Lately, I’ve been enjoying a book written by Glenn Schroder about some of the wit and wisdom of John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement.

John Wimber was our mentor for about 20 years as we learned how to pastor and plant new vineyard churches in California, Florida and Georgia.

John had such a way to say things in a simple and easy to remember short phrase. This book is full of this wondering sayings that we have tried to keep throughout our life and ministry.

The title of the book is about the fact that “while gifting and anointing come from God, attitude and character are forged in leaders lives as they go through challenges.”

“Never trust a leader without a limp” is what John would often say.

Some other sayings that have been so important to us to share with the people we train are:

“The Meat is in the Street”,is one of my favorites! “John’s position was that knowing the Word wasn’t enough, that the Scripture meant something only when a person put it into practice. Hence, the meat is in the street.” For me, it has to do with going out into the community to meet people and make disciples. To make that a lifestyle, not just reading the Bible and praying in your own house.

Another saying is “Everybody Gets to Play.” “Every person has a valuable and vital contribution to make.” To me, this has to do with he priesthood of all believers. Each believer has been given spiritual gifts and God wants them to use them. Anyone can pray for healing no matter how old they are as a believer, or whether they are children or adults. Anyone can share about Jesus also no matter what their age is.

One of our favorite stories is about how our daughter Amy at 3 years old invited a neighbor to church until he said yes and it turned out he was delivered from heroin addiction and is still walking with Jesus today after 39 years! Everybody gets to play!

Another one we use a lot is “doin’ the stuff.” This comes from when John Wimber first got saved and went to church. He asked at church, “When do we get to do the stuff?” The people had no expectation of doing the stuff of the Kingdom like healing the sick, casting out demons, or raising the dead. They were content with talking about it which John Wimber said was like eating the menu at a restaurant. Instead we have sought to disciple people and encourage them to pray for the sick and cast out demons in Jesus’ name. It’s thrilling to see what God can do as we step out in faith. (Faith is spelled R-I-S-K!). we have to try and see God answer prayer.

There are over 30 of these sayings mentioned in the book with stories that will boost your faith.

I highly recommend this book as well as listening or reading anything by John Wimber as he was such a master in making disciples.