VINEYARD GETS NEW LEADER

The man who assumed the leadership of the Association of Vineyard Churches following the death of “signs and wonders” guru John Wimber, has resigned. Todd Hunter announced his resignation via e-mail to fellow Vineyard pastors on May 3. He held the office of national director and board president since January 1998. Wimber, the movement’s initial leader since 1979, died in November 1997.

During Wimber’s tenure, Hunter was an advocate of the manifestations displayed at celebrated Vineyard churches, including those at the former Airport Vineyard in Toronto, pastored by John Arnott. During a 1994 worship service held at the Mission Viejo, Calif., Vineyard church, Hunter proclaimed among the unrestrained shrieks and wild pandemonium, “This is normal Christianity.”

According to a news item in Charisma magazine, “Though Hunter is relinquishing his leadership duties, he is not leaving the Vineyard movement.” The report also indicated that the Vineyard had grown under Hunter’s leadership, planting new churches and concentrating upon ministry to younger people. Kevin Springer, Wimber’s coauthor, said, “Todd did a great job of taking us to the next step.”

Berten Waggoner, a former Assembly of God minister, was chosen by the Vineyard’s National Board to succeed Hunter. Waggoner has been a pastor in the Vineyard movement since 1989 and said he does not want the appointment to be permanent.

—MKG

© 2000 - PFO. All rights reserved by Personal Freedom Outreach. This article may not be stored on BBS or Internet sites without permission. Reproduction is prohibited, except for portions intended for personal use and non-commercial purposes. For reproduction permission contact: Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, Missouri 63136.