How it all started...
In the summer of 1989, two cautious and conservative West Michigan pastors experienced the unexpected—the power & presence of the Holy Spirit. The experience defied their fundamentalist doctrines and led to a profound discovery: the God of the Bible is still at work today, speaking, healing, and working miracles.
Word spread, and by January 1992, a small group of men and women launched a new church, Living Water Ministries. Originally meeting in a hotel basement, the fledgling congregation witnessed profound works of God that drew the interest of the local newspaper and large crowds. By 1995, the church had officially joined the Vineyard Association of Churches and within a few years began construction of a permanent church building.
Word spread, and by January 1992, a small group of men and women launched a new church, Living Water Ministries. Originally meeting in a hotel basement, the fledgling congregation witnessed profound works of God that drew the interest of the local newspaper and large crowds. By 1995, the church had officially joined the Vineyard Association of Churches and within a few years began construction of a permanent church building.
Expanding the vision...
After several years of meeting in rented spaces around Grand Rapids, the Vineyard Church began to pursue a permanent home in 1997. At that time, about 175 people called the Vineyard home. Over the next two years they contributed generously, both with time and money, to make their dream a reality. At the time, the East Beltline was largely undeveloped, but when the small congregation moved in in the summer of 1999, they welcomed 100 new friends and visitors (many of whom thought they were visiting a winery!). Today, the East Beltline is a major commercial area, but one thing hasn’t changed, the Vineyard is still offering hope, friendship and vibrant spiritual community as we ‘live Jesus’ life together’.
Where we are headed...
Vineyard North's journey has been difficult and wonderful. We've consistently seen Jesus' Kingdom works with our very eyes: conversions, healings, deliverances and restorations. We've felt his power flow through our own hands as we've prayed for the sick and oppressed. We've seen the hopeless find fresh vision and purpose. We've welcomed the disenfranchised into a new family of faith. We've seen our children grow up to love the Lord Jesus and join his cause. And we've taken mission trips around the world to share the good news with the people on several continents.
