Here in Cincinnati, we are still celebrating the 50th anniversary of our Vineyard movement. It’s been moving to hear the stories of our beginnings, the people who invested their all in this new stirring of the Holy Spirit, the new songs that gripped hearts and made hearers weep for joy at having found their ‘home,’ their ‘tribe.’ So many have mentioned this strange thing that hit them when they realized they hadn’t just found a Vineyard, but that saw that they were Vineyard. Of course, we’re happy to be the Vineyard family, but with wide open eyes, know that our clan is but a small corner of this global Kingdom work God is doing in our day.

Over and over, the message this week has been clear. We are holding to the main and the plain, the Word that was received in those first heady days. As the song entreats, ‘Jesus, be the center.’ He is Lord and King, unchanging, forever on his throne, forever central in our hearts and in our teachings. We are staying the course, not looking to the left or the right. We are radically committed to ‘no hype.’ (this is one of my favorite aspects of this family of mine!)

We are about 1,300 in attendance here this week. Lots of children and teens. Many, many on-fire young adults! Lots of people my (youthful) age and beyond, still passionate for Jesus and the work of the Kingdom, still ‘in it’ for the long haul. We are solidly multi-generational and are growing more and more to look like the streets of heaven (more ethnically diverse!).

The way forward is looking better and better. What’s been established during this half Century is but the beginning! God’s call is still for hearts to be involved in Heaven’s Work. Hearts are responding. Sure, it’s been messy at times and will most likely continue to have its share of messiness, but God will be in it with us. The mystery of this journey to the His heart cannot ever be fully unraveled. The call is still (and always) to keep walking by faith. And you know what y’all? It’s gonna be fun – and worth celebrating!  PD

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