John Wimber: The Way It Was

by Carol Wimber

“John and I had a standing joke when we would hear of a book being written about him. I would threaten to write an exposé after he died and live off the proceeds in the Bahamas. But one morning on our way home from church he spoke seriously about it for the first time ever. ‘When I die, you write the book, Carol, and tell them the way it was.’” So begins Carol Wimber's engaging and, at times, deeply moving account of the life of her husband, John, who died in November 1997. John Wimber is best-known as a great evangelist, a huge influence on the evangelical Church worldwide and a pioneer of the system of church planting. He was the founder of the Association of Vineyard Churches and in the '80s a lecturer at Fuller Theological Seminary, where his course on miracles and church growth was the most popular ever. He was a writer whose books 'Power Evangelism' and 'Power Healing' were bestsellers. Yet John Wimber also described himself as 'just a fat man on my way to heaven' and this book reveals much about the man behind the public generous to a fault, a man who wished only to serve Jesus, the former rock musician with The Righteous Brothers who wrote songs that anyone could play. Carol does not gloss over the darker points of their time the near breakup of their marriage in 1961 before they became Christians, and his courageous battle with cancer in the 1990s. Her book is essential reading for all Christians and for anyone who wishes to know more about this spiritual giant of the twentieth century. This edition includes a new foreword, written by Carol Wimber, 22 years on from first writing this book.

Genres: Biography, Christian Living

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[John Spraker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, John

And thank you, Carol for telling us about this man and the amazing God he served. We are better for it.

[Arjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What comes across most in this book is the humility of John Wimber. A friendly and kind man, with an incredible heart to serve and love the church. I would have loved to meet him, yet as recounted in the last chapter he died relatively young at an age of 63, due to a combination of cancer brainstrokes, and many surgeries, before I ever heard of the Vineyard Churches.
The title The Way it Was reflects how John Wimber wanted to keep things simple and uncomplicated. As a gifted musician I was delighted to discover that some songs that have meant a lot to me personally were written and composed by John Wimber.
As you enter into the last chapter you realise how much he suffered in pain during his sicknesses, but continued to be a blessing to those around him, first and foremost his family, but also the church, which he deeply loved. He is a great example of one who 'equipped the saints,' which was his life calling.
The book could have used some editing in the order, and little coments, yet the content is so real and raw, and that also makes it exactly as John wanted it to be told: this is The Way it Was.

[Jack Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering the way it was

John Wimber's ministry and life had a profound impact on my life. Reading his wife's account of the way it was adds a richness and greater appreciation for the price he paid to follow his calling to demonstrate the love of God to the Church and to the world.

[Steven Tull · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of the way it was.

I am forever grateful for John Wimber my very favorite of all God`s Generals, I ove that we all get to play and I am doing the stuff and equipping the saints.

[Becca Shrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poorly written, but beautiful stories of Jesus that inspired me, it reads like you are having coffee with a wise, funny Grandma and I loved that

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerfully dynamic, yet very humble, compassionate and down to earth man of God.

[Sjlovealive · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have heard so much about John Wimber that I wanted to read this book ,but it was written so terribly that I could not get through the first chapter. My husband said that it did get better (which is why i gave it two stars instead of one), but I found the first chapter to be just awful. Its very unfortunate because I am interested in reading about his life. His wife should have allowed someone else to write, while she detailed and made sure what was written was accurate, rather than doing it herself.

[R.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving and riveting account of John’s life. Carol tends to digress from time to time; especially at the beginning of the book.
There, she focuses a lot on heritage and family life, which is probably not of huge interest to the average reader.
As a friend of mine has put it, speaking from experience: "Don’t read the last few chapters in public (while on a plane), you might end up crying."

For those who want to learn more about the man behind the Vineyard movement, this is a must-read! Very personal and immediate,
more so than accounts from other contemporaries.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came highly recommended by my good friend. I have to say that it is not well written as Carol is not a very good writer. But, it is an important book to read to get a perspective on the Vineyard movement. I found it to be a bit depressing in the end. My favorite part though is where she quotes John saying "this is the menu not the meal. You read the menu to figure out the meal."

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for its historical and emotional quality. The writing is mediocre, but the story made me cry.

[Phil Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Written by his wife who had never written a book before so give her a little slack and was suffering from her husbands death-but that is part of what makes it so real and personal.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing testimony in itself, and as someone in the vineyard movement it was great to get a glimpse into the life of its founder

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read! this is a good story about john wimber founder of the Vineyard movement..