At the Vineyard we are committed to the quest of becoming like Jesus in his character and his mission to the world. In an effort to put this challenging purpose into succinct language we use the acronym, S.E.R.V.E .

As recorded in Mark 10:45 Jesus defines his ministry in terms of serving. His body, the church, must follow his lead. At the same time becoming like Jesus is more than serving. It is a process put in motion and sustained by God as I cooperate by faith. Each letter in the SERVE acronym identifies a practical pathway I must take to become like Jesus.

S. = SPIRITUAL FORMATION: The Potter’s wheel speaks of intentionally positioning myself in a place where God can form me. I do this largely through the practice of the classic Christian disciplines such as prayer, silence, fasting, meditation, giving, worship etc. As I climb up on the wheel I present myself to God and he molds me.

E. = EMPOWERMENT: Fire is one of the biblical metaphors for the Holy Spirit. Growing in Jesus character and mission is only possible by the Spirit’s power. This means I must walk in the Spirit and continually seek an ongoing experience of the Spirit’s fullness. I must develop and use the gifts the Spirit gives me to build up the church and reach out to the world.

R. = RELATIONSHIP: Relationship is the context where God changes and nurtures me. Becoming like Jesus is impossible without deep interaction with others. Following Jesus by myself is not an idea found in the bible. We need each other.

V. = VOLUNTEER: I have something from God to offer the church and the world and until I offer it freely, both the church and the world are not complete. As I give my life away I become more like Jesus in perhaps the deepest way of all; sacrificial love.

E. = EVANGELISM/ MISSION : Jesus’ mission is to go into all the world and love people into life changing apprenticeship to him. As I learn to be his message and share his message I grow more like the master.