The Vineyard Movement
In 1982, John Wimber, who had been a pastor and church consultant, was asked to serve as the leader of a newly-formed association of about nine churches (all in Southern California) that called themselves Vineyard. As the leader of this new movement, known as the Association of Vineyard Churches, John pastored the pastors and trained and encouraged the planting of churches internationally.
John died in November 1997. Bert Waggener is now the national leader. Worldwide, Vineyard churches have been planted in many nations including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Russia, Turkey, throughout the European continent, Africa, Southeast Asia, and in Australia. God has shown us, however, that His desire is not just to build the Vineyard, but that we should promote His Kingdom, and encourage, build, and love the whole church. There are currently around 600 Vineyards in the USA and 800 in other countries.