FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about what the Vineyard stands on several important issues. Hover over them and read up. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Where are we located?
The Duluth Vineyard is located just west of the Kenwood shopping area at 1533 W Arrowhead Rd, Duluth, MN.
Click here to see our location on Google Maps.
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What does the Vineyard believe about worship?
What Does the Vineyard Believe About The Bible?
The Bible is the biggest best selling book of all time, translated into more languages and read by more people than any other single book. Despite its popularity, many people today are completely unfamiliar with it. Where did the Bible come from? How do we know if the events recorded in the Bible really happened? How is the Bible relevant to my life today? This pamphlet is designed to answer some basic questions and hopefully help you better understand and benefit from the Bible.
Facts about the Bible:
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The Bible is a collection of 66 books. The word Bible comes from the Greek word for "books." Scripture, another word used for the Bible, means "the writings."
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The Bible was written by more than 40 different authors over a period of about 1600 years. Some well-known Bible authors include Moses, David, Solomon, and the apostles Peter, Paul and John.
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The Bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Testament is another word for "covenant" which is like a contract. The Old Testament is about God's special covenant with the Jewish people and the New Testament is about God's new covenant based on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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The Old Testament books were written between 1400 BC and 430 BC. These books were compiled into a collection called the "canon" about 300 years before the birth of Christ.
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The New Testament was written between 40 AD and 90 AD. The early church recognized these writings as "scripture" but they were not collected into an official canon until the 4th century.
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The Bible is not arranged in chronological order, which can make reading through it confusing. The various books are grouped instead by the type of writing they are—law or history or poetry for example.
The Vineyard believes that the Bible was written by men but inspired by God.
The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "all scripture is inspired by God." By saying "inspired," he didn't mean that the Bible is inspiring to read, or that the authors were "inspired" in the same way a composer is inspired to write a piece of music. The word in the Greek literally means "out-breathed" and conveys the idea that the writing of the Bible was intimately directed by the Holy Spirit. Peter referred to this when he wrote, "…no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21). This is why Christians often call the Bible the Word of God.
At the same time, real historical figures at specific times in history wrote the various books of the Bible. The Bible did not just fall out of the sky, but it is both natural and supernatural—the product of both human and divine activity. Somehow God guided the human authors to write what he wanted us to know concerning our Christian beliefs and practices.
The Vineyard believes that the Bible is revelation.
God has made himself known to men and women through revelation such as the wonder and beauty of creation, the person of his Son, Jesus Christ, and the pages of the Bible. What this means is that the truth contained in the Bible was not arrived at merely through human effort—study, research or contemplation. God had to reveal it—show it or disclose it to the Bible authors. Without revelation, it would be impossible to truly know God.
The Vineyard believes that the Bible is trustworthy.
Everything Christians are required to believe is based on the Bible. It is, therefore, of tremendous importance to determine whether or not the Bible is reliable. It would be impossible, however, to thoroughly deal with all the issues surrounding this subject in a brief pamphlet. Suffice it to say, there is overwhelming evidence supporting the Bible's reliability and trustworthiness, particularly when it's compared with other ancient documents. We can as Christians have confidence that what was originally written down was preserved and accurately passed on over the centuries. Advances in archeology have repeatedly corroborated the Bible's record of history, further pointing to its reliability.
Most criticisms against the Bible's reliability have little to do with actual discrepancies, inaccuracies, or blatant errors and more to do with anti-supernatural biases. Some critics dismiss any references in the biblical accounts to the supernatural as myth, legend or folklore.
The Vineyard believes that the Bible is authoritative.
The Bible is more than just a book of good ideas and helpful hints. It is the Word of God, and since God is both Creator and King, what he says has authority. The Bible has authority over us as Christians in the same way a highway patrolman has authority over us as drivers. In the Vineyard, we look to the Bible as the final authority for what we should believe (doctrine) and how we should live (practice). In contrast to some Christian denominations, here in the Vineyard there is no person or tradition of equal or greater authority than the Bible.
How to get started reading the Bible:
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It is essential that as a Christian, you regularly read the Bible. This is how you will grow and mature spiritually as well as how God will speak to you. Here are a few practical suggestions to get you started:
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Get yourself an easy to read translation of the Bible. We recommend the New International Version (NIV), Today's New International Version (TNIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT) which are all easy to read and are accurately translated.
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Begin by reading the gospels, which tell the story of the life of Jesus.
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Start out reading just a chapter or two every day—whatever is manageable for you.
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Eventually get a Bible reading plan to follow (available at no cost in the Vineyard bookstore) that will systematically take you through the Bible in a year.
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Consider investing in a "study" Bible, which includes helpful background information that will increase your understanding of what you read.
Hopefully this has answered some of your questions about the Bible and given you some practical suggestions for getting started reading the Bible on your own. If you are interested in learning more, please consider joining one of our small groups or attending one of our many Bible studies or training classes.
What About Small Groups?
Small groups are important at Duluth Vineyard for the simple reason that fellowship is important. Many christians today, however, feel fellowship or small group participation is optional—something they do only when they have free time after work, family errands, friends, and leisure.
We in the Vineyard believe fellowship is basic to what it means to be a christian. The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we are not only reconciled to God, but we are also relationally united with other believers in what’s called the body of Christ. “Just as each of us has one body with many members…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4,5).
There are countless verses telling us how to relate to each other and the phrase “one another” alone appears over 60 times:
- “…love one another…” (1 John 4:7)
- “honor one another…” (Romans 12:10)
- “…agree with one another…” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
- “be patient, bearing with one another…” (Ephesians 4:2)
It seems obvious that the christian life is meant to be lived in the context of fellowship. Unfortunately, it’s hard to experience real fellowship at our weekend worship gatherings. Meeting “face-to-back-of-head” once a week for an hour with several hundred people is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about fellowship. While our worship gatherings are a very important part of our church life, it’s at our small group meetings during the week that we can experience fellowship.
Fellowship with other christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a small group, we would urge you to make time for this in your life.
How do I choose a group that’s right for me?
Consider what your greatest need is and then look for a group you think will best meet that need from the display of group cards on the information wall in the lobby. Each card contains information about a different small group, such as when and where they meet, who the group leader is, and what the focus of the group is. Vineyard’s small groups meet throughout the week at various times and all around the Twin Ports area. You should be able to find something that fits your need and situation.
What goes on at a small group meeting and how long is it?
The average small group meeting lasts about two hours. For part of that time, the group is focused on their relationship with God. There will be worship, group discussion over a passage from the Bible, and then members will pray for each other. The rest of the time is spent in “fellowship”—coffee, cake, conversation, and just getting to know each other.
Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a small group meeting?
Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who would like to visit and “check them out."
What will happen if I just “show up” at a small group meeting?
Our small groups love visitors! You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. We do advise, however, that you call the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place. Leaders’ phone numbers are listed on the information cards in the lobby and on our website.
Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular small group?
No. You are free to visit as many groups as you like and to attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, you select a group and stick with it for a while. That will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as to form meaningful relationships
with others.
Church and christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the Bible before going to a small group?
Absolutely not! Small group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. If you think you may feel out of place in a group with “old-timers” or “Bible experts,” you may want to check out one of our disciple-ship groups. These groups are made up of folks who are both new to Vineyard and new to christianity.
Can I bring my kids with me to the small group meeting?
Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby, but some do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in. Their phone numbers are listed on the group card in the church lobby.
Additional Information
Please feel free to contact the church at 218-525-3462, or email us if you have any other questions or concerns about small groups.
What Does the Vineyard Believe About Baptism?
Baptism is a time to give great glory and Praise to God. It is a joyful celebration for the entire church community and an opportunity to invite friends and family with whom you want to share your special day. Bring a friend and we’ll tell them about the new life you’ve received in Christ!
When you obey Christ’s command to be baptized, you identify with his death, burial and resurrection, and publicly profess your faith. Your assurance that your sins are washed away will deepen. Your commitment to Christ, his cause, and his church will grow. And baptism will be a meaningful spiritual blessing in your life, a time you will always remember.
Must I be baptized to receive salvation?
Baptism is important, but it does not save us. The thief on the cross was not baptized when Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Salvation occurs when saving faith is present in a person’s life, and God declares that our sins are forgiven, and we are righteous in his sight. This is called justification. We receive this peace and acceptance with God by grace through faith in Christ, not by faith and some religious work on our part, like baptism or circumcision (Eph. 2:8-10; Gal. 5:1-12).
Though not necessary for salvation, baptism points to the heart of the gospel and makes us aware that apart from God’s cleansing, we are unclean and dead in our sin. Furthermore, baptism is essential for full obedience to Jesus’ command that those who believe in him should be baptized (Mt. 28:19; Acts 16:30-33).
Who should be baptized?
The only requirement for baptism is saving faith in Jesus Christ. All believers who accept the message of the gospel and desire to follow Jesus should be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12).
What does baptism mean, and what will it do for me?
• Baptism is a picture of spiritual regeneration and union with Christ. When saving faith is present, baptism—first and foremost—is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual reality of union and friendship with Christ. It is a sign and symbol of spiritual regeneration and reconciliation with Christ and incorporation into Christ, his body (the church), and his cause (the Church’s mission) (John 1:11-13; 3:18; James 1:17-18; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Going under the water pictures Christ’s death. Coming up out of the water symbolizes your identification with Christ’s resurrection. Your life is intertwined and united with Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:1-14; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 2:12). Your future is sealed with Christ and his kingdom.
• Baptism is a picture of repentance and cleansing given through Christ. The water is also a symbolic sign and seal of the washing away of your sin by the regenerating, cleansing power of the Person of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-7). Baptism is a profound spiritual picture of passing through the waters of judgment safely, of dying and rising with Christ and having your sins totally washed away, showing that you are now a friend of God. And so God calls us to repent and empowers us to change from the inside out by his grace.
• Baptism is a sign of membership in Christ’s body, the worldwide church. Baptism is a sign of initiation into the worldwide, global and historic Church. It pictures our voluntary response to God’s sovereign redemptive work and demonstrates that God has given us the grace to believe. When a person makes a credible profession of faith, their baptism pictures their entrance into the instrument of God’s kingdom on earth, the Church.
• Baptism is a spiritual blessing that empowers us for service. Baptism is a sign of the kingdom similar to the way a wedding ring is a sign of marriage. A wedding ring does not unconditionally guarantee a loving marriage! And baptism is not a magical rite that automatically brings down the power of the Spirit. You cannot manipulate the Sovereign King. If a genuine profession of saving faith is not present, baptism symbolizes nothing. Peter told Simon Magus, that though baptized, he was still unbelieving and unregenerate in heart (Acts 8:13; 21-23). Baptism, then, is meant to be a true representation of what it symbolizes.
Through baptism the Holy Spirit desires to fill and empower us afresh, manifesting the presence of the kingdom. Those who truly belong to Christ are indwelled by the Spirit (Rom. 8:9). And the Father is eager to reveal truth, give spiritual gifts and spiritual grace from the exalted Christ, by the Holy Spirit, to his children (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 2:10; 12:7; Eph. 4:11-12).
Jesus was “commissioned” by the Father and the Holy Spirit for ministry at his baptism. Like him, we too enter new dimensions of humble service when we are baptized. He calls us to serve him in every area of life. So, bring an open heart eager to receive his blessing so that you can be empowered to live an extraordinary life of service in ordinary situations.
How should I be baptized?
The New Testament models and assumes baptism by immersion. The Greek word baptizo was a common word without special religious significance. It meant “to plunge, dip, immerse, sink, drench, overwhelm.” John baptized in the river Jordan, not beside it (Mk. 1:5). He “was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there” (Jn. 3:23). When Jesus was baptized “he came up out of the water” (Mk. 1:10). When Philip baptized the eunuch they came to water near the road and, “he commanded the chariot to stop and they both went down into the water…and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up in Philip” (Acts 8:38-39).
We are wise however, to not make too much of the mode of immersion. Early on in the life of the church a flexible attitude was adopted on this issue. The early church took a practical approach. If there was not enough water for the preferred mode of immersion, they poured water three times over the head (see the Didache 7.1-4, a first or second century document that lacks the authority of—and often contradicts—Holy Scripture, but is of historical interest). So, there is no compelling reason to be overly rigid today, even though the normal mode of immersion is preferable whenever possible.
Does the Vineyard baptize infants?
We do not baptize infants because we baptize only those who make a sincere and credible profession of faith. We dedicate infants following the example of Jesus’ dedication by his parents (Lk. 2:21). We do not encourage parents to push children into baptism as a rite of passage into adulthood or church membership. We believe the family’s faith and the church community can be powerful means of grace in the life of children through which they can be nurtured to receive God’s covenant love (see the brochure, Child Dedication).
It is impossible to set an exact minimal age for baptism. But, on a case by case basis, the church leadership will decide, with the parents, whether an older child should be baptized based on convincing evidence of genuine faith and spiritual regeneration and a desire to follow Christ.
People, no matter their age, must search their own hearts and determine whether they are a true believer. A true believer genuinely desires to follow Christ and become more like him. Church leadership has the responsibility to instruct each person and help him or her make a wise, heart-felt decision and to determine whether it is appropriate for him or her to be baptized.
Is it okay to be baptized as an adult if you were baptized as an infant?
There is not one unambiguous example of an infant being baptized in Scripture. One enters the kingdom by being born again and having saving faith, not by merely being born. While the book of Acts depicts households being baptized, it also indicates the presence of saving faith in Jesus. In Scripture, there is no description of infants having saving faith. Baptism is a sign of entrance into the worldwide and historic Church. If you believe that you were merely dedicated as an infant and not truly baptized, and if you believe that baptism is appropriate only for those who make a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ, then it is okay to be baptized as an adult. It is not a rebaptism.
Do I have to say anything in front of a crowd?
Another important aspect of baptism is the public proclamation of your faith before the church community and your family and friends. Jesus calls us to boldly confess him as Lord without shame or denial (Mt. 10:32-33; Mk. 8:38; Rom. 10:9; 1 John 2:23). This public confession should reflect your growing commitment to Christ, his church, and his cause. It is also a statement of your heartfelt desire to continue in fellowship with the people of God, and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be a faithful disciple who makes diligent use of the means of grace (e.g., worship, prayer, bible study, giving and service).
Do you trust Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Are you ready to commit to grow in Christ-like maturity and humble service all the days of your life? Do you understand what baptism means? Then it is time to be baptized. When you are baptized, you are asked ancient questions, variations of which have been asked of millions of people for nearly 2000 years:
• Question 1: “Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord and King, and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life and grace?
Answer: “I do.”
• Question 2: “Do you renounce Satan and all his works and all his ways?”
Answer: “I do.”
• Question 3: “Do you confess your need for the forgiveness of sins and with a humble heart put your hope in God’s mercy and your whole trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior?”
Answer: “I do.”
• Question 4: “And with his help, do you seek to follow him, becoming more like him until you see him face to face?”
Answer: “With all my heart, I do!”
The first question gives you a chance to say “no” to the false belief that the universe is eternal or that it created itself and “yes” to the Triune God who created everything (including you) out of nothing and who sustains and rules everything that exists (Gen. 1-2; Ps. 33:6, 9; 148:5; John 1:1-3; Acts 17:25, 28; Col. 1:15-16; Heb. 1:2-3; 2:10; 11:3).
The second question gives you an opportunity to publicly proclaim the reality that God, as Paul wrote, “has rescued [you] from the kingdom of darkness and brought [you] into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin” (Col. 1:13-14). Your “yes” affirms, along with true believers everywhere that: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. (1:21-23a; c.f., Rom. 5:10).
The third question is an opportunity to confess your heartfelt trust that you are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone who is both author and mediator of salvation (Mk. 16:15-16; John 6:47; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 2:10; 7:25).
The fourth question is an opportunity to publicly proclaim your sincere intent to “continue in your faith” and grow in Christ-likeness and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 4:17-5:20; Phil. 2:1-18; 3:12-4:1; Col. 3; 1 Thess. 4:1-11; etc.).
• Response: When from the heart you say, “Yes!” or “I do!” to the above questions, the person (or persons) baptizing you will say something like, “Because of your testimony that Jesus is your Savior and Lord, and in obedience to our Lord’s command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Then you will be immersed under the water and—eventually —brought back up again. And don’t worry, they won’t hold you under too long! As the people of God celebrate your baptism, it is wise to linger in the water and pray for more empowering or filling of the Holy Spirit and the imparting of his gifts and graces, so that you can serve him more effectively. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will give a word of prophecy, wisdom or encouragement to you. Also, it is not uncommon to see healing or the breaking of bondage to particular habits of sin or powers of darkness in the process of baptism.
How Can I Experience The Holy Spirit?
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