At VCF we believe that what ACTS 2:42-47 proclaims as the life and purpose of the early church is still valid for the Body Of Christ today. Our practice of meeting in small groups throughout the city on a weekly basis, and then culminating all that God is releasing in our daily lives into our Community Worship Celebration comes from a desire to see the reality of what God has called us to, and the belief that He desires to not just release His power and presence in a four-walled building, but also into our lives, homes, neighborhoods, and all the relationships that we have in daily life. God is expanding His Kingdom in Sacramento, and we want to be co-laborors with Him, to be ones that can see what the Father is doing, and move in that, like Jesus modeled for us two thousand years ago.
Questions & Answers About Vineyard Sacramento
Who Are We?
A group of diverse individuals with a passion to see Godly change come to Sacramento. Organizationally, we are part of the Vineyard, a community of churches worldwide, that are non-denominational, Spirit-filled, Christian fellowships. We see the church as people, not buildings or programs. Therefore we are the church wherever we are.
What Do We Believe?
The Bible is our source and standard of belief and practice. We make an effort to concentrate on those things that unite, rather than divide. In other words, we try to make the main thing the main thing – that is, Jesus. (See Statement of Beliefs flyer for additional information.) Download the Statement Of Faith.
Why Do We Do What We Do?
First of all, we believe it’s Biblical. Secondly, we enjoy and find life in our gathered expressions. In our attempt to never simply become followers of man, we constantly challenge ourselves to these values: being genuinely loving, accepting, relevant, contemporary, authentic and purposeful.
Where Do We Meet?
We gather in many ways, at times all over the city in our homes and apartments. Additionally, we gather every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, in a building we own at 2225 19th Street, for celebration, Bible teaching (incorporating small groups) and larger community expression.
What Are ACTS2U Groups?
The name comes from the Biblical book of Acts, which describes the actions of the first century believers. The number 2 is from the second chapter, which details what these first Christians did every time they came together. We use this play on words name to explain what 21st century Christians should still be doing – believing in Acts 2:42-47 and extending these acts to others. Ideally, each person or family would belong to an Acts2U group in their neighborhood.
How Can I Participate?
Anyone can participate. We do not offer formal membership. What we do offer is relationship. A sense that people belong is important to us. By attending the Vineyard Community Celebration on Sunday morning, you will be introduced to many avenues of how to participate and make things happen. You are encouraged to volunteer in an area of service that is life-giving and enjoyable.
Community Involvement
Being engaged in the local neighborhood and the communities surrounding the public building, where we meet for corporate worship, is a high value for us. We desire to show our love, with those God brings us into contact with, through practical service and the genuine sharing of our lives. Our motto could be described as “seeing what the Father is doing and coming along side”.
Why We Do What We Do
Why we encourage personal prayer and bible study in the home
One is not a Christian because of participation in public Christian meetings. Salvation comes to individuals, not groups. We make a personal choice to receive Christ. Meeting with Him at home alone, or with our natural family, is an indispensable element of Christian growth. Here is where children are taught, by modeling, how to know and love Jesus. The home is the first and best classroom for learning the Bible’s stories, the truth of salvation and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Our first missional experience should be with our family or friends interacting with a neighbor or person in need.
Why we meet in corporate celebration
The writer of Hebrews declared “Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25. It is profitable to meet together and encourage each other in homes, but in addition we also enjoy a broader sharing of the gifts of the Spirit, dynamic worship and the preaching of the Word in corporate celebration. It provides fellowship with the entire body and opportunity to cast the same vision for incarnational and missional kingdom advance. People can make friends and grow spiritually with people from other neighborhoods and backgrounds.
Why we worship the way we do
One of the Greek words for worship means to kiss the face of God. Another expresses bowing down and lying prostrate before Him. Throughout Scripture we find true worshippers also following the example of king David who threw off his outer garments (that which depicted his kingly status), and wildly danced and sang before his God and King. Today we enjoy a contemporary music style and engage in similar expressions. Flying flags, proclaiming his name, lifting our hands to heaven or bowing down in silent reverence, all while singing first person worship lyrics, makes our “sacrifice of lips” enjoyable for God and for us.
Why we own a building
We believe that God has called us to be a regional church, and for us it only makes sense to have a set location that is able to facilitate large celebrations. But we also see the purpose and need for a local community to count on a local church body to be in their community for generations. Instead of only using the gift of a building for our own pleasure, we have mandated ourselves to make it available to our community for its enhancement and pleasure as well. Because we are committed to redeeming and enhancing the land we are on, beautifying these buildings becomes part of blessing the neighborhood.
Why we belong to the Community of Vineyard Churches
Even as we see the importance of meeting in corporate celebration and not only in our homes, we also see the benefit of belonging to something bigger than our local congregation. With each increased level of the body gathering together there is increased expression of teaching authority and wisdom. The principle Moses used of setting leaders over tens, fifties, hundreds and thousands applies to all organizations, especially those doing Kingdom work. Local congregations benefit from national apostolic leaders. And like-minded style and ministry focus make it easy and enjoyable for many congregations to work together and accomplish more in common mission.
Why we proactively connect with other Christian churches
We love the many-faceted body of Christ. We believe that God has a unique purpose for each of His children’s families. We are only part of His plan for Sacramento and to fellowship with and fit into the larger local church context is very important to us.
WHO WE ARE...
