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Never Trust a Leader Without a Limp: The Wit and Wisdom of John Wimber, Founder of the Vineyard Church Movement
A Unique Life, a Gifted Calling, a Lasting Legacy
John Wimber is not only revered as the founder of the Vineyard movement but is renowned for his unique ability to capture truth in pithy little phrases. This inspirational collection of memorable remarks, each placed in its historical context, offers astute observations on essential principles while also capturing and preserving the story and identity of a miraculous work of God.
For those who witnessed the miracle firsthand and for an entire generation of young leaders who never met John or experienced his ministry, here is a unique restatement of the foundational tenets that launched an international community of more than twenty-four hundred churches in more than one hundred countries—a lasting legacy of spiritual insights that changed lives then and can change your life today.
John Wimber is not only revered as the founder of the Vineyard movement but is renowned for his unique ability to capture truth in pithy little phrases. This inspirational collection of memorable remarks, each placed in its historical context, offers astute observations on essential principles while also capturing and preserving the story and identity of a miraculous work of God.
For those who witnessed the miracle firsthand and for an entire generation of young leaders who never met John or experienced his ministry, here is a unique restatement of the foundational tenets that launched an international community of more than twenty-four hundred churches in more than one hundred countries—a lasting legacy of spiritual insights that changed lives then and can change your life today.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 21, 2020
“Never trust a leader without a limp,” is one of the many sayings from John Wimber that have become known as “wimberisms” over the years since John’s passing in 1997. It is a saying that I have especially appreciated over these last seven years of pastoring. This statement gives us permission to be on a vulnerable and transparent journey.
As pointed out in Never Trust A Leader Without A Limp, by Author Glenn Schroder, “Beyond his ongoing health issues, he [John] also dealt with criticism throughout much of his pastorate. Despite those things, plus the deaths of his dearest friends and colleagues…he limped on.” (Schroder, 92) These struggles of health and leading were not hidden by John. In fact, “John was open about his own hardships, creating an environment of freedom to not only be honest about our struggles but also to fall short.” (Schroder, 92) That sort of transparency and vulnerability is something I long to see in an authentic sense of church community. Note, “John understood and maintained that true leadership and wisdom are formed in the crucible of hardship,”(Schroder, 92) and he ingrained that honest, vulnerable, and transparent approach to communal life in those he served, trained, coached, and released – so that they would not create unhealthy dependencies on pastors, ministries or churches – but rather find their “life, identity, and worth from Christ.” (Schroder, 92) In this era we would do well to rediscover this confession and conviction again.
John grew up outside of faith and the church, making his living as a musician and in the music industry, until a profound experience led him to Jesus. Wimber would come to faith in a Quaker church, serve in the Calvary Chapel, and then encounter Kenn Gulliksen, who was overseeing a small group of Jesus-people churches known as the Vineyard. Wimber would come onboard as Pastor, and in-time become the father and facilitator of the Vineyard Movement. God moved mightily in those early years in natural and supernatural ways. John was also a gifted evangelist and speaker, and he would disciple a movement of pastors, worship leaders, and spirit-filled believers that would change the face of worship and the church- until his death in 1997. In fact, “In the October 6, 20006, issue of Christianity Today, his book Power Evangelism was listed as the twelfth most influential book shaping an evangelicalism.” (Schroder XIII) For a few generations, many individuals in various church movements have been infulenced, invested-in, and inspired by the teaching, writing, and shepherding of Wimber.
This book doesn’t explore history or theology (doesn’t shy from it either), but captures some of his timeless sayings that were contagiously remember-able and unpacks these wimberisms in context and meaning. This statement, “Never trust a leader without a limp,” is just one of over thirty Wimberisms found in this book that carefully explores some of the better known and recited wit and wisdom of John Wimber. Each statement is unpacked in context by Schroder who has been in the Vineyard Movement since 1976. A note/bibliography at the back of the book not only shows the extent of the author’s research, but also where you can turn for more context and learning.
You don’t need to know what the Vineyard is, or was, to enjoy and understand this book. Rather, this book introduces Wimber to a whole new generation that did not know him – his investment, inspiration, or influence. It is also a great reminder for those who have been around the Vineyard or Wimber’s writings awhile, aligning us back to some truths that once contagiously shaped us. Glenn had the opportunity to worship with John, but also serve on a leadership team with John. John’s Widow writes the forward to this book, affirming “Glenn Schroder and his wife, Donna, were with us from the very beginning.” (Schroder, IX) In this book, Schroder shares many personal stories from his journey of faith, as well as testimonies from his interactions with John. Each chapter is short, making for a short read that is just a little over 190 pages long.
We own that the “Vineyard movement is over forty years old now. Many of the original pastors are in the process of retiring or already have,”(Schroder, XIV) this collection not only helps us keep an identity, but will “both capture the essence of John’s beliefs and teaching” (Schroder, XIV) for countless others. This book does not take a scholarly approach, which is my biggest drawback, but it is certainly encouraging and inspiring. It will be a book that I ask leaders and pastoral friends to read, and maybe work through and dissect with leadership teams. There is much for leaders in many of these chapters, including my favorite chapter on what it means to be a leader, “Show me your puppies, and I’ll give you your papers.” Folks, “Faith Is Spell R-I-S-K,” and it is time that we begin to “dial down” all that we made of the church, rediscover that “the way in is the way on,” and start a church that is full of “everybody gets to play,” and everybody “doin’ the stuff.” What better way to be inspired than from a biblical teacher who transparently and vulnerability confessed that he is “just a fat man on my way to heaven,” but made much of the pursuit of Jesus.
Schroder, Glenn. Never Trust a Leader Without a Limp: The with and Wisdom of John Wimber, Founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. Nashville, TN: Emanate Books, 2020.
As pointed out in Never Trust A Leader Without A Limp, by Author Glenn Schroder, “Beyond his ongoing health issues, he [John] also dealt with criticism throughout much of his pastorate. Despite those things, plus the deaths of his dearest friends and colleagues…he limped on.” (Schroder, 92) These struggles of health and leading were not hidden by John. In fact, “John was open about his own hardships, creating an environment of freedom to not only be honest about our struggles but also to fall short.” (Schroder, 92) That sort of transparency and vulnerability is something I long to see in an authentic sense of church community. Note, “John understood and maintained that true leadership and wisdom are formed in the crucible of hardship,”(Schroder, 92) and he ingrained that honest, vulnerable, and transparent approach to communal life in those he served, trained, coached, and released – so that they would not create unhealthy dependencies on pastors, ministries or churches – but rather find their “life, identity, and worth from Christ.” (Schroder, 92) In this era we would do well to rediscover this confession and conviction again.
John grew up outside of faith and the church, making his living as a musician and in the music industry, until a profound experience led him to Jesus. Wimber would come to faith in a Quaker church, serve in the Calvary Chapel, and then encounter Kenn Gulliksen, who was overseeing a small group of Jesus-people churches known as the Vineyard. Wimber would come onboard as Pastor, and in-time become the father and facilitator of the Vineyard Movement. God moved mightily in those early years in natural and supernatural ways. John was also a gifted evangelist and speaker, and he would disciple a movement of pastors, worship leaders, and spirit-filled believers that would change the face of worship and the church- until his death in 1997. In fact, “In the October 6, 20006, issue of Christianity Today, his book Power Evangelism was listed as the twelfth most influential book shaping an evangelicalism.” (Schroder XIII) For a few generations, many individuals in various church movements have been infulenced, invested-in, and inspired by the teaching, writing, and shepherding of Wimber.
This book doesn’t explore history or theology (doesn’t shy from it either), but captures some of his timeless sayings that were contagiously remember-able and unpacks these wimberisms in context and meaning. This statement, “Never trust a leader without a limp,” is just one of over thirty Wimberisms found in this book that carefully explores some of the better known and recited wit and wisdom of John Wimber. Each statement is unpacked in context by Schroder who has been in the Vineyard Movement since 1976. A note/bibliography at the back of the book not only shows the extent of the author’s research, but also where you can turn for more context and learning.
You don’t need to know what the Vineyard is, or was, to enjoy and understand this book. Rather, this book introduces Wimber to a whole new generation that did not know him – his investment, inspiration, or influence. It is also a great reminder for those who have been around the Vineyard or Wimber’s writings awhile, aligning us back to some truths that once contagiously shaped us. Glenn had the opportunity to worship with John, but also serve on a leadership team with John. John’s Widow writes the forward to this book, affirming “Glenn Schroder and his wife, Donna, were with us from the very beginning.” (Schroder, IX) In this book, Schroder shares many personal stories from his journey of faith, as well as testimonies from his interactions with John. Each chapter is short, making for a short read that is just a little over 190 pages long.
We own that the “Vineyard movement is over forty years old now. Many of the original pastors are in the process of retiring or already have,”(Schroder, XIV) this collection not only helps us keep an identity, but will “both capture the essence of John’s beliefs and teaching” (Schroder, XIV) for countless others. This book does not take a scholarly approach, which is my biggest drawback, but it is certainly encouraging and inspiring. It will be a book that I ask leaders and pastoral friends to read, and maybe work through and dissect with leadership teams. There is much for leaders in many of these chapters, including my favorite chapter on what it means to be a leader, “Show me your puppies, and I’ll give you your papers.” Folks, “Faith Is Spell R-I-S-K,” and it is time that we begin to “dial down” all that we made of the church, rediscover that “the way in is the way on,” and start a church that is full of “everybody gets to play,” and everybody “doin’ the stuff.” What better way to be inspired than from a biblical teacher who transparently and vulnerability confessed that he is “just a fat man on my way to heaven,” but made much of the pursuit of Jesus.
Schroder, Glenn. Never Trust a Leader Without a Limp: The with and Wisdom of John Wimber, Founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. Nashville, TN: Emanate Books, 2020.
January 14, 2020
This enjoyable read gives examples and stories about the life and ministry of John Wimber, founder of The Vineyard movement. Lots of insights on leadership and interesting church history, as well as funny anecdotes make this an encouraging read to anyone serving in ministry or for those who want to know more about the history of the Vineyard church. Would be a great gift for someone seeking to serve in ministry.or a pastor that could need an uplifting read.
I read an early copy, thanks to #NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own.
I read an early copy, thanks to #NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2020
This book lives up to it's name... full of wit and wisdom. The beauty of John Wimber's life is demonstrated in the stories of his humility, authenticity, and love in action. I so enjoyed this read.
July 30, 2024
Great read about John Wimberisms and practical ministry ideas. Read this one a bit at a time and glad to soak in it as I slowly went through it.
November 28, 2024
Beginning had great leadership advice and inspiring stories. Sort of tailspinned at the end.
November 12, 2023
This was a very insightful look at the life and wisdom of John Wimber. After recently joining a vineyard church. I was curious on why and where the church movement comes from. I’ve had good and bad experiences between meeting different vineyards but much like the one I call home and John Wimber I appreciate and agree with a lot of what they stand for.
It’s a complicated legacy but I’m glad to be a part of it.
It’s a complicated legacy but I’m glad to be a part of it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews