sharing, as transparently as he has, in grappling with the challenges of leading an emerging movement. We are able here to observe and learn from how he related both to protagonists and to antagonists. Always, at the core, is the question: How do we, the church, best serve the Kingdom of God?  This is a very helpful offering.

Dave Pedersen, AVC South Africa


 

As a “second generation” Vineyard guy it’s a great help to read these letters John Wimber wrote to the early Vineyard church family. Standing with your feet in the clay of everyday Kingdom ministry and church development it is surprising how up to date and relevant these letters still are, but most of all how practical. Wimber’s letters really do help. A must read for all those who, like me, came in later and wondered.

Menno Helmus, AVC BeNeLux


 

These pastoral letters capture some of John’s best thinking on such a range of subjects, at a formative season in the growth and development of the Vineyard. So many of the insights, values and convictions here have shaped how we approach ministry. I’m personally so glad to see these pastoral letters available to a much wider audience.

Andrew McNeil, AVC UK & Ireland

Table Of Contents

Foreword By Phil Strout

Introduction

Who Are We And Where Are We Going? (Part I)

Who Are We And Where Are We Going? (Part Ii)

Leading And Developing Foot Soldiers

The Vineyard Movement

A Leadership Shopping List

Liberating Women For Ministry And Leadership

Season Of New Beginnings

Refreshing, Renewal, And Revival

An Unchanging Destination

Learning From Our Elders

Board Report

John Wimber Responds To Phenomena

Facing The Fires Of Fanaticism – Part I

Facing The Fires Of Fanaticism – Part 2

Staying Focused: The Vineyard As A Centered Set

Unity And Withdrawal

The Five-Fold Ministry

Disciplining Fallen Leaders

Select Bibliography

Bibliography