Vision and Aims
Who We Are Not
We are not Exclusive nor Restrictive in our Fellowship
Vineyard Church Nacogdoches does not see itself as exclusive neither from other Christians and groups nor from those who may be estranged from God. Therefore, our fellowship is always inclusive and open to those seeking God regardless of economic status, religious affiliation, or social position. Luke 14:21.
We are not Legalistic nor Religious in our Approach to Faith
We will not practice Christianity for effect nor will we as individuals impose on others our own personal convictions and beliefs. We believe "the letter kills but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3.6). Therefore, we refuse to become a 'rules-driven' church that alienates and excludes, but rather one than enfolds and includes others. Romans 15:7.
We are not "Just Another Church" doing Christianity "As Usual"
We are not a replica of other churches because we feel that God has graciously given us a specific role to fill in our community and a calling to reach the disenfranchised believers and pre-believers in our city. For this reason, we are "church done different" with our own unique calling and function. 1 Corinthians 15.10.
We are not Self-Centered nor Self-seeking in our Ministry
We do not believe that VCN exists only for our own well-being. We exist solely for Christ and for others and not for ourselves. Mark 12:29-31. We are not Close- (or "Clothes-") Minded nor Judgmental of Others We purpose to be open-minded to whatever God may call us to do or to be. We will endeavor to avoid becoming rigid and unyielding to any new course to which the Lord may direct our steps. Hebrews 13:18.
We are not Hierarchal nor Exclusive in our fellowship
We believe that those who are called to lead should lead by serving. Therefore, we will not esteem ourselves or others more highly than we ought (Rom. 12:3) but will love, honor, and accept each other equally without rank or privilege. Philippians 2:3.
Who We Hope to Become
A Love-driven Fellowship
WE WILL seek to love unconditionally those whom God loves. We will go beyond simply tolerating those we may deem unlovable, but will truly seek to love and accept them for Christ's sake both in word and in deed. We will maintain our focus on people and not things (facilities, equipment, property, money, etc.), remembering that people are more important than programs or conveniences. John 15:17.
A Service-focused Fellowship
WE WILL aspire to be a "serving" community of believers dedicated to serving one another and our region in love. In this respect, we will give ourselves away to others and will love those whom God loves without reluctance or stipulation. Galatians 5:13.
A Community-oriented Fellowship
WE WILL, realizing that God has called us to "grow where we are planted," seek to be a part of the community we serve and will pray for and support our local leaders and agencies. Our physical properties will be considered a community center, available for the emergency, or otherwise, needs of the city we have been called to serve and not just for our own use. Matthew 5.13-14.
A Learning-based Fellowship
WE WILL always be a learning fellowship, committed to learning and integrating the truth of God's word into our lives. We will plan, as God leads us, VBI, VLI, seminars, symposiums, workshops, etc. to fulfill His plans for us. Acts 17.11-12.
A Faith-practicing Fellowship
WE WILL firmly resolve to always practice what we preach and to daily and deliberately live Christ as open letters "known and read by everybody." 2 Corinthians 3.2.
A Church-planting Fellowship
WE WILL commit itself to planting new Vineyards throughout East Texas and the world or wherever the Lord instructs us and will set a ceiling to numerical growth at 400-500 locally before planting a new congregation. Acts 8.4.
A Worship-motivated Fellowship
WE WILL seek to explore every avenue of worship, both collectively and personally and will endeavor to share our heart of worship with the community through our celebrations and seminars. John 4.23.
An Inclusive-enfolding Fellowship
WE WILL love those whom God loves. We will endeavor to accept others by constantly reaching out to all people regardless of race, religion or social status. Our doors and hearts will be open to anyone who desires our fellowship. We will meet people wherever they are in their journey to God and care for them just as Christ has cared for us. John 3.16.
An 'Out'clusive-evangelistic Fellowship
WE WILL endeavor to be, as was the Apostle, "all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (see 1 Corinthians 9.19-23). We will use whatever means possible — service, events, prayer, Alpha, café, the arts, etc. — to reach pre-Christians in our community and around the world with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. This will include a vital presence on the Stephen F Austin University campus and among resident and non-resident university students. Matthew 28.19-20.
A Culturally-contemporary Fellowship
WE WILL conscientiously attempt to avoid becoming locked in a time warp or falling into a legalistic religious subculture. Just as with all missionaries, our language, customs, music and dress will reflect the community we are attempting to reach with the love of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9.19-23.
An Arts-supporting Fellowship
WE WILL endeavor to be a patron to Christian artists in our area and minister to, nurture and encourage those with talent in the visual, performing, and literary arts by helping them develop their gifts. We will establish liaison with the community and university for promoting arts while retaining our focus on Jesus Christ. In this manner, we will reach out to those with natural or spiritual giftings by providing a venue for their development. Ephesians 4.7-8.
A Selflessly-giving Fellowship
WE WILL, while endeavoring to "grow where we are planted," remember that we are only a part of a larger and universal community. Therefore, we will support the work of the kingdom in other cities and nations through our selfless giving for the support of these groups. Our aim is to support these groups prayerfully and financially with at least 10% of our annual budget. 1 Corinthians 9.6-14.
A Risk-taking Fellowship
WE WILL, while valuing the wisdom of planning and protecting the security of our assets, also realize that God will occasionally require steps of faith. We also accept the fact that all decisions regarding the progress of this fellowship must consider and include such steps of faith. Therefore, we purpose to make all of our decisions based on the unlimited capital of God rather than on our own petty resources or understanding, remembering that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God" (1 Corinthians 3.19). 1 Peter 1.7.