Ross Nelson was called into the ministry during Jr. High while sitting in a Lutheran confirmation class here in Tomahawk, WI. He didn’t actualize that call until he was twenty-three, when he embraced the Lord and His saving grace. At that time, the Lord reestablished His pastoral calling on Ross’ life. Ross graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1982. He and his wife, Mary, served in two different Lutheran parishes until 1990, when the Lord directed them to connect with the Vineyard. From 1990 - 1995, they successfully planted and pastored a Vineyard church in Elgin, Illinois.

In the fall of 1995, being obedient to the Lord’s leading, the Nelsons moved to their hometown of Tomahawk,WI. The Lord made it clear, through many confirming evidences, that He wanted the Nelsons to plant a church there. On March 30, 1997 the Northwoods Vineyard Church began in the living room of the Nelson’s home. In three months, they grew to thirty people, and inthe years that followed, the church moved to several buildings to accommodate their growth.

Along with local growth, planting new churches in Wisconsin is another major part of their vision. Since their beginnings they have started churches in Wausau, Rhinelander and Chippewa Falls.

Restore people to the fullness of life through experiencing God's grace and truth. -John 10:10, John 1:14

Our mission is simply to be doing what Jesus said He came to do- restoring people to fullness of life.

As Jesus journeyed on this planet He encountered only one kind of people... broken ones! so, like Jesus, we welcome thos who haven't got all their stuff together. Is you life in shambles? Do you desire to experience Jesus' promise of fullness of life? Then we encourage you to come and visit us. You'll find that you will be accepted where you are and loved enough to not be left there.

We See the Lord creating through the Northwoods Vineyard Church a community of 500 people from the Tomahawk area who are progressively engaging in Christ-centered living.

Christ-centered living is defined as those who:

Love and WORSHIP the Lord Jesus Christ
We exist to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ for who He is, what He has done and what He will do. Our desire is to magnify Him in whatever we do, so that our lives can be an expression of His Presence.

Learn and live His WORD
We exist to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ. This occurs primarily through the study and application of His Word. We see this as a lifelong process of allowing the Word of God to reveal His grace and truth, which empowers us to mature.

Lead people to Him through WINSOME WITNESS
We exist to lead people to experience a real, personal and saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our desire is to work with a sense of urgency and to be intentional in reaching out to those who are lost eternally without Jesus Christ. This is so important to our Lord that He actually gave five great commissions: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47-49; John 20:21 and Acts 1:8. Suffice it to say, we are on a mission from God.

Live relationally in our WALK with Him and others
We exist to walk out our relationship with the LordJesus Christ in loving relationships with each other.Jesusplaces a high value on relationships. Jesus said we would be known as His disciples by our love for one another. Our desire is to foster an environment for growth, which encourages an open sharing of our lives with eachother. This occurs most effectively in the context of smallgroups. It is the Lord’s will for us as members of His family to have a genuine sense of belonging where we can truly be known and know others.

Legitimize His presence through His WORKS
We exist to minister our Lord’s power and mercy. We trust Him to work through us to bring His Kingdom’s power to heal and restore hurting and broken lives. Our desire is to treat people as Jesus does, to accept them where they are, which requires mercy and grace, but to love them enough not to leave them there, which requires truth. We see healing both as a process tobe walked out in the context of safe relationships with people trained to minister, as well as experiencing the Lord’s Presence through powerful encounters with Him.

Liberally respond to our Lord’s love through WISE INVESTING into His kingdom
We exist to manage all of our God-given resources in such a manner that would bring the greatest glory to our Lord Jesus Christ in the advancement of His kingdom.