We are delighted to announce that John and Debby Wright have been confirmed as the next Leaders of Vineyard Global.
In addition to their new role, which they will assume in September 2026, they will continue serving as National Directors for Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland, balancing both responsibilities evenly, as they previously did for eight years with Trent Vineyard and VCUKI.
As John and Debby step into this new role they will continue to be supported by the strong leadership structure within the UK & Ireland. The Vineyard Leadership Team providing ongoing strategic, operational and spiritual oversight, and our Regional and Area Leaders offering pastoral care, connection, and encouragement to the growing number of churches. Together with the VCUKI Trustees they will help the movement continue to thrive and grow, building on the momentum of this exciting season under the leadership of John and Debby.
Current Leaders of Vineyard Global, John and Eleanor Mumford, said: “We are convinced that God has called John & Debby to this task. Following the selection process set out in Vineyard Global’s By-Laws, as well as the unanimous co-discernment of the Global Council, we are thrilled that they have been appointed to succeed us in the leadership of Vineyard Global. Their deep love for the Vineyard movement and their proven high-calibre leadership make them very well suited for this role. We are confident they will lead the global Vineyard family with wisdom, grace, and pioneering instincts which will see the movement grow and thrive in the years to come.”
The Vineyard movement is growing around the world, with churches now established on six continents. Vineyard Global is comprised of Associations of Vineyard Churches (AVCs), each led by its own national leadership structure. The Vineyard Global Council, under God, holds the final authority in the international Vineyard family, regarding the pastoral care and oversight of the movement. Leadership is provided by the Leaders of Vineyard Global and the Global Leadership Team, with charity governance administered by the Vineyard Global Council Trust.
John and Debby Wright said: “We are deeply honoured to step into this role and excited to see what God has in store for the Vineyard movement around the world. It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of John and Eleanor, whose leadership has been such a blessing to so many. We look forward to working with the incredible Vineyard family globally, fostering continued health and growth, and helping to equip and release churches to pursue the vision of Christ, His Church and His Cause.”
A Brief History of the Vineyard Movement
The Vineyard movement began in 1975 when Kenn Gulliksen founded the first few Vineyard churches in California. He and John Wimber became close friends, and by 1982 it had become clear that Wimber had emerged as the leader of the movement.
Emanating from John Wimber’s Anaheim Vineyard, the movement spread internationally, including to the UK and Ireland, where John and Eleanor Mumford planted the SW London Vineyard in 1987. They worked closely with John and Debby Wright, who left to plant Trent Vineyard in Nottingham in 1996, which they led until 2023.
In 1996 the Vineyard in the UK & Ireland was commissioned as an AVC led by John & Eleanor, who subsequently also brought coordination and leadership to the growing number of Associations of Vineyard Churches around the world.
In 2015, John & Debby succeeded them as the National Directors of VCUKI.
