Anyone here a member of the vineyard church?

[Pudmog]

Just wondering what they are like. I am sort of looking around at churches and came across them today. I am extremely shy and did not stay for long. Didn't like the hall being in darkness.

[KristinaM]

I'm not a member. But AFAIW they are pretty charismatic. Are you Ok with that if you are shy? Can you cope with other people being....extrovert...in worship ( even if you are not)? They might have other services that are quieter, if that's your thing.

[getbakainyourjimjams]

My friend runs one! It took ds2 to a service, it was small, friendly and welcoming- ds2 loved it (I'm atheist I'm afraid). They do seem to have a real sense of community. If I was religious I'd be tempted by them- "doing" appears to be more important that how you look iykwim

[MarsOnLife]

They suit all sorts. Quiet or loud. Friends of ours run one. We've always enjoyed it when we've visited. They are pretty charismatic. Worship's wonderful!

[Greensleeves]

I went to vineyard church a few times in Oxford, after being relentlessly pursued and persuaded by one of their members over a period of months. I found them very pushy and intimidating. They repeatedly pursued me when I stopped going, leaving notes for me and knocking on my door (once for almost an hour, while I kept quiet inside!!) to ask why I wasn't coming any more and try and persuade me to reconsider. Several members of the vineyard church made remarks which I found frightening and hurtful, for example they said that my brother who died in infancy would not have gone to heaven, and that my (then) boyfriend was a "child of darkness". During the actual services there was a great deal of shrieking, fainting, speaking "in tongues", swaying, falling to the floor, convulsing, moaning, choking and general hysterical behaviour. I found it all very unsettling and their behaviour - both in recruiting new members and pursuing me when I decided to give them a wide berth - extremely intimidating.

[Greensleeves]

Just read my own post and realised how horrible I sound. I only went to one of these churches, and I don't know whether or not it was typical - and I'm not a church person anyway. I just thought as I had had a bad experience, it might contribute something for someone trying to get a general impression. Sorry if I've offended anyone who is happy with the vineyard.

[Pudmog]

Ok- anyone know the one in Bristol?

[Pudmog]

Ok- anyone know the one in Bristol?