Our History
The Vineyard Church of Surprise began in a living room with seven people and a vision from God. In early 2001, Brad and Susan Willson (who previously pastored the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Salinas, California, for 23 years) began flying to the Phoenix area on a weekly basis to hold a mid-week Bible study. The plan was to gather people and cast a vision for a new church in the city of Surprise . Over the next several months, weekly gatherings were held and in April 2001 the Willsons transitioned the Salinas church over to a long-time associate and moved to Surprise.
On Sunday, September 9, 2001, public services began at the Chaparral Center in Sun City Grand, Surprise, Arizona. Over the next two years, the church grew, and relocated to a larger facility within Sun City Grand. In the summer of 2003, four acres of land were purchased in the City of Surprise with the plan to build a permanent home for the church. Over the next one and a half years, the four-acre property was completely paid for through the donations of those attending the church. A beautiful and functional building was completed in May of 2006, and became the worship center of the Vineyard Church.
The Vineyard continues to add new people, and church's ministry has extended throughout the Surprise and Sun Cities areas, reaching all ages of people, through various community outreach ministries, neighborhood small groups, and dynamic weekly worship services. It is our vision to continue to be a vital Christian community, reaching all generations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!