At the heart of our church's journey is a profound calling to be more than just a local congregation. We're stepping into a vision of becoming a regional church that multiplies, reaches communities, and carries the transformative power of God's Spirit. When West Wilts Vineyard was founded in 2004, it carried that vision to be a regional church.
WaterWays Vineyard Church
Our new name, WaterWays Vineyard is a prophetic statement. Inspired by biblical imagery of rivers flowing from the temple, rooted in the person of Jesus and his word. The "s" in WaterWays symbolises our commitment to multiplication, reflecting Jesus' command to make disciples who make disciples.
Rooted in our Vineyard heritage and the rich spiritual history of our region we're responding to God's invitation to expand. We're not just hoping for growth; we're strategically pursuing it.
Our approach will primarily be through a multi-site model, establishing gatherings in surrounding towns like Frome, Melksham and beyond. These sites will remain connected to our central leadership while being empowered to reach their local communities.
We recognise this journey won't be easy. Church multiplication involves sacrifice, potential disruption, and stepping out in faith. But we believe the tide is turning.
The Holy Spirit is moving, and we want to join His flow, transforming communities by being deeply rooted in Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, and living with the Father's purpose.
Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter.
God bless
Mark and Meghan Searle - Senior Pastors
Watch the talk as Mark introduces the new name
Some FAQs
Q: Why are we changing our name?
A: To reflect our vision of being a regional church that multiplies, with the name symbolising the flow of the Holy Spirit and our commitment to making disciples across the region beyond West Wiltshire
Q: When will the name change officially take effect?
A: Sometime in the autumn term, after completing legal processes with the charities commission, banks, and updating websites.
Q: What does the name symbolise spiritually?
A: It represents the river of God's Spirit (from Ezekiel 47), Jesus as the Way, and our call to be transformational in our region.
Q: What does the "s" in WaterWays mean?
A: The "s" represents our commitment to multiplying - making disciples who make disciples and expanding to more places in the region.
Q: Are we still part of the Vineyard movement?
A: Yes, we remain committed to the Vineyard Movement, which is why "Vineyard" remains in our name.
Q: Will our website and contact details change?
A: The new website will be wwv.church, but the old website will still work during the transition.
Q: What's the difference between multi-site and church planting?
A: Church planting involves sending a group of people to start a completely new, independent church. Multi-site means we remain one church meeting in multiple locations, with central leadership and governance.
Q: Could a multi-site location become a church plant in the future?
A: Yes, over time, some multi-site locations may develop into full church plants as they grow and become more established.
Q: Who will lead these new sites?
A: Each site will have local leadership, but will remain under the overall leadership of the senior pastors (Mark and Meghan).
Q: Are we changing our core mission?
A: No, we remain committed to discovering full life in Jesus, gathered around Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and living with the Father's purpose. The new name simply helps us do that more effectively.