Celebrating 40 Years: How Vineyard Cincinnati Church Transformed a City Through Servant Evangelism
Regan Yoakam |
February 11, 2025
This year marks a significant milestone for Vineyard Cincinnati Church as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. In a recent interview, Clay Harrington sat down with Steve Sjogren, a key figure in the church's history, to reflect on the journey, the impact of servant evangelism, and the future of the church.
Key Takeaways
Servant Evangelism: A practical approach to sharing faith through acts of kindness.
Community Impact: The church's mission has always been about changing the city, not just growing a congregation.
Personal Stories: Real-life examples of how simple acts of service can lead to profound spiritual conversations.
The Journey of Vineyard Cincinnati
Steve Sjogren, who served as the lead pastor from the mid-80s to the 2000s, shared his reflections on the church's beginnings. He recalled the summer of 1985 when the church first met in a square dancing barn. At that time, he felt a calling not just to plant a church but to change a city. This vision was the foundation for everything that followed.
He humorously noted that he initially thought if they could grow to 500 people, they would be doing well. However, the church quickly surpassed that number, even starting five new churches in one Sunday. This growth was not just about numbers; it was about the impact they were making in the community.
The Birth of Servant Evangelism
One of the most significant contributions Steve made to the church was the concept of servant evangelism. This approach emphasizes serving others as a way to share the love of Christ. Steve explained that the first act of servant evangelism was a free car wash, where they simply offered to wash cars without expecting anything in return. This act of kindness opened doors for conversations about faith.
Steve shared a memorable story about a car wash where a rusty old station wagon and a DeLorean sports car pulled in. The interactions that followed led to meaningful conversations about faith and community.
The Power of Kindness
The essence of servant evangelism is to serve first and let the conversations about faith flow naturally. Steve recounted a touching moment when a couple of church members delivered groceries to a woman in need. They ended up sharing the love of Christ with several people waiting at a palm reader's place, leading to unexpected conversions.
This approach highlights that kindness can break down barriers and create opportunities for spiritual discussions. Steve emphasized that it’s not about arguing or debating; it’s about demonstrating love through action.
Balancing Seekers and Saints
As Vineyard Cincinnati grew, it became a place for both seekers and those looking to deepen their faith. Steve discussed the challenge of balancing these two groups. He believed that as they engaged in acts of service, the desire to move in the Spirit naturally followed. This balance allowed the church to grow spiritually while also reaching out to the community.
The Future of Vineyard Cincinnati
Looking ahead, Steve expressed hope for the future of Vineyard Cincinnati. He encouraged the church to continue its mission of serving the community and sharing the love of Christ. He believes that as they remain faithful to their calling, they will see even greater impact in the city.
In closing, Steve offered a prayer for Vineyard Cincinnati, asking for God’s presence and power to be evident in their work. He reminded everyone that the journey of faith is about activation and contemplation, encouraging the church to stay engaged in both.
As Vineyard Cincinnati celebrates its 40th anniversary, the legacy of servant evangelism and community impact continues to inspire and guide its mission. The stories shared by Steve Sjogren serve as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of serving others in the name of Christ.
Consider these questions:
How can you serve others in practical ways this week?
What simple acts of kindness could you do to demonstrate God's love?
Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to reach others?
Challenge:
This week, commit to one specific act of servant evangelism. It could be as simple as offering to pray for someone, paying for a stranger's coffee, or helping a neighbor with a task. Remember, the goal isn't just to do good deeds, but to create opportunities to share God's love in both actions and words.