Back in 1987, someone at work suggested we visit a church we had never heard of—the Vineyard Christian Fellowship. It came so highly recommended that we decided to give it a try, even though we had no idea what to expect.
That Sunday morning, as we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed something unusual. Cars ahead of us would stop, and suddenly a passenger would jump out and almost run toward the building. We looked at each other, a little puzzled, but kept going.
The church met in a large industrial building, not what we were used to at all. Inside, we walked past greeters and into what they called the sanctuary. There were about 3,400 folding chairs, maybe half filled, with many seats clearly being saved for friends and family.
We found two open chairs and sat down. A few minutes later, the worship leader and band came out, prayed briefly, and started playing. And almost immediately, something felt different.
What struck us wasn’t the music style—it was who the songs were aimed at. These weren’t songs about God. They were songs to God. Scripture says God inhabits the praises of His people, and in that moment, it felt true. There was a tangible sense of His presence in the room.
After worship, there was solid teaching, and then worship again to close. We walked out stunned. We had never experienced worship like that before. From that day on, our understanding of worship—and our relationship with God—was forever changed.
That experience reflects something John Wimber spent much of his life teaching: worship isn’t a warm-up for something more important. It is the important thing.
Who Was John Wimber?
John Wimber was a pastor, teacher, and one of the key leaders behind the Vineyard movement. Before following Jesus, he had a successful career in music. After his radical conversion, his life took a very different direction—one centered on loving God and helping others experience Him in real, tangible ways.
Wimber later taught at Fuller Theological Seminary and became known for his teaching on power evangelism, healing, and the work of the Holy Spirit. But perhaps his greatest influence came through worship.
He helped the Church rediscover something simple but profound: worship is not about music—it’s about love. Not performance, but presence. Not polish, but intimacy.
Under his leadership, Vineyard churches became known for worship that was honest, Spirit-led, and deeply relational. Many modern worship leaders trace their spiritual DNA back to the culture Wimber helped cultivate. He reminded the Church that worship isn’t what we do before the sermon—it’s what we were created for.
As he often said, “Worship is not something we do before something important—it is the most important thing we do.”
Worship Is a Response of Love
Wimber taught that real worship flows naturally from love. It’s not ritual or routine—it’s relationship. It’s the Church responding to God the way a bride responds to her bridegroom, a child to a loving father, a student to a wise teacher.
Worship is love expressed.
At its core, worship is about drawing near to the Father—not to ask for things, but simply to be with Him. Like children climbing into their Father’s lap, we come with trust, simplicity, and surrender. Worship shifts our focus away from ourselves and fixes our attention on the One who first loved us.
Jesus, Our Bridegroom King
Wimber often spoke of worship using bridal language. Jesus isn’t distant or detached—He’s the passionate Lover of our souls. Worship becomes the Bride preparing herself, responding to His love with devotion and awe.
We don’t just worship Jesus for what He’s done, though that matters deeply. We worship Him for who He is—faithful, beautiful, kind, and true. Worship becomes an offering of love, poured out freely, like oil at His feet.
The Holy Spirit Leads Our Worship
Worship doesn’t originate with us. It’s the Holy Spirit who draws us in, softens our hearts, and reveals the beauty of Jesus. He teaches us how to love God and how to express that love.
Wimber believed the Holy Spirit is the true worship leader—guiding, prompting, and aligning our hearts with heaven. As we yield to Him, worship becomes less about effort and more about response.
Worship Is for God, Not for Us
One of Wimber’s strongest convictions was that worship is not about our preferences. The audience isn’t the congregation—it’s God Himself. Worship isn’t something we watch; it’s something we offer.
We don’t come as spectators. We come as priests, bringing sacrifices of praise to the King of Glory. When worship stays centered on God, everything else finds its proper place.
Simple, Honest, Everyday Worship
Wimber loved worship that was sincere and unpolished. He often told worship leaders, “Don’t perform—just worship, and take people with you.” God isn’t impressed by skill alone; He responds to hearts that are honest and humble.
And worship doesn’t stop when the music ends. It becomes a way of life—expressed in ordinary moments, daily routines, quiet obedience, and simple acts of love. When everything we do is done with God in mind, all of life becomes worship.
Worship Comes Before Ministry
Finally, Wimber believed ministry must flow out of worship. We can’t give what we haven’t received. As we spend time loving God, He fills us—and from that overflow comes service, healing, teaching, and mission.
Worship positions us before God’s presence, where we are changed. And as we behold Him, we become more like Him.
John Wimber’s heart was simple and unwavering: Come, let us adore Him.
Because in worship, we don’t just sing—we are transformed.
Worship is our highest calling.
It is love’s eternal response to Love Himself.