About Us
What is the Vineyard Guild?
The Vineyard Guild is an ecumenical community and fellowship of spiritual leaders - clergy and laity - who are interested in creating deeply faithful congregations and communities. We seek to apply the insights and inspirations of the growing spiritual formation movement in a life-giving way to the ministry and mission of Christian congregations and communities.
Why is it called a "Guild"?
Traditionally, guilds were communities of craftsmen dedicated to furthering and deepening the art of their craft. Each craftsman would experiment with new techniques and processes. When he was successful, he would teach it to other members of the guild. In addition, guild members would take on apprentices and teach their craft to them. We are dedicated to teaching each other, out of our own experimentations and experiences, how to create deeper and more vibrant spiritual communities and congregations.
Why are we called the "Vineyard" Guild?
We take our scriptural inspiration from John 15, in which Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit..."
We seek to form congregations and communities so that they can become places bearing the fruit of the Spirit to their members and the world. We do this by praying for each other, nurturing each other, and offering a rule of life that aims to help individuals and communities grow spiritually. As part of this effort, the guild offers an annual retreat for gathering and sharing ideas, occasional retreats and workshops devoted to more focused training, and regional small groups focused on prayer, support, and the sharing of ideas.
What is required of members?
We ask members of the Vineyard Guild to agree to live by our Common Rule and to follow the following membership guidelines:
- We are committed to fostering spiritual formation in Christian congregations and communities.
- We are committed to participating in the life of the Vineyard Guild, which means:
- participating in regular regional meetings for prayer, support, and community;
- attending the annual retreat, which offers time for devotion to God, prayer, training, and celebration;
- attending any Vineyard Guild-sponsored retreats for training, prayer, and devotion, as appropriate and needed.
- We are committed to forming each other through forums of discussion, presentations, and writing.
- We are committed to mentoring, supporting, and praying for each other.