The Companions of the Order of the Vine
The Order is a non-denominational Christian fraternity inspired by historic chivalry. We are not affiliated with any other fraternity or order. The Order was established in 2005 as a part of Prince of Peace – A Christian Assembly (POP).
Membership is open to men and women of the Christian faith who agree with the Order’s requirements and beliefs noted below. Sharing the Gospel message is especially important to the Order. The Order is pleased to facilitate baptism. One need not be a member of POP to join the Order and like-minded persons are invited to apply for membership.
Beliefs
- See POP's Our Beliefs page for relevant information
Requirements
- Members shall be at least age 18.
- Members shall believe in The Holy Bible and The Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
- Members shall sign a simple statement regarding their background and faith (no oath or initiation ceremony is required).
- Members shall pay a small one-time membership fee of 20.00 (a reduction or waiver of the fee may be given for financial need--fees are used for the Order's charitable works).
- Members do not use secret signs or symbols or wear regalia-type costumes or uniforms.
- Members shall share the Gospel message and perform acts of charity within their ability and means.
- Members shall not preach or engage in doctrine or behavior that conflicts with The Holy Bible.
- Members shall actively promote the Order and refer/sponsor worthy candidates for membership.
Benefits
- Certificate that demonstrates membership and an outline of the Order's operations.
- Use of the Order’s emblem and one's designated membership rank (Member, Officer, etc.) as appropriate.
- Heraldic arms (aka "coat of arms") specifically designed for the member (optional--a small fee applies for the design, research and legal work involved).
- Letter of appointment to the Order's lay ministry if desired (helpful for doing hospital and nursing home visits and other ministry work not requiring ordination).
- Interaction with and guidance from members with shared values and beliefs including experienced ministers, biblical scholars, and others.
- Attendance at gatherings of the Order.
- Discounts for goods and services from members of the Order at their discretion.
The Order is not a secret or occult society with signs, symbols and rituals (the Freemasons or Odd Fellows, for examples). Members of organizations that engage in secret or occult practices or racial or gender discrimination are not eligible to join the Order (if there was past involvement in such an organization, please discuss it with us as we understand that a mistake might have been made when the intention was good.)
The Order processes applications for membership based on its religious beliefs. There is no public right to be admitted to the Order. The Order is not a substitute for attending church and does not provide worship or pastoral services.
Local chapters may be authorized to operate under the leadership of experienced members.
An application for membership in the Order may be requested via the Contact page.
Honorary membership or the Order's medal (for humanitarian work or other meaningful acts that agree with the Order's values) may be granted upon the full recommendation of the Order's membership/merit board. Honorary status and receiving the medal confer all the rights and privileges of membership without joining the Order.
Questions are welcome.
The Medal of the Companions of the Order of the Vine
(Order of the Vine Medal)
C. Nahser, OVM
Longtime work with large sanctuary animals - USA
B. Roy, OVM
Longtime preaching and humanitarian work in the community - Bangladesh
G. Scott, OVM and K. Scott, OVM
Building and maintaining a brick-and-mortar church - USA