Vineyard joins Churches Together in England

In later 2021, ‘Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland’ became the 52^nd member church of Churches Together in England. The first Vineyard congregation in the UK was started in 1987. Since then, ‘The Vineyard’ has been planting churches, caring for people on the margins of society, growing communities who prioritise worship, praying for the sick and loving the UK’s cities, towns and villages. Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland currently has churches in 150 locations across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Around the world, there are more than 2,500 Vineyard churches in 95 countries.

Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland exist to participate in the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the work of local Vineyard churches that communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. This aim is captured in the motto, ‘Extending God’s Kingdom together, everywhere in every way.’ Vineyard describes itself in the following way:

• ‘We are a growing movement of churches, built on God’s transforming word, who worship God with passion, intimacy and expectation.
• We are God’s children, empowered by his Spirit, extending his Kingdom together, everywhere in every way.
• We will serve people, especially the poor and vulnerable, and communicate the goodness of Jesus with compassion and generosity.
• We will make disciples, develop leaders, plant churches, and contribute to the blessing of the whole Body of Christ.’

Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland gathers for three annual national events:

1. The ‘Dreaming the Impossible’ week for young people aged 12 – 18 each August at the Staffordshire Showground
2. The ‘Cause to Live For’ gathering of young adults each autumn
3. The ‘Vineyard Leaders’ Gathering,’ which includes times of worship, ministry and teaching for church leaders.

The local expression of Vineyard is located at Barford Street, Digbeth. Birmingham Vineyard’s main meetings take place there at 10.30am and 5.30pm each Sunday. The church also has a daughter congregation based at the University of Birmingham School in Selly Oak. Along with the national group, Birmingham Vineyard is participating in 21 days of prayer and fasting between Sunday 9 and Saturday 29 January.

Birmingham Vineyard is led by Andrew and Rosie McNeil, who, as well as being the Senior Pastors of Birmingham Vineyard, are also Associate National Directors of Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland. Andrew comments, ‘As Birmingham Vineyard, we’re delighted that Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland has become a member of Churches Together in England. As a Church, we’ve had a long history of positive ecumenical friendship and working relationships in Birmingham. We continue to be enriched by the breadth and diversity of Churches in our City and we know we have much to do together to see God’s Kingdom come and His will be done.’

To read more about Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland, click HERE. To find out more about Birmingham Vineyard, follow THIS LINK or view its FACEBOOK PAGE. More information about Churches Together in England can be found HERE.