Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland

An interview with Lara Sokunbi, Tokoni Tamuno, Heather Torney & Sarah RobertsonIn this powerful conversation at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering, Lara, Tokoni, Heather and Sarah talked about their different journeys of leadership, highlighting the power of investment and encouragement. The voice of doubt is rife when we say yes to the calling of God on our lives and we need those around us to spur us on, call us forward, and draw out the gold that God has placed within us.

Our National Director, John Wright, closed the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2025 by sharing on the joy of leadership; the joy in fulfilling this very precious calling, the joy of seeing the church flourish as God intended it; the joy of seeing the fruits of our labours, both now and in the future age and the joy of pleasing God.

"Calling is a lifetime of surrender in every stage, and every season." At the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2025, James Rankine explored the nature of calling as a journey of faith, surrender, and courage - not a destination to reach, but a present and ongoing invitation from God.

At VLG 2025, Tom Thompson gave us a window into the call, the cost and the joy of leadership, through the life of Isaiah. In this talk (part two), Tom reminded us that whilst threats and challenges are real, God is greater. He urged us to reject fear, recognise the spiritual battle, and boldly plunder the enemy's grip through the power of Jesus, both for those and those around us 

Tom Thompson opened the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2025 with a powerful message exploring the call, the cost, and the joy of the Kingdom, through the life of Isaiah. In this talk (part one of two), Tom reminded us that we are living in a greater story, a Kingdom story, and that God's revelation isn't just for knowledge but for transformation.Though the cost of leadership may be high, joy is found in the hope of a coming day when Jesus will make all things right. Our lives now are meant to reflect that future reality with faithfulness, worship, and mission.

During this seminar we explore the question, "what kind of leaders do people want to follow?” Andy Masters looks at some of the foundational ideas and principles in understanding what leadership is, how we grow in it as a skill and how we express our unique personalities, gifting and story through our leadership.

Racial justice and ethnic diversity are seen as laudable aims by most (though not all!) in our society. What difference does following Jesus make to how we think of this, and more than that, how we pursue it? In this seminar, Damilola explores how the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 12 applies to this crucial objective.

All Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit. But God always wants more for us, more of his power and presence. In this seminar, Debby Wright (VCUKI National Director) explores who the Holy Spirit is, some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we can encounter him.

This seminar is all about understanding Genesis 1-3. Tom Thompson unpacks these chapters to help us realise God's intention for us in the beginning, and his answers for an anxious and aching generation.

In the Vineyard, we believe that God speaks today. In this workshop John Wright (VCUKI National Director) explores what prophecy is, the different ways that God speaks to us, and how to grow in this gifting.

Students are waking up across the country and we need to be ready for the missional opportunity that is presenting itself. In this seminar, Luke Smith (Fusion) talks us through the current student landscape, shares insights from recent Fusion research and points us towards the tools we need to bring the harvest into the barn!

“Trying is the first step that releases the power of God” - Steve Bateman. On the Saturday afternoon of Cause 2024 Steve Bateman, Debby Wright and David Nwator shared about the power of prayer, intercession and ‘doing the stuff' of the Kingdom. Through stories and practical teaching, they encouraged and empowered a generation to go out and try!

Andy Masters closed Cause 2024 by reminding us that whilst we may come up against giants, we can face them head on when we partner with God.

"If we are going to be a generation that stewards a move of God, it's going to be fuelled by a love of God. A hunger and desperation for him and him alone. We are not called to a purpose, but to the person of Jesus. It's in him you will find your purpose." On the Friday evening at Cause 2024, Paul Lowe spoke about our theme ‘Power for a Purpose'.

“If we actually saw Jesus for who he really is, we'd say yes whatever the cost.” A conversation around obedience, purpose, identity and calling. Sharing from their own stories, Steph Lowe & Andy Masters reminded us of the joy that we encounter as we lay our lives down for the sake of the Kingdom and say yes to whatever he asks of us.

"The throne of authority, power and dominion is not vacant!" On the Saturday morning at Cause 2024 Damilola Makinde reminded a generation that in the midst of all of the pain and suffering, Jesus is still on the throne and he is with us in the midst of it. When we align ourselves with the truth that Jesus has already won the victory, and stick with him to the end, we will receive glory.

"Following Jesus is all about learning how to see. When we see as he sees, things are never the same." Andy Masters kicked off Cause 2024 by sharing how the Kingdom of God working in us moves us from seeing problems to possibilities

The Wilderness: Where Our True Calling is Contested and Forged Dan Wilt takes a deep dive into the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness from Luke Chapter 4. Vulnerably sharing from his own story, Dan illustrates how the wilderness is where our truest calling as God's beloved is both contested and forged. When we come through these seasons rooted in our identity we become unshakeable, no matter what storms come our way.

In this talk, recorded live at Riverside Vineyard (June 2024), Dan Wilt talks about what it means to live and worship from the heart. Unpacking learnings from Asbury, he looks at what God seems to be doing across the Church and how we can lean into that wherever possible; with consecration, with young people, and through lingering in his presence. During the talk, Dan referenced a film from the Asbury outpouring. Due to Copyright it has not been included in the recording, but you can watch it here: https://awakeninglibrary.com

In this interview, Paul & Steph (who lead The Cause to Live For) share some of their story and the redeeming work of God in their lives. They share about the joys and challenges of following Jesus and walking in our calling, covering a range of topics including the importance of owning our stuff, saying ‘yes', immersing yourself in the local church, and standing firm on the truth of God in every season.

At Cause Ireland Morag Stewart spoked from John 21, telling the story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples on a beach and making them breakfast. She inspired a generation to fix their eyes on Jesus, to be fed and filled by him alone and then to go with a readiness to share his love and light to those around us.

Alan Carson challenged a generation by sharing that it's not enough to be part of a movement that has stories of “doing the stuff” or to sit in churches week in week out gathering information. He reminded us that we are all called, as followers of Jesus, to carry his power and presence into the everyday circumstances of our lives; to see his Kingdom come and his will be done in thousands of creative ways. For that to be a reality in our generation and for those who come after us, we need to know how to live in intimacy with and dependence on the Holy Spirit, allowing his power and his guiding to inform our moment-by-moment lives.

At Cause Ireland, Andy Smith spoke about the impact of a lifetime of obedience, the God-given potential that we carry, and partnering with Jesus to bring about his Kingdom on earth. Recorded live in May 2024 at Cause Ireland in Belfast.

This seminar provides church leaders with some basic orientation and skills for helping individuals and groups engage in evangelism across cultural, ethnic, and racial difference. Participants are given tools to deepen their self-awareness and to help guide church leaders in thinking about how to grow a faithful multiethnic witness.

Parenting as a church leader is filled with amazing opportunities and some unique challenges. We have to parent in a goldfish bowl, navigate the needs of our family and our churches, deal with confidentiality, the pressure of congregational expectations and more.  The good news is that church leadership is a context where our families can thrive, not simply survive. Based on years of research and the book "Parenting as a Church Leader", this seminar empowers parents in ministry leadership to help their children thrive at home, in church, and in their own connection with God. With foundational and practical approaches to parenting in ministry, this seminar will hopefully leave you feeling affirmed and more confident in your parenting for the long haul.

We live in an increasingly anxious society where lives often feel so overstretched and burdened with expectations. This seminar explores a Biblical understanding of anxiety and helps us in developing a practical Biblical resilience and resistance to anxiety by understanding that our minds can be an arena of conflict where many battles are won and lost.

In this seminar John Wright explores the topic of deliverance. He demystifies some of what being influenced by evil spirits might look like, how to discern whether someone is troubled spiritually, or in some other way, and practical tips on how to minister to someone needing deliverance.

Today's cultural conversations are increasingly complex and confusing. Whether we're sat round the kitchen table, chatting in the workplace, or debating laws in parliament, the stories that shape who we are and how we are to live are often polarised and contradictory. This seminar will help you understand what these stories are, where they're coming from and how we can offer an alternative good, true and beautiful story of what it means to be human today.

We are living in challenging times, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to lead. Jay Pathak (National Director of Vineyard USA) shares practical and helpful insights on how to deal with conflict and crisis in leadership.

Many of us have considered loving our neighbours through bringing in their bins while they're away on holiday, but have we also considered loving them through our ballot papers? How do we practice neighbour love and witness to gospel truth in this deeply contested cultural moment? How might a church community proactively engage in local and national political conversations, staying steeped in prayer and courageous in action? In this seminar, we dive into 2 Kings 5 to explore the postures and practices of faithful cultural and political engagement.

We know that we're each called to step out and share our faith, but that doesn't make it easy. Ben and a panel of practioners share stories, insights and top tips for how to share Jesus courageously and inspire others to do the same.

Spiritual formation for leaders is framed in the pursuit of healthy leadership. Alexander first describes the importance of healthy leadership for integrity and longevity in fulfilling one's call under God. That has three constituent parts: spiritual formation, psycho-emotional healing, and personal growth. Alexander then focuses on spiritual formation: what that means; why it is critical for leaders; and how we 'do it'... with the heart motivation of learning to lead as Jesus would if he were you.  Leadership in God's Kingdom is leading like Jesus led, which implies intentional spiritual formation toward Christlikeness.

We know that leadership takes its toll on marriage. There's nothing like ministry to test and expose weaknesses in marriage. The goal is healthy marriage, not only for personal fulfilment, but for integrity and longevity in leadership. Healthy marriage energises ministry and leadership. Dysfunctional marriage comes out in forms of dysfunctional leadership.  Alexander & Gilli approach healthy marriage in leadership by defining love, the essence of the marriage bond in God. Then they unpack four stages of love in its development toward maturity in marriage. So, this seminar examines the four kinds of growth in life-long-love that matures us to love as God loves.

“The issue is not the model. If the Spirit is in it, it doesn't matter what the model is. It's his presence that makes the difference.” In this talk, Tope Koleoso called us back to fear the glory of the Lord. To repent of relying on systems and structures instead of the Spirit, and to return to our first love. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"I think we're starting to see a turning of the tide; that skepticism is waning and people are getting ready to hear a story that they can believe in again. We have that story to tell." Justin Brierley explores the surprising rebirth of belief in God. In this cultural moment, people are searching for meaning, purpose and identity and we have that answer - the good news of Jesus. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

John Wright interviews Dr. Chloe Swart (Associate National Director of Alpha UK) about her PHD in 'the everyday miracle'. Growing up as a pastor's kid, she shares the impact of her parents faith on her own story and early exposure to seeing the miraculous. Full of incredible testimonies of healing, this inspiring interview reminds leaders that we are called to be naturally supernatural people who create a culture of healing in our churches and pray for God's Kingdom to come wherever we are. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"There is a difference between those who only know God in a moment of a manifestation and those who make the glory of the Lord the place of daily habitation".  Damilola Makinde speaks on beholding the glory of the Lord, urging us to be leaders who don't chase after moments of visitation but to be leaders who dwell in the house of the Lord, in the secret place, all the days of our life. She reminds us that our call is not first to lead others but first to be led by the Lord. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"Part of our heritage is to equip the saints to do the works of ministry, and that flows naturally out of the pursuit of the presence of God. It's about the King and the Kingdom." Alexander Venter speaks on Kingdom principles that encourage leaders to press into healthy formation. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"To be a witness is more than just what we say. It's not the articulation of words, it's how we live our lives." Jay Pathak unpacks what it means to be a witness of Jesus and to bear his name to the world. He reminds us that it's not about perfection, but being on a trajectory of transformation. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"The invitation I believe the Lord is setting before us is to live in the fear of the Lord. A life so devoted, set apart and consecrated that we will do anything and go anywhere." Debby Wright closed the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 by speaking on the holy awe of God, which calls us to devotion, consecration and radical obedience. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

"To be a witness is more than just what we say. It's not the articulation of words, it's how we live our lives." Jay Pathak unpacks what it means to be a witness of Jesus and to bear his name to the world. He reminds us that it's not about perfection, but being on a trajectory of transformation. Recorded live at the Vineyard Leaders' Gathering 2024 in Nottingham.

In this workshop, John Wright explores deliverance. He demystifies some of what being influenced by evil spirits might look like, shares how to discern whether someone is troubled spiritually, or in some other way, and offers practical tips on how to minister to someone needing deliverance.

‘Eagerly desire the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.' God is searching for a generation who hear his voice intimately and respond in courageous faith. When we practice supernatural conversation with God, it can lead to the release of miracles, signs and wonders.  Listen back to this workshop from The Cause to Live For 2023.

Jesus assured his followers that he would both equip and empower them to pray for the sick to be healed. BUT he also insisted that they would need to go and act on such assurance. It really is possible to be trained to pray for the sick and to see supernatural things happen in a delightfully natural way. Listen back to this workshop from The Cause to Live For 2023.

“We have weapons that are more than sufficient to overcome all the power of evil in this world. We've got to use them!” In this talk, recorded live at The Cause To Live For 2023, Steve Nicholson talks about the hardships of entering the Kingdom and how we must acknowledge that we are in a battle. As we advance the Kingdom, the enemy will kick back so we must be prepared for war and be ready to fight.

"This is not a solitary game, it is a life to be lived in community. We were never designed to do this on our own. Be a part of something bigger than yourself." On the Saturday at The Cause to Live For 2023, Steph Lowe interviewed mothers and fathers of the Vineyard, John Wright and Eleanor Mumford who spoke on all things ministry, discipleship and living out our Vineyard values. We are so grateful for the Vineyard legacy and the opportunity to learn from those who have gone before us.

“Get into church, be a part of it, make it better, make it real, be a servant and show what servant leadership can really be. God will do great things.” At the Cause to Live For 2023 Steve spoke about his love of the Church and how even though it can be messy and difficult, it's through the Church that God can do mighty things. If we love Jesus, then we must also love the Church.

“Jesus promises you a life full of delirious joy, reckless courage and constant trouble, so fasten your safety belts and get ready to go!” Closing Cause 2023, Ele spoke about how the Gospel gives us a cause to live for, and the Holy Spirit transforms us, empowers us and equips us to live out our calling. She shared some learnings and takeaways of life with Jesus, and commissioned a generation to go out and do the stuff in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“God is not looking for ability, he's looking for availability and obedience. He's looking for five loaves and two fish, people of faith who are willing to follow his voice regardless of whether it works out, hearts that are hungry for heaven.” At The Cause to Live For 2023, Paul Lowe urged us to live a life worthy of our calling, to realise that we carry the power and authority of God and what we see as barriers God sees as opportunities for the miraculous. His Kingdom comes when we take risks, step into the unknown and willingly say yes to Jesus.

“When you really find the Kingdom, you can't get enough. You are willing to pay anything and everything to have it.” Steve Nicholson opened The Cause to Live For 2023 by sharing how an encounter with the power of the Holy Spirit changed everything. From that moment he was willing to give up everything and take every risk in order to follow God. What are we willing to lay down to find the treasure?

In this talk, Ben shares how the gospel has the power to change the world. Speaking from the parable of the sower, he illustrates how only fertile ground has the power to produce good fruit. Recorded live in Stafford at Dreaming the Impossible 2023.