 |
Local and Universal Church
Although we are a local church that lives in authentic and
intentional community, we are blessed to be an integral part of
Vineyard Chaparr al. Furthermore, we have profound respect for the presence of the
entire, mystical Body of Christ which is made up of a diverse multitude
of local churches and extends globally and even universally into heaven.
We see it as no small thing to be counted as a part of the Communion of
the Saints (God the Father's one family in heaven and on earth). We are
convinced that our authenticity stems from a genuine love that God has
fostered in us for the entire Body of Christ in all of its different
streams and persuasions. The intention of our living in community is
that it makes our local church flexible enough to serve other local
churches regardless of their denominational affiliations or preferred
traditions. We join the prayer of the early Church Fathers, who
sincerely prayed: "As this piece of bread was scattered over the
hills and then brought together and made one, so let Your Church be
brought together from the ends of the earth into Your Kingdom. For Yours
is the Glory and the Power through Jesus Christ forever."
Our diverse family meets all over the world in homes,
parks, cathedrals,
chapels, warehouses, synagogues, strip malls, abandoned buildings,
trailer parks,
beaches, schools, casinos, and boats. There is no land in which they
cannot be found.
They are rich and poor; of every color, of every tribe, of every
language, and every culture.
Yet all of us meet at the heavenly throne to worship the Lamb of G0d.
 |
