WHO WE ARE
Twenty years ago we answered the challenge to begin a Vineyard ministry in Bowling Green. Before we even said "yes" God put a picture in our hearts concerning what that ministry should look like. Much, perhaps, came from how we had seen God's people treated by pastors and elders in other places. Some came from how we had seen pastors and their families treated by church boards in various situations. Denise and Gary resolved that Vineyard in Bowling Green would be different. It would be a place where it's "okay to not be okay." But because God wants to transform us, it would also be a place where it's "not okay to stay not okay!"
We resolved that this would be a place where the love of God would always be emphasized (never forgetting His holiness and purity of course). We knew the Holy Spirit wanted us to prioritize God's incomparable grace, compassion, patience, and understanding toward us. After all, He knows us! We are weak and vulnerable, "prone to wander"... yet Jesus isn't disappointed in us because He experienced the same temptations and pain and emotions we experienced, "yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15)!
We determined in our hearts that we would engage, explore, and teach about our new identity in Christ. An identity rooted and grounded in a position, standing, and relationship with the Creator of the cosmos (please ponder that a moment...!) When God's kids truly grasp what He has done in establishing this new identity, a heavy burden is lifted! We no longer have to attempt (in the power of our own strength to attain a position we already HAVE!) Rejoice!
You and I have received a great gift - "the empowering Presence" of the Holy Spirit Who allows us to "live and move and have our being" in Him! We worship the risen King of all kings and are led by the Holy Spirit, so we celebrate together with music and singing, words to encourage each other, prayer for those who are in need, and other expressions of "life lived together" (to paraphrase Dietrich Bonhoeffer).
Vineyard Church in Bowling Green is a "safe place" - it's okay to ask questions, it's okay to have struggles, it's not unusual to have doubts. We want to stand alongside people who are seeking; who are wrestling with history's most profound question; it's a question Jesus asked: "Who do you say that I am?" We invite you to join us as we explore the answer(s) to that question together!