John Wimber: His Life and Ministry

by Connie Dawson

John Wimber (1934–1997) has been called one of the most important and controversial figures in North American evangelicalism in the twentieth century and the fountainhead of the Third Wave movement. This sensitive and compelling biography of his life and ministry ultimately tells the story of a man with humble—and, some might say, surprising—beginnings, who was called and moved by God to eventually impact the hearts of millions. The first book-length biographical treatment of his life, John His Life and Ministry takes you from the day of his birth—also the day his father abandons him—through his self-proclaimed “pagan upbringing” and young-adult life, complete with illicit-drug use, heavy drinking, and membership in the well-known Righteous Brothers band. As his journey continues, you get a glimpse into his often humorous but refreshing navigation through life as a newborn Christian, a process that culminates in the definitive Holy Spirit encounter that forms Wimber’s understanding of power healing and evangelism—and ultimately the very foundation of his ministry and career. This book contains a discussion of his doctrine, influences, and critics, along with the controversy, the formation of the Vineyard movement; his famous MC510 Signs and Wonder’s class at Fuller; and his involvement with the Kansas City Prophets as well as his reaction to the Toronto Outpouring. Rounding out the narrative is his physical decline, death, and the celebration of his life and legacy. Called “historically faithful and theologically insightful,” John His Life and Ministry is both moving and well-documented, promising to appeal to the lay reader and theological scholar alike as they become acquainted with one of the twentieth century’s most influential voices in the kingdom of

Genres: Theology

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2020

Reviews

[John Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces so many things together in the modern charismatic movement

Dawson has written a thoughtful and engaging text on the life of Wimber. It pieced so many things together for me about the modern charismatic movement of topics that I was only a little familiar. Vinyard, Toronto, IHOP, and many other connections can be found in this book.The emphasis that Wimber had on the kingdom of God came through and I found myself challenged and desiring more of the spirit in my generation.

[Brandon H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This excellent book, John Wimber: His Life and Ministry, is a biography that seeks to present an objective overview from the perspective of one outside the Vineyard of the major events of John Wimber and attempts to better understand this man who has been called one of the most important and controversial figures in North America evangelicalism in the 20th century. This book is well-written, highly documented, and presents a comprehensive picture of Wimber's life. It should stand the test of time as the definite biography of Wimber." - Vinson Synan, PhD

This biography was a delightful read! John Wimber was a down-to-earth man used by God in mighty ways to further His kingdom. John's ministry profoundly affected the global Church in the 1980s and '90s in so many positive ways. And while he saw many wonderful advances and he was far from a perfect vessel, he also faced the expected and unfair criticisms that come with this sort of ministry with grace and humility worth emulating.

When someone asked him how he stayed humble, John replied, "God gives me enough failure, difficulty, criticism and misunderstanding to keep me humble." (233)

Wimber was a spiritual father to many and had a passion not only for ministering spiritual gifts but especially training others to do the same. He was not a fan of celebrity Christianity with superstars on stage doing their thing. He wanted everyone to "do the stuff" and everyone to have an opportunity to be used by God.

Besides learning a lot about this godly man, there were a lot of gaps filled in that I was unaware of when it came to the controversial Toronto Blessing revival that started in the 1990s as well as some of the controversial Kansas City Prophets.

I wish I could have known this man.

A couple more quotes -

"Over the years John often said he was just changed in God's pocket, and it was up to God how he spent his life. His life message became the kingdom of God, which, to Wimber, meant Jesus' right to rule and reign in his life and in any situation." (10)

"Wimber's concern was always for the church. He wanted to see what God could do through a group of people who are willing to obey the commands of Jesus. From this vision grew his goal to develop a body of mature Christians who would be equipped and trained to function as ministers. His motive was never to learn how to effectively pray for the sick himself; rather, his goal from the beginning was to train and equip every member of his congregation to be healers. He did not want to build an audience; he wanted to build an army. These concepts were the foundation of Wimber's vision for equipping the saints and became the underlining emphasis of his ministry." (44-45)

[Costa Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and Honoring

John Wimber was my friend, my leader and my mentor over the last 15 years of his life. Dr. Connie Dawson has produced a work that is honest about him and honoring of him, in this detailed biography and historiography of a man and the movement he led. Like the Bible itself treats its heroes, so she treats this fascinating man, with rigorous honesty and tender Grace that inspires hope for authentic leadership, sobers the mind, lifts the spirit and gladdens the heart. John would have been pleased to read this book about himself. Everyone who wants to understand the Vineyard movement should read it, too!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of modern Christian memoirs/bios these past few years so when I saw this one about John Wimber on Kindle Unlimited, I picked it up. I have to admit I didn't read every bit of it. I skimmed a lot of it--it was written as a dissertation for the author's PhD so some it is just super detailed. The bibliography and notes section is a crazy!

I really didn't know much about John Wimber or the Vineyard (we don't have a lot of Vineyard churches around here). He was a remarkable man who was humble but willing to just listen to Holy Spirit and then act on what he heard.

Some of it was sad--he worked too much, was very sick at the end of his (too short, imo) life and was embroiled in some actual controversies. Honestly, some of it felt like reading a twitter stream during an election--he said this, this person wrote this in response, then he said this and then blah blah blah. Why do churches feel the need to fact check each other so much?!

Regardless of all that, Wimber and the Vineyard movement made real changes in the western church. And countless lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit through their ministry. Wimber's theology and the ministry which flowed from it was laid-back and came out of a trusting relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I love that John Wimber he was just "change in God's pocket and it was up to God how he spent his life."

[Chip Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vineyard movement - especially their music - had a tremendous impact on my life in the mid to late ‘90s. Melody attended a Vineyard fellowship for a couple of sweet years (leading up to the birth of our daughter). I even enjoyed playing and singing in the band there. Then we moved to another town.
I found the story of their founding and founder interesting.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! The best on Wimber that I've read so far; very detailed and well laid out. I highly recommend it!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great portrait of an inspiring man who touched many lives.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful and inspiring

Dr. Dawson has crafted an important contribution to a believer’s library in this highly readable work. She incorporates detailed explanations of the monumental points of Wimber’s life, yet these often-complex events clearly unfold so that the reader can piece together Wimber’s life story and the development of the Vineyard movement. Her research and supporting documentation are exquisitely thorough, and Dr. Dawson provides many important statements and reflections from the parties involved. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about this time in the modern church’s history.