Wimber & Me: How I Received My Marching Orders

Being part of the Vineyard has been an amazing storybook-like experience for me. Friends that know my story have called me the “Forrest Gump” of the Vineyard. You remember Forrest. He was a loveable naïve and rather slow-witted character that led this charmed life. He had a ringside seat for many of the most memorable events of the latter 20th century, not only witnessing them but in some cases influencing them (teaching Elvis to shimmy and inventing the happy face). I identify with Forest. Over the years I’ve enjoyed a Gump-like trek through the Vineyard. I’ve been a “fly on a wall” at some of the most important places and moments in Vineyard history. The Wagner House, the inauguration of the Vineyard in Palm Springs, the Kansas City Prophets, the Toronto Blessing, and the Columbus Accords. Our lives have intersected with and been influenced by some of the legends of our movement like Ken Gulliksen, Bob Fulton, Lonnie Frisbee and of course John Wimber.

I mentioned in my previous post that John played an enormous role in my life. I shared a story that took place very early on when we were first getting to know one another. How after a little help of the Holy Spirit, John recognized my call and finally gave in and let me join the Vineyard and how that call has anchored my life ever since. Well there’s another pivotal Wimber episode that sort of bookends that experience. This was the time John gave me what would become my marching orders for the rest of my life…

For some crazy Forrest Gump reason that I’ll never figure out, John and his wife Carol took a real liking to Char and I. They treated us like family. The Wimbers loved to take family trips to NYC and on what would turn out to be their last trip together (John would pass away in less than a year) they invited Char and I to join them. One particular afternoon I was left alone with John in a café while the rest went shopping. Suddenly, in the middle of some small talk John stops and gets real serious. He looks me in the eye and says, “Mike, this is what you have to do with the rest of your life!” Thinking back on that moment, if I had known this was coming I would have stopped and asked for a pad and pen to take notes. The Lord was about to give me my mission. But John came out of left field with it so fast I was a little shocked. He continued, “God has given you a lot. Now this is what you have to do. Give away everything you’ve been given to other leaders and pastors.” I was too stunned to ask for the particulars and as fast as the conversation had begun it ended and we went on to other more mundane things.

Turns out John passed away shortly after this and I never got a chance to quiz him more on it. But I never forgot that conversation. His words stuck with me and gradually, as years went on, God used them to shape me into a spiritual father with a storehouse of ministry experience and proven, reliable tools and practices passed on to me by amazing leaders like Wimber that I now share with leaders and pastors that come my way. Looking back, that conversation with John turned out to be the seed inspiration for the Main & Plain. I am forever grateful and I think John would be pleased…