Our Story

The Vineyard Movement has its origins in a time of great social and cultural change. In the 1970s, the West Coast of the USA was a hotbed of alternative culture. Not finding fulfilment in hippie culture, many began seeking spiritual fulfilment in God. The first Vineyard Church began in West Los Angeles in 1974 as a small bible study. From there, other churches were planted around the state, each with a focus on worship, prayer, and equipping Christians to spread God’s Kingdom.

John Wimber was pivotal to the growth of the Vineyard movement

By 1982, the budding network of Vineyard Churches came under the leadership of John and Carol Wimber, and were officially incorporated into the Association of Vineyard Churches. The movement spread beyond the US, and there are now over 2400 churches in 95 countries around the world.

The first Vineyard Churches were planted in Australia in 1995, based in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. After growth in the size and number of congregations, the Association of Vineyard Churches Australia was officially formed in 2003.

Peter and Kathy Downes were appointed as National Directors in September 2003 and served until April 2016.  Kirk and Nichole Delaney commenced serving as National Directors in June 2016.