“Traditioning” in the Vineyard: A Pastoral Value for Sacramentality

[Luke Geraty]

Abstract:

Pentecostal theologian Simon Chan suggests that “traditioning” is essential for a movement to preserve its values and spirituality while also creating space and opportunity for adjustment as new cultural challenges are faced.1 As the Vineyard continues to develop a robust “traditioning” process, including both catechesis and kingdom pedagogies, how might a broader inclusion of the Eucharist help serve to both shape/form and train/equip those within our ecclesial communities on a biblical/theological/practical level? Might Communion be a space that confirms our values, purposes, and practices, not to mention enacts the proclamation and demonstration of the kingdom, especially creating room for healing?

Vineyard churches have an opportunity to embrace, include, and “take the best and go” from sacramentality because it has the potential to significantly shape our “equipping the saints.” It is the only truly formative way to maintain a unique Vineyard pneumatological spirituality that impacts hearts, minds, and actions. Though sacramentality is a rich resource, the distance between sacramental theology and churches is often vast, especially in the Vineyard. This paper seeks to reduce that distance by providing practical guidelines for pastors and churches.

The full paper is attached to this post.