The biblical principles of discipleship and ‘disciple-making’ outlined in The Trellis and the Vine should be worked through in all our churches with every member. This most helpful sequel provides not only further expansion on the vital principles of Christian service, but also valuable practical lessons on how to generate a whole church culture of ‘learner-disciples’. The biblical material is excellent. The practical tips are instructive. The everyday examples put real flesh on the bone.
William Taylor
Rector, St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, UK
The Vine Project takes you beneath technique and program to the heart of what matters in church life. And it does this in a way that is immensely practical. The book is so helpful, I think I can offer an ironclad guarantee that if you and a leadership team work through this book, things will change for the better. I guarantee there will also be pain! But it will be healthy pain.
Andrew Heard
Lead Pastor, EV Church, Erina, Australia
Director, Geneva Push church planting network
President, Fellowship Independent Evangelical Churches
Six years in the writing and 60 years in the making. I don’t think you’ll find a better book on discipleship and church growth, which marries firm biblical foundations with extensive practical advice. Clear, sensitive, and thought-provoking, The Vine Project will continue and enhance the global revolution in church life and ministry begun with The Trellis and the Vine.
Michael Raiter
Director, Centre for Biblical Preaching, Melbourne, Australia
Tony Payne and Colin Marshall’s new book The Vine Project is not for the faint-hearted. It challenges those of us who found The Trellis and the Vine so helpful to put our money where our mouth is and actually implement the vision. The book outlines a practical, patient and serious program for lasting change.
Rory Shiner
Senior Pastor, Providence Church, Perth, Australia
This is a unique book—it somehow manages to be relentlessly biblical, deeply challenging, utterly realistic and profoundly encouraging at the same time. Col and Tony have not only thought more about the life of the local church more than anyone else I know, they have also listened to people (especially pastors) from all over the world, and so have produced a book which is thoroughly humble, sane, flexible and practical. The Vine Project models a way ahead that is both radical and manageable for the local church, and rather than making me feel guilty or depressed, reading it invigorated me and refreshed my passion for gospel ministry ‘on the ground’!
Gary Millar
Principal, Queensland Theological College, Australia
Chair, The Council of The Gospel Coalition Australia
Culture change is something we all know our churches need—but if all that was required was simply a matter of following six easy steps or implementing a new structure, we would have all done it by now! Through a beautifully crafted combination of careful biblical thinking, years of experience, and realistic practitioner reflection, The Vine Project encourages us to see culture change as a long, prayerful and people-intensive process that will produce long-term kingdom growth.