In this episode of We Are Vineyard, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Rubén Quintero, leader of our Hispanic Association chats with Joel and Emmy Seymour about their visit to the US/Mexico border, Miguel Aviles about pastoring a predominantly immigrant Vineyard church, and Jimmy Reyes about the cultural differences in Hispanic and American churches, navigating a multilingual church, and maturing toward unity.  Joel Seymour serves as a Super Regional Leader for Vineyard USA.  Emmie Seymour is a junior studying nursing at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. She has a deep desire to combine healthcare and missions and feels a calling to become a medical missionary. Her love for the Vineyard runs deep - she grew up at the Lancaster Vineyard in Ohio, where she’s served in many roles over the years, from leading Alpha small groups to volunteering with kids and serving as a youth ambassador. Emmie completed the leadership track for Project Timothy in 2023, which helped shape her growth as a leader. Miguel Aviles serves as the lead pastor of La Viña Burnsville in Minnesota alongside his wife Rocio Hernandez. La Viña Burnsville is a vibrant and diverse community, representing people from 17 different Latin American countries and highlighting the cultural richness of the body of Christ. Additionally, the church is home to a flourishing Brazilian ministry, led by a dedicated team, which continues to grow and impact lives with the message of the Gospel. Jimmy Reyes is the lead pastor of the Valley Vineyard in Reseda, CA. He has helped plant two Viña communities in Los Angeles, produced 2 Spanish albums with Vineyard Worship, and led worship at the first Vineyard Hispanic Gathering in the 90’s as a teenager. He also currently serves Vineyard USA as an Area Leader in Southern California.    Show Notes:  Register for Vineyard USA’s Women’s Conference: More. Day of Giving 2025  Vineyard USA’s Hispanic Association  Vineyard USA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Dr. Charles Montgomery, Jr. talks with Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin about when she first recognized she was called to leadership and the philosophy of redemptive leadership. Dr. Massie Martin also discusses how the Lord shapes us through the struggles and sacrifices of ministry, likening us to a piece of clay on the Potter’s wheel.  Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today and founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries. She is an accomplished writer and author, serves on various boards and councils, and leads the Grow Ministry at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Maryland. She and her husband, Mark, are proud parents to two amazing daughters.   Show Notes:  Register for Vineyard USA’s Women’s Conference: More. Nailing It by Nicole Massie Martin Nicolemassiemartin.com  sfiministries.org  Get a year of Christianity Today for free!   

Bruce Hindmarsh: Can A Movement Be More Than The Work Of One Generation?Show Podcast Information

This episode of We Are Vineyard is the first in a series on ordination! Jay and Caleb Maskell (Associate National Director of Theology and Education) talk to Bruce Hindmarsh about what evangelical spirituality is, its context in the historic and global church, and how it’s relevant to our current world. As Vineyard USA is in a moment of grappling with questions of identity and history, Bruce helps us to understand the traditional roots of evangelicalism and offers some wisdom on remaining faithful to the founding charism of a movement. 

Bruce Hindmarsh took his D.Phil. degree in theology at Oxford University in 1993. From 1995 to 1997 he was also a research fellow at Christ Church, Oxford. He has since published and spoken widely to international audiences on the history of early British evangelicalism. His articles have appeared in respected academic journals such as Church History, the Journal of Ecclesiastical History, and the Huntington Library Quarterly.

The recipient of numerous teaching awards and research grants, he has also been a research fellow at the Huntington Library and recipient of the Henry Luce III Theological Fellowship. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a past-president of the American Society of Church History. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by Crandall University in 2022.

He teaches the history of Christianity and spiritual theology, and speaks often to lay audiences as well as preaching in his own church and elsewhere. A former staff worker for Youth for Christ and founding director of Camp Cedarwood, he is an active lay member of an Anglican Church. He is married to Carolyn, and they have three children: Bethany, Matthew and S...

Ranjo Clements: Our Faith Is Not Meant To Be HomogenousShow Podcast Information

 

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Ranjo Clements about traveling from Bombay, India to the US with his parents at age 5, the disconnect he felt moving back as a young teenager, and his experience of re-learning how to be Indian. They discuss some cultural values and norms that are strengths, and others that require navigation in a mixed-culture environment. Ranjo shares about the life events that led him to taking diversity issues seriously, some of the challenges and benefits he has found in being a part of the Vineyard, and what he finds valuable about Vineyard USA Associations. 

Ranjo joined the Vineyard in 2013. Although originally from India, he is a card-carrying “third culture kid,” having spent multiple stints in India and the US. He is passionate about equipping worship leaders, building multiethnic communities, and creating “safe spaces” where people encounter God and operate in their gifting. Ranjo served as a worship pastor in India before returning to the US in 2008 to pursue an M.Div. in worship studies at Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS). He has since served as Associate Pastor at GCF Vineyard in Wilmore, KY, and is on the core team for Vineyard USA’s AAPI association. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Asian American studies at ATS. His research interests include Asian American identity and theology, worship, ethnodoxology, and missiology. Ranjo and his wife, Aletha, have five beautiful daughters. They love hosting people, singing, sharing stories, laughing, and eating all kinds of ethnic food, especially spicy food.  

Show Notes: 

2023 VUSA National Conference “Making All Things New”

Learning Our Names by Sabrina S. Chan, Linson Daniel, E. David de Leon, and La Thao

Asbury University

John Kim: Hedge Funds and the Holy SpiritShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with John Kim about growing up in an industrious immigrant family on Long Island, encountering the Lord through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and getting connected with the Vineyard. John shares about living a life of continuity between work and church by intentionally bringing his spiritual self to the workplace and his business mind to the church, and explains how this is an asset to both.

John Kim pastors the166, a Vineyard church plant in the Hell’s Kitchen section of midtown Manhattan, along with his wife Kara. He is a principal of Karamaan Group, an investing firm that takes passive and active interests in both public and private companies. On the active side, he is a founder of Bored Room Ventures, a web3 agency and investment fund, and a strategic advisor to Wise Rock Software, a provider of intelligence amplification software. Prior to this, he was a partner at MSD Capital. He received his PhD from MIT in 1998, and his AB from Harvard in 1995. He resides in Manhattan with his wife Kara and son Samuel. He is one of the founding families of Coram Deo: A House of Worship, Prayer and Entrepreneurship located in midtown Manhattan, and serves on the board of Vineyard USA.

Show Notes: 

VUSA Empowered series:  https://vineyardusa.org/pentecost2023/

Use #vusaempowered when you share on social media so we can see it!

2023 VUSA National Conference “Making All Things New”:  https://conference.vineyardusa.org/

Order of the Common Life: https://www.orderofthecommonlife.org/

Becky Olmstead: The Vineyard’s Love For KidsShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Becky Olmstead about growing up in the church, her resistance towards living a life of formal ministry, and finding that God had specifically prepared her to lead a Children’s Ministry. Becky shares some advice she would give to her younger self, her unique priorities in leading a Children’s Ministry, and her approach to raising kids who would grow up to love God, the church, and each other.

Becky Olmstead and her husband, Rick, started Vineyard Church of the Rockies in 1982. She has been passionately involved in ministry to kids since the beginning of their church. Having come into relationship with Jesus as a child, Becky has been a voice for kids, not just in their local church, but in the Vineyard USA and internationally. God has given Becky a passion for equipping and encouraging kids’ ministry leaders.

In 1998, she started networking Vineyard kids’ ministry leaders through Kid*Net conferences. This led to the development of the Vineyard Kids Task Force. Becky and Rick have twin boys who are each happily married. They have travelled to 6 out of 7 continents. She loves bicycling, roasting her own coffee beans, eating chocolate, and reading mystery novels.

She is the 4/14 Movement Global Leader and the National Kids Task Force Leader for Vineyard USA.

 

Show Notes: 

VUSA Empowered series:  https://vineyardusa.org/pentecost2023/

Use #vusaempowered when you share on social media so we can see it!

2023 VUSA National Conference “Making All Things New”:  https://conference.vineyardusa.org/

Becky’s website: https://www.beckyolmstead.net/

Vineyard Kids: Vineyardkidsusa.com

Steve Nicholson: Being A Church That Lives Beyond Human ExplanationShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with return guest Steve Nicholson about some common practices of pastors who see the Holy Spirit move in their churches, and how pastors can begin to train and lead Holy Spirit ministry. Steve also shares about moving through windows of discouragement and what he’s seeing the Holy Spirit doing right now. 

Steve Nicholson began ministering as a college student through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the early 1970s.  After graduation, he moved to the Chicago area where he and several other twenty-something leaders founded a church.  That fellowship, begun in 1976 in Evanston, Illinois, placed a high priority on contemporary worship, biblical teaching, openness to the Holy Spirit, and committed relationships as a church family.

In 1981, Steve and a team from the fellowship established a new church in Humboldt Park, a neighborhood in Chicago’s inner city. Both churches joined Vineyard USA in August of 1985, and Steve transferred leadership of the Humboldt Park Vineyard to one of his team members in 1986.

The Evanston Vineyard has since planted nine other congregations in the Chicago area, and another fifteen in other cities or countries.  Steve led Vineyard USA’s church planting task force for over twenty years. Steve has ministered to and trained church leaders in India, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Turkey, Lebanon, Brazil, Chile and several Central Asian countries as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Evanston Vineyard is a diverse congregation from over 50 nations of the world with no majority racial or cultural group. Since 1986 the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been a regular and ongoing strength and emphasis of the Evanston Vineyard. 

Steve and his wife, Cindy, live in Chicago. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

Show notes: 

VUSA Empowered series:

 

Mary Anne De La Torre: A Deeper Level of Coming HomeShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Mary Anne De La Torre about being born in the Philippines during the Marcos era, her parents leaving to immigrate to the US when she was very young, and the motivation in many cultures to pursue certain degrees and career goals in order to open doors and expand opportunities. Mary Anne shares about her first experience of racism in college, and feeling like she stood out and was invisible at the same time. They talk about the adjustment of attending a Vineyard church, how she got started in ministry, and the considerations required in a multiethnic community. Finally, Mary Anne talks about how her experience of the Vineyard has changed since joining the AAPI Association, and the value in ethnically diverse people having the opportunity to be in proximity with each other.

Mary Anne was born in the Philippines and immigrated to NJ when she was almost 7 years old.  After attending college in Pennsylvania, she began her teaching career but was quickly called into ministry.  Mary Anne now serves as the Senior Associate Pastor at North Jersey Vineyard.  She oversees the Children’s Ministry and also supervises some staff members and serves on the Senior Leadership Team. Mary Anne also joyfully serves with the AAPI and Women’s Associations.   

Mary Anne and her husband Rich have two kids, Marcus and Noemi. She loves to travel, spend time with her family, and works part-time as a donut connoisseur. She tries to run to offset all the donuts in her spare time.

Show Notes: 

2023 VUSA National Conference “Making All Things New”: https://conference.vineyardusa.org/

VUSA AAPI Association: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/asian-american-pacific-islander-association/

Read more from Mary Anne: vineyardusa.org/aapimonth

Listen to Mary Anne’s talk at the AAPI Summit:

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with return guests Josh and Candy Brown about their personal experience with physical healing and finding freedom from demonic oppression. Josh shares about how experiencing demonic activity challenged his theology, and how his intimate knowledge of brain science allowed him to assess the situation as it was happening. They also talk about traveling around the world with a healing ministry and watching miraculous things happen while not receiving their own breakthrough, some of the conclusions they’ve come to about the need for regular deliverance ministry in the church, and their goal of demystifying the whole process.  Joshua Brown (PhD, Boston University) is Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University. He directs the Cognitive Control laboratory at IU, which focuses on functional brain imaging, higher cognitive function, addiction, psychopathology, transcranial electrical neurostimulation, computational neural modeling, and artificial intelligence.  He has authored over 79 peer-reviewed scientific papers in all of these areas, and his work has been featured on the Discovery Channel, NPR, the New York Times, Fox news, and numerous other national and international media. He also directs the graduate program in Neuroscience at Indiana University and serves as the Director of the Global Medical Research Institute, whose work has been featured recently in the documentary film Send Proof. Candy Gunther Brown (Ph.D. Harvard University) is Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University, and author or editor of six books, including Testing Prayer: Science and Healing and Debating Yoga and Mindfulness in Public Schools: Reforming Secular Education or Reestablishing Religion? Media coverage includes The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Religion Dispatches, The Conversation, Huffington Post Live, Psychology Today, Mindful Leader, National Catholic Register, Atheist Yoga, Interfaith Voices, and Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.  Show notes:  Register now for the 2023 VUSA National Conference this summer: https://conference.vineyardusa.org/ “Empowered” Pentecost series – http://vineyardusa.org/pentecost2023 Hear Josh and Candy on a previous episode of We Are Vineyard!:  New York Times Article about Josh and Candy: https://nyti.ms/3oKrH5b Christ The Healer by F.F. Bosworth: https://amzn.to/41UA8sM Pablo Bottari deliverance materials: https://globalawakeningstore.com/product/deliverance/

John and Debby Wright: National Directors for Vineyard UK and IrelandShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with John and Debby Wright about growing up in Chile and the UK during times of outpouring of the Holy Spirit, finding each other in their older teen years, and how their lives came apart while at University. John and Debby remember John Wimber’s arrival at St Andrew’s, the signs and wonders that began sweeping through the area, and how it changed their lives and relationship. They describe the incredible supernatural experiences they had at their business and home, and how that led them to serve alongside John and Eleanor Mumford. Debby shares about a tragic incident that occurred and how Jesus spoke to her in the midst of her heartbreak, the providence of God in leading them to plant in Nottingham, and some ways you can be praying for Vineyard UK.

John & Debby are the National Directors of the Vineyard movement in the UK & Ireland and have been serving together in pastoral ministry since 1990. John initially trained and worked for a number of years as a jeweler before studying at London Bible College. Debby lived in Chile until she was 14 and later moved to Nottingham to train as a dancer and artist.

 They first got involved with the Vineyard movement in 1982 and in 1987 they spent 8 months as interns at Anaheim Vineyard (under John Wimber, the leader of the Vineyard Movement in the USA). Following their time at Anaheim, they returned to England to help John and Eleanor Mumford start the first UK Vineyard in London. They worked at South West London Vineyard for 9 years before moving back to Nottingham to set up Trent Vineyard.

In January 2015 it was announced that they would take over as the National Directors of Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland from John & Eleanor Mumford, whilst continuing to lead Trent Vineyard. Their commissioning took place on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

They have two sons, Zack and Jordan, two daughters-in-law, Lizzie and Sarah, and two grandsons, Jesse and Woody.

Show Notes:

Nicky will be a speaker via video at the 2023 VUSA National Conference this summer: Making All Thi...

Nicky Gumbel: The Alpha Course Became Our Operating SystemShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Reverend Nicky Gumbel about his recently discovered heritage, when his atheism turned to faith, and how a decision for faith preempted his understanding of the Gospel. Nicky shares about the start of Alpha in 1977, the impact of John Wimber’s visit on his community and friends at Alpha, and how Alpha more recently exploded into the worldwide evangelism catalyst it is today. Finally, Nicky shares the advice he would want to give himself as a new Christian. 

Revd Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha, an introduction to the Christian faith running in churches of all denominations in 140 countries. He has written several best-selling books including Why Jesus?, Questions of Life, and The Jesus Lifestyle. Having initially trained as a barrister, Nicky went on to be Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton – a large central London church – for 17 years. Married to Pippa, they now work to support Alpha globally. They are also the authors of a daily Bible commentary called the ‘Bible in One Year’ which has over two million global subscribers. 

 

Show Notes: 

Nicky will be a speaker via video at the 2023 VUSA National Conference this summer: Making All Things New! Register Now! 

Get involved with Alpha!

Participate in our “Empowered” Pentecost series

...

Caleb Maskell: Left Foot Scholarship, Right Foot Church LifeShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Caleb Maskell about immigrating to the US as a child, the disorientation of self he experienced, and how this manifested socially and academically. Caleb shares about failing classes in high school, how he eventually discovered his love for learning and critical thinking, and how that was entwined with the frequent experiences he was having with the Holy Spirit. Finally, Jay and Caleb talk about the direction of the Vineyard relating to theology and education. 

Caleb Maskell is the Associate National Director of Theology and Education for Vineyard USA. Born in London, he immigrated with his family to New Jersey in 1986, at the age of nine.

Caleb has been involved in leadership in the Vineyard movement for twenty-five years. After spending a gap year at the Toronto Airport Vineyard School of Ministry in 1995, he went to the University of Chicago to study theology, philosophy, and literature in the interdisciplinary undergraduate Fundamentals program. While there, he joined the core planting team of the Hyde Park Vineyard Church, where he served as a worship leader, a small group leader, a setter-up of chairs, and whatever else Rand Tucker asked him to do.

After college, full of questions that had emerged from the beautiful collision of serious academic study and the practical realities of church planting, Caleb enrolled in the M.Div. program at Yale Divinity School. For four years, he immersed himself in the study of theology, church history, and scripture, while also leading worship and working with middle school and high school youth groups.  After graduating in 2004, he worked for three years as the Associate Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University.

In 2007, along with his wife Kathy and their friends Matt and Hannah Croasmun, Caleb planted Elm City Vineyard Church in New Haven, Connecticut. That year, he also began a Ph.D. program at Princeton University, focusing on the history of American religion, with an additional emphasis in African-American Studies. After moving to Manhattan for four years while Kathy went to seminary, the Maskells ended up in suburban Philadelphia, where Caleb completed his Ph.D, while teaching regularly at Princeton The...

Glenn Packiam is the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. He is also the author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and the most recent title, co-authored with his wife, Holly, The Intentional Year. He earned a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University, and is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a Visiting Fellow at St. John’s College at Durham University, and an ordained priest with the Anglican Church of North America. Glenn has written over 65 worship songs published with Integrity Music, including “Your Name”, co-written with Paul Baloche. Glenn and Holly have four children and live in Orange County, California.   Show Notes: Register now for Vineyard USA’s 2025 National Conference!  Glenn’s website  Rockharbor Church

Phil Chorlian: Church Planting Requires GritShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Phil Chorlian about the series of events that led him to Jesus as a teenager and when the Holy Spirit knocked him off a fence, his passionate pursuit of the Lord in high school, and how everything fell apart as a young adult. Phil shares about coming back to Christ in his car, getting involved in the Vineyard, and his story as a church planting pastor. They also talk about healing ministry and training, and the importance of pursuing the Holy Spirit with on-ramps.

Phil is the founding pastor of the North Jersey Vineyard Church, which he planted in 1997. By God’s grace, the NJV is a growing, diverse community that sees lots of salvations and baptisms.

As Lead Pastor, Phil is responsible for preaching and teaching, but his role goes beyond just delivering sermons. Phil is also committed to leading the pastoral staff, raising up new leaders, and casting and communicating vision for the church.

During the years Phil has served the wider Vineyard movement in a variety of ways. Currently, Phil is the Vineyard East Regional Leader, serving the almost 80 churches that make up the Vineyard East Region.

Phil is happily married to Norma, his wife of over 30 years, and together they have raised four children.

Show notes
Register now for Vineyard USA’s 2023 National Conference!
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Surprised By The Power Of The Spirit by Jack Deere

social:
VUSA Instagram: @Vineyardusa
Instagram: @pchorlian
Facebook: philchorlian
twitter: @philchorlian

Dianne Leman: The Ministry Of Jesus Is For EverybodyShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Diane Leman about growing up with strong leadership skills in a legalistic religious community where women were to be silent, reconnecting with the Lord as a young adult, and the medical disruption that opened the door for new faith experiences and curiosity. Di shares about her first experience with the Holy Spirit, joining the Vineyard, and what it was like for female leaders in the early years. Finally, Di offers an encouragement about how people might think through the topic of women in leadership.

Dianne Leman, M.Ed., left her career in education after encountering the Holy Spirit and experiencing God’s miraculous healing from infertility. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Vineyard Leadership Institute, and Vineyard Bible Institute, Dianne entered full-time ministry with her husband, Happy, and together they have pastored The Vineyard Church of Central Illinois, Urbana, IL. while raising their family of four sons and one daughter. Over the past forty years, Dianne has served on the Vineyard USA Executive Team, led the Women in Leadership and Renewal Teams, and traveled widely sharing God’s love and healing power. She is the author of four books that reflect her passions: We’re Pregnant! How to Receive God’s Cure for Infertility, Hello Holy Spirit: God’s Gift of Live-in Help, Jesus Heals Today: God’s Prescription for a Hurting World, and Wrecked for God: The Surprising Secret to True Transformation.

Dennae Pierre: Building City-Wide Church MovementsShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Dennae Pierre about growing up in a close but chaotic household and the stability she found in the church, pursuing mentors, and being identified as a leader early on in life. Dennae shares how she’s navigated issues of race, as well as her call to ministry as a woman. They also talk about her passion for empowering laity and cultivating multidenominational, multiethnic, and multicultural communities through the Surge Network, and what God is forming in her through this process. 

Dennae was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the Executive Director the Surge Network in Arizona. She is also a co-director for City to City North America and for The Crete Collective, which grows churches in communities of color. She planted Roosevelt Community Church with her husband Vermon, who is the lead pastor. Dennae has her M.A. from Covenant Theological Seminary and her DMin from Western Theological Seminary.

Dennae’s passion is to equip churches and Christians to cross cultures and boundaries to unite in love for Jesus, deepen their love for one another and to advocate for justice with the poor and marginalized.

She speaks, writes, and consults about reconciliation, justice, healthy leadership and developing multi-ethnic teams. Dennae and Vermon have two sons and three daughters: Marcel, Mya, Judah, Jovanna, and Rosa. The Pierre family lives in Downtown Phoenix.

 

Show Notes: 

Healing Prayers And Meditations To Resist A Violent World: https://www.restorativeleaders.com/

...

Asbury Special Report with Pastor Jason DuncanShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay sits down with Jason Duncan and Caleb Maskell to talk about Jason’s experience as a pastor of a Vineyard Church in Wilmore, KY, home of Asbury University. Jason shares about growing up as the son of a United Methodist preacher and how God disrupted his life plans by directing him toward ministry, eventually leading him to become the lead pastor of GCF and being adopted as a Vineyard Church. Jason recollects the day the outpouring began at Asbury, from the unplugged worship to the great wave of repentance and reconciliation amongst the students, and the evidence of the fruits of the Spirit in the rooms and the surrounding city. Jay, Jason, and Caleb also discuss the realities of providing pastoral care and equipping during an outpouring of the Spirit, and what comes after the crowds leave.

Originally from West Virginia, Jason Duncan has lived in Kentucky for the last 25 years and has spent 17 of those years as a pastor at GCF in Wilmore. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and is currently working on a Doctoral of Ministry at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University. Jason has been married for 23 years and has 3 kids, ages 22, 20, and 10. He loves reading theology and history, bourbon-tasting, and trekking the Kentucky countryside.   

Show notes: Asbury University https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring/ Empowered Pentecost Series 2023 https://vineyardusa.org/pentecost2023/ GCF Vineyard- Jason’s church https://www.gcfvineyard.church/
The Great Awakening by Thomas Kidd https://amzn.to/3F3t2t8 Taking Heaven By Storm by John Wigger https://amzn.to/3YvpMNT American Saint: Francis Asbury and the Methodists by John Wigger https://amzn.to/3ykqTW8
The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson https://amzn.to/3IWJnAL
St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton https:...

Melanie Forsythe-Lee: What The Lord Is Doing In Our Lives Is Never Just For UsShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Melanie Forsythe-Lee about her family’s introduction to the Holy Spirit through her dad’s miraculous healing and their experience of church planting without much support. Melanie shares about coming to the US for her husband’s ministry job and finding out that their new church didn’t believe in female pastors, the personal growth she developed through this experience and the dramatic changes God made in her senior pastor through her faithfulness. Finally, Melanie talks about navigating the world and ministry after her husband died and all the insecurities that came as a single, female pastor, and how the things that made her feel like a liability turned out to be her most significant asset. 

Melanie is the leader of the Women’s Association for Vineyard USA, giving voice, encouragement and support to women throughout the movement.

Melanie was born and raised in the post-Christian landscape of Australia. Her parents were church planters, and it was in that context that her love of local church was cultivated. Her passion for Jesus and people led her and her now late husband to start a youth ministry that saw hundreds of teens come to Christ, as well as leading the 24/7 prayer base in Australia.

They moved to Ohio in 2003 to work as Youth Pastors, and in 2009 they were sent out to plant LIFE Vineyard Church. Thirteen years later, LIFE has grown into a vibrant faith community, a sheltering tree in the heart of Columbus. This community also extends to Cambodia and India, where, through a partnership with Asia’s Hope, LIFE supports two family-style orphan care homes for at-risk children. Visiting the children in India each year is one of the deep loves of Melanie’s life and ministry.

Melanie has been a Pastor’s daughter, Pastor’s wife, a co-lead Pastor, and now solo lead Pastor. This unique perspective has developed a passion to see women empowered and released into their callings at every level of ministry leadership and she is excited about serving the women of the Vineyard in her new role.

Melanie is married to Andrew and is the proud mother of three incredible teenager...

Geno Olison: Faith Is The BridgeShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Geno Olison about growing up as the son of church planters in the south side of Chicago, being raised in an exclusively Black community, and how he was formed by his involvement in church as a young boy. Geno shares how the Lord protected him from a lot of things his neighborhood offered, the culture shock he experienced after joining a small group with white kids at college, and his journey of trying to find himself as an adult while not losing himself as a Black man in a predominately white space. They discuss what it’s like to attend a church where the table has not been set with you in mind, the ways he found to meet his cultural needs while attending the Vineyard, and why he decided to stay even though it was often painful. Finally, Geno shares about how his expectations of church planting compared to reality, and why he’s hopeful about Vineyard USA’s Black Pastors and Leaders Association.

Geno Olison is the leader of the Black Pastors and Leaders Association for Vineyard USA and lead pastor of the South Suburban Vineyard Church just outside of Chicago.

Geno grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, where he came to faith in the Full Gospel church founded by his parents. In 1999, he moved to Urbana, Illinois to attend the University of Illinois and began attending the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois in 2001.

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Communications, Geno worked in the TV news business and spent several years in sales and marketing while attending and serving at the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois. Sensing a call to plant a multicultural, multi-ethnic Vineyard, Geno and his wife, Shannon, began the process of preparing to plant a church, serving in various roles and positions at church, attending trainings, and building an intentionally diverse team.

The South Suburban Vineyard Church officially landed in the south suburbs of Chicago in June 2009. Since that time, the church has become a picture of the vision given to Geno and Shannon – a beautiful, multicultural expression of a Vineyard church. He desires to help other pastors, leaders, and church communities see the value and importance of being a diverse church on mission.

Geno has served on the Vineyard USA Executive Team and has worked with teams of talented people to create the Better Together conference which focuses on race, reconciliation, and the multiethnic church. As a musician, pr...

Dr. Charles Montgomery Jr: Reflecting On Black History Month and Amplifying Diverse Voices In The VineyardShow Podcast Information

Dr. Charles Montgomery returns to the podcast to talk about Black History Month: how and why it started, why we celebrate it, and some resources available to pastors who are wondering how best to engage the conversation. They relate stories of times when pastors crossed the divide to connect when it’s uncomfortable, and Jay shares some thoughts on how the work of the Civil Rights Movement applies to the church today.

Charles A. Montgomery, Jr serves as the Associations Strategic Coordinator for Vineyard USA and Teaching Pastor at Vineyard Columbus.

Charles also founded a successful multiethnic Campus (Vineyard Columbus East) and has pastored there since 2012. His passion is to develop Beloved Communities as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, an alumnus of Charles’ alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Charles has a B.A. in Mathematics from Morehouse, a Master of Divinity from Emory University (Ga) and a PhD in Ethical and Creative Leadership from Union Institute University (OH). He has earned several credentials in Diversity Training and is a Certified Spiritual Director through the Sustainable School of Faith.
He considers his greatest accomplishment (ok, grace) being married to his childhood crush, Kimberly. Charles and Kimberly are avid Buckeye fans (Go Bucks!) and make their home in Columbus Ohio.

Show notes:
Charles’ last episode
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast

Read stories of Black leaders in the Vineyard, and learn more about Black History Month!
Vineyardusa.org/blackhistorymonth

Vineyard USA Associations
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Tim Mackie part 2: Teach Us (Again) To PrayShow Podcast Information

Welcome back to the second episode in a 2-part series with Tim Mackie, co-founder of BibleProject! In this beautifully honest episode of We Are Vineyard, Tim shares about the incredible journey he’s been on for the last few years, from the weak spots in his faith that were exposed during the disruption of COVID and recognizing a felt need for real community, to experiencing a physical healing that was accompanied by a word about all the Lord has been doing in him spiritually. Tim talks about some simple habits that he’s developed to open his heart to the presence of the Holy Spirit, the way the Lord has been integrating things in his life that he didn’t realize were out of sync, and the specific choice he made to share openly at his church about this process.

 

Tim is married to Jessica, and together they are raising two little boys, Roman and August, in the wonderful city of Portland, Oregon.

Tim is a creative writer for BibleProject.

He’s been fascinated with Jesus and his Jewish heritage ever since he became a Christian at 20 years old through an urban outreach ministry to skateboarders in Portland called SkateChurch. Tim discovered the wonderful world of biblical studies and languages at Multnomah University and Western Seminary, and he had the privilege of doing a PhD in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Tim’s greatest passion is to help people grasp the beautiful and compelling story of the ancient Scriptures and how they lead us to Jesus of Nazareth.

 

Show Notes:
BibleProject
https://www.bibleproject.com
Registration is now open for the 2023 Vineyard USA National Conference!
https://conference.vineyardusa.org/
A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
https://amzn.to/40CM3M0 Dominion by Tom Holland
https://amzn.to/3JP0Gpo
Bridgetown Church- Portland
https://bridgetown.church/

SEASON TWO PREMIERE – Tim Mackie: The Bible Project part 1Show Podcast InformationIt’s Season 2 of We Are Vineyard, and we’re starting off with an exciting 2-part interview! Tim Mackie of BibleProject joins our host, Jay Pathak, to share about his relationship with Jesus as a child, the healing he experienced through the prayers of his church, and the disconnect he felt while attending school at a church. Tim talks about being reintroduced to Jesus through a dorky skateboarding-based church, and how following invitations from a cool leader at SkateChurch sparked his interest in the Bible, which transformed him from a disinterested student to an ignited scholar. Tim also shares about the lifelong friends he found through SkateChurch, meeting his wife through a mutual interest in Greek, and the origin story of BibleProject. This is a two-part episode, so make sure to come back next week for the second half of the story! Tim is married to Jessica, and together they are raising two little boys, Roman and August, in the wonderful city of Portland, Oregon. Tim is a creative writer for BibleProject. He’s been fascinated with Jesus and his Jewish heritage ever since he became a Christian at 20 years old through an urban outreach ministry to skateboarders in Portland called SkateChurch. Tim discovered the wonderful world of biblical studies and languages at Multnomah University and Western Seminary, and he had the privilege of doing a PhD in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tim’s greatest passion is to help people grasp the beautiful and compelling story of the ancient Scriptures and how they lead us to Jesus of Nazareth. Show Notes: BibleProject https://www.bibleproject.com Registration is now open for the 2023 Vineyard USA National Conference! https://conference.vineyardusa.org/

Dr. Charles Montgomery Jr: Becoming A Beloved CommunityShow Podcast Information

In the final episode of We Are Vineyard for 2022, we’ll hear a sermon Dr. Charles Montgomery preached at the Vineyard Leadership Team Meeting in March 2022. Dr. Montgomery shares his vision for the Vineyard to become a Beloved Community, and how this value must become part of our discipleship process.  Taken from the example of the disciples, we need to do the work to talk about the hard things that might divide us.

Charles A. Montgomery, Jr serves as the Associations Strategic Coordinator for Vineyard USA and Teaching Pastor at Vineyard Columbus. Charles also founded a successful multiethnic Campus (Vineyard Columbus East) and has pastored there since 2012. His passion is to develop Beloved Communities as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, an alumnus of Charles’ alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Charles has a B.A. in Mathematics from Morehouse, a Master of Divinity from Emory University (Ga) and a PhD in Ethical and Creative Leadership from Union Institute University (OH).

He has earned several credentials in Diversity Training and is a Certified Spiritual Director through the Sustainable School of Faith.

He considers his greatest accomplishment (ok, grace) being married to his childhood crush, Kimberly. Charles and Kimberly are avid Buckeye fans (Go Bucks!) and make their home in Columbus Ohio.

 

Show Notes:

https://vineyardusa.org/associations/
Listen to more of Charles’ story from his conversation with Jay on August 20, 2022!

https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Socials:

Vineyardusa.org @vineyardusa

Brian T. Anderson: Christmas – Discovering The Greatest GiftShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, we continue our December sermon series with a Christmas message preached by Brian T. Anderson at Vineyard Church North Phoenix in 2021. Brian examines the reasons why the whole world stops what they’re doing on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of a baby, and shares about God’s Christmas gifts that we receive through his son Jesus Christ: forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.

Brian and Thora Anderson are the founding and Senior Pastors of Vineyard Church North Phoenix located in Phoenix, AZ. Brian and Thora planted VC as a home Bible study with only a few people in September 1985 and have pastored the church ever since.

Brian and Thora have a desire to build a healthy, multi-racial, multi-generational church that is a fully orbed expression of the Kingdom of God on earth! They both especially love to train & equip other pastors & leaders so that they can become all that God has created them to be and do. God has used both Brian and Thora to impart a greater hunger for the Bible, worship, holiness, & renewal to people throughout the world. Over the years, Brian has served Vineyard USA as a board member, regional leader, regional coach, and Vice President.

Brian has a B.S. in Mathematics from Grand Canyon University, and an M.A. in Mathematics from Arizona State University. Brian and Thora have two children, Zoe and Luke, who are both teenagers.

Show Notes:
Vineyard Church North Phoenix
https://vineyardnorthphoenix.com Socials:
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Rich Nathan: Is Believing In God Just Wishful Thinking?Show Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, we hear a sermon that Rich Nathan preached at Columbus Vineyard the same week that we recorded his podcast episode back in September. It is an introduction to a series called “Good Question”, which explores some common questions people have about faith and Christianity. In this sermon, Rich offers some clues found in scripture, science, nature, and our moral senses that show us it is more likely than not that God exists.

Rich Nathan is the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus. Rich was the first Senior Pastor serving from 1987-2020. Prior to becoming senior pastor, Rich taught business law at The Ohio State University for five years.

He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and received his Juris Doctorate with honors from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1980. Rich served on the National Board for Vineyard USA for more than two decades. Rich now serves on the Board of Christian relief agency, Convoy of Hope. He is a popular national and international conference speaker.

Rich co-authored Both And (IVP Books, 2013) with Insoo Kim as well as Empowered Evangelicals (Ampelon Revised 2009) with Ken Wilson. Rich is also the author of Who is My Enemy? Welcoming People the Church Rejects (Zondervan, 2002). He has written numerous articles on leadership in publications such as Leadership Magazine.

Rich was born and raised in New York City. He and his wife, Marlene, have been married for over 40 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.

Show Notes:
Listen to more of Rich’s story from his chat with Jay on October 5, 2022!
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Kukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
https://amzn.to/3iQglt8

The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
https://amzn.to/3Hvs3Uj

The Atheist’s Guide to Reality by Alex Rosenberg
https://amzn.to/3iPPUUs

Socials:
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Eleanor Mumford: Live from Alpha ConferenceShow Podcast Information

As we close out the first season of the We Are Vineyard podcast, Jay has chosen some sermons that he felt captured the heart of “Gospel and Proclamation.”  First up is a sermon Ele Mumford preached at the Alpha Conference in 2018, filled with stories of faithfulness in responding to the Holy Spirit. Ele reminds us that we are only asked to come alongside what the Holy Spirit is already doing in people, and that it is Jesus who brings people to faith. The Holy Spirit gives us the power of God to work in the mission of God, and we can’t do what we’re called to do without the power, infilling, and inspiration of the Holy Spirit!

Eleanor married John Mumford in 1978 after meeting at University. They trained together under John Wimber in California, before starting the first Vineyard church in Europe in 1987 (SW London Vineyard). In 2008 they handed over the leadership of that church to concentrate more on the Vineyard movement, both nationally and internationally, then in 2015 they transitioned the leadership of Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland. Together they now focus on helping facilitate the growth of the Vineyard internationally and speaking around the world.

Show Notes:
Listen to more of Eleanor’s story from her chat with Jay on October 26, 2022!
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Socials:
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Matthew Bates: The Gospel Precisely: Surprisingly Good News About Jesus Christ the KingShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Matthew Bates about growing up in a forestry family, the quiet faith of his mother, and the people who invested in his early life. Matthew talks about transitioning from a physics degree to theology, how he found himself studying greek simply out of personal interest, and the writers and theologians who shaped his questions and perspective on Jesus and scripture. He gives a summation of the key themes in his writing and shares the components of his books about which he receives positive feedback, and those which receive the most pushback. Finally, Matthew describes some ways a congregation might benefit from reversing the gospel presentation, and why this choice is more than just semantics.

Matthew W. Bates (Ph.D., Notre Dame) is Professor of Theology at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Bates is a Protestant who enjoys the challenge of teaching in a Catholic context. His books include Gospel Allegiance (Brazos, 2019) the award-winning Salvation by Allegiance Alone (Baker Academic, 2017), The Birth of the Trinity (Oxford University Press, 2015), and The Hermeneutics of the Apostolic Proclamation (Baylor University Press, 2012). He also co-founded and co-hosts the popular OnScript podcast.

After completing a B.S. in physics from Whitworth University (1999), Bates began a career in electrical engineering. His life took a swerve when he enrolled in a biblical studies program at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. (M.C.S., 2004, The Biblical Studies Prize). In 2005 Bates began PhD studies in theology at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity (CJA). Upon graduation (2010) he was named the winner of the Shaheen Award in the humanities, the top graduation prize at Notre Dame, competitive across all disciplines. In 2011 Bates accepted his current academic post.

Bates enjoys hiking, baseball, and chasing around his seven children.

Show Notes:

Dr. Matt Croasmun: Following Jesus Brings More Questions AND More AssuranceShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Matt Croasmun about growing up in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and how getting involved with Intervarsity sparked his interest and love of scripture and ministry and tied him to a local church where he encountered the Living God. Matt shares about the new questions and new assurances he gathers as he deepens in relationship with Jesus and scripture, and why he believes questions are healthy, biblical, and the key to relationship.

Matt Croasmun is Associate Research Scholar and director of the Life Worth Living program at the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School and lecturer of Humanities at Yale University. He also serves as faith initiative director at the Grace Farms Foundation and as a pastor at the Elm City Vineyard Church, which he helped plant in 2007 and where he served as lead pastor for six years. He is author of The Body of Sin: The Cosmic Tyrant in Romans (2017), Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (2018), For the Life of the World: Theological that Makes a Difference with Miroslav Volf (2019), and The Hunger for Home: Food and Meals in the Gospel of Luke with Miroslav Volf (2022). Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most with Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz is forthcoming in March 2023.

Show Notes:
The Gospel Precisely by Matthew Bates
Vineyard USA’s suggested reading for November
https://amzn.to/3WJsL5J

Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf
https://amzn.to/3Ev0uHB

The Hunger For Home by Matthew Croasmun and Miroslav Volf
https://amzn.to/3EQxj2b

Let Me Ask You A Question by Matthew Croasmun
https://amzn.to/3V22bmS
Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz
Coming March 2023
https://amzn.to/3GCXzzm

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa
Matt’s Twitter: @mattcroasmun

Kevin Fischer: The Value Of One MoreShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Kevin Fischer about growing up on a dairy farm, how an encounter with the Holy Spirit changed his family, and his experience being discipled by his college chaplain. Kevin shares about going from life in rural Green Bay and college in Iowa to teaching at an inner city school in Miami, and the culture shock of finding himself as the only white person at the school. He also talks about giving up his career as a teacher to follow a clear word from the Lord about becoming a Vineyard pastor, and the sacrifices and conscious choices he made to make the church more accessible to unchurched people. Finally, Kevin explains some simple evangelism tips that allow you to partner with what Jesus might be doing in people without being weird.

Kevin Fischer serves as lead pastor of Miami Vineyard Community Church, an outward-focused, multi-cultural church that every year experiences hundreds of people making first time decisions for Christ. His passion is to see every person experience the life-changing power of Jesus and grow to become everything God designed them to be.

Kevin and Debbie have five kids and too many cats and is a Die-Hard Packer Fan. In addition to serving his local church, Kevin also serves on a Regional Leadership Team for Vineyard USA overseeing churches in the Gulf Coast Region.

Show Notes:
The Gospel Precisely by Matthew Bates
Vineyard USA’s suggested reading for November
https://amzn.to/3WJsL5J

Rich Nathan: Evangelism & Social Justice – We Need Both Wings Of The Plane
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Nicole Dill: Walking Out Your Calling In The Church AND The MarketplaceShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Nicole Dill about being born into a party, reading in the corners of bars and clubs where her dad played music, and how her life as a spiritually-seeking preteen eventually led her to a defining encounter with the Holy Spirit. Nicole shares about learning to trust the Lord to guide the expression her calling takes in different seasons of life, and the way all of her different experiences and roles are being utilized in her current position as the Communications Director for Vineyard USA. They discuss the discipline and gift of anchoring into community, the value in bringing exactly who you are to your local church, and the joy of being a conduit and a resource for the kingdom of God.

Nicole Dill is the Communications Director for Vineyard USA. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where she came to faith as a teenager, and quickly found a church family at Vineyard Columbus. In 2002, she moved to Colorado to help plant the Arvada Vineyard, and helped lead this growing church plant while finishing her degree in Photography at the Art Institute of Colorado. In 2008, Nicole planted and pastored the first multisite church for the Mile High Vineyard in downtown Denver with a team from the Arvada Vineyard. After several years of pastoring there she handed the site off to another pastor and helped several other Vineyard church plants and established churches in the Denver area.

Nicole has also worked extensively outside the church leading creative teams at Anthropologie as a store designer, as Chief Operations Officer for TEDxMileHigh, the largest TEDx in North America, and for the White House as an Advance Associate for the President. She consults many growing organizations around their creative, operations, and HR needs in the nonprofit and entrepreneurial sectors.

Nicole lives in Denver with her husband Jason, and two daughters, Vera (7) and Rosalie (6) and attends the East Denver Vineyard.

Show Notes:
The Gospel Precisely by Matthew Bates
Vineyard USA’s suggested reading for November
https://amzn.to/3WJsL5J

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Todd Proctor: Going At The Pace Of People And Bringing Them With YouShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Todd Proctor about the shaping effects of worship on his life, how the changing worship culture intersected with his discovery of the Vineyard, and his first experience with prophetic prayer ministry. Todd shares about the mentoring he received from Don Williams, and his belief that impactful relational moments are key for investing in the upcoming generation of leaders. Jay and Todd talk about their shared love of Alpha, some interesting things Todd is noticing happening through the ministry right now, and the surprising community impacts that churches are seeing as Alpha becomes part of their church culture.

As Executive Vice President of Strategic Church Engagement, Todd Proctor has served on Alpha USA’s leadership team for seven years. He is passionate about creating experiences and facilitating conversations that help key leaders reposition their communities for evangelistic impact in an increasingly post-Christian reality.

Prior to joining Alpha, Todd founded Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, CA, where he served for 15 years as Lead Pastor. He experienced Alpha’s impact firsthand, as Rockharbor became a pioneering hub church for the organization in the Southern California region. Todd watched as Alpha created a safe space for members to openly discuss matters of faith, as well address needed cultural shifts in the church in areas such as hospitality, relational evangelism and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

A natural networker, Todd has had the opportunity to build bridges with leaders and communities across the nation. In collaboration with the Exponential Conference, Todd co-authored the book, “Empowered,” which offers pastoral perspectives on life and leadership in the Spirit. Todd received a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Biola University, where he met his wife, Lisa. They have been married for almost 30 years, and have four children.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD

Alpha
https://alphausa.org

Socials:
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Eleanor Mumford: Steeped In The Word and Filled With The SpiritShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Eleanor Mumford about the steady investment of her college roommate’s prayers in her life that eventually led her to Jesus, and the practices in her young adult life that established her love of the Bible. Eleanor talks about becoming confirmed in the Anglican Church, the entrance of the Holy Spirit into their lives, and meeting John Wimber, learning that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, all the time. Finally, Eleanor shares the story of persevering in confirming their call from the Lord to plant a Vineyard in the UK, and their process of submitting to authority in waiting for the blessing from Vineyard elders.

Eleanor married John in 1978 after meeting at University. They trained together under John Wimber in California, before starting the first Vineyard church in Europe in 1987 (SW London Vineyard). In 2008 they handed over the leadership of that church to concentrate more on the Vineyard movement, both nationally and internationally, then in 2015 they transitioned the leadership of Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland. Together they now focus on helping facilitate the grow of the Vineyard internationally and speaking around the world.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for October
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD

Socials:
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Christian Weber: Vineyard Events – Embracing Behind The Scenes MinistryShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Christian Weber about accepting Jesus into her heart at an AG church as a child, the freedom she felt when she walked into a youth group at the Sugar Land Vineyard, and the deep, lasting relationships she developed in that youth group. Christian shares about how she found herself planning events in the nonprofit sector as a teenager, and some of the things the Lord has spoken to her about a call to administration as a life of ministry. They discuss the importance of church staffs pursuing training in team dynamics and emotional awareness, and drop some Easter eggs about the 2023 National Conference coming up next summer in Colorado.

Christian Weber is the Events Director and Executive Admin for the National Director.
She grew up in the Houston area and started attending the Sugar Land Vineyard church as a teenager, where she first heard the phrases “the now and not yet” and “kingdom theology.”. Through her involvement in that youth group, the Holy Spirit captured her heart and she knew she found a home in the Vineyard.

In 2005, Christian began working for Bert Waggoner, National Director for Vineyard USA at the time, as Events Director and Exec Admin, and she has continued to serve in this role for Phil Strout’s tenure as National Director through to today. Jesus has given her a heart for the Vineyard and the pastors and leaders she gets to serve.
Christian and her husband, Ben, met and married at the Sugar Land Vineyard where he was on staff as the Youth Pastor for about 8 years before becoming an attorney. They have three awesome children, Chloe, Atticus, and Ivy. When they aren’t acting as a car service for said kids, they really enjoy concerts and great food!

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD

Emotionally Focused
https://www.emotionallyfocused.org

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
https://amzn.to/3Tn1UK7

The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business by Patrick Lencioni
https://amzn.to/3rVnbPp

Andy Stanley: Trust Vs. Suspicion podcast
https://andystanley.com/podcast/trust-vs-suspicion/

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Discipleship by Peter Scaz...

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay and Christina Lowery discuss last week’s episode with Mark Batterson, including what Christina loves about their ministry approach. They also talk about why leadership development and succession plans are vital for the Vineyard today, how and why they created Vineyard Leadership Essentials, and some other effective pathways for discipleship. Christina shares about some of the new stuff coming in the Fall for pastors who have just come in as successors, some of what’s happening with NextGen and how she’s working to resource what God’s doing, and what she’s encouraged by as she meets with Vineyards around the country. Christina Lowery is the Associate National Director for Church Health and Development. Early in her ministry career, Christina served as the Events Director for a large student internship at Teen Mania Ministries (Acquire the Fire) in Tyler, TX.  In 2001, she and her husband Joel joined a local Vineyard Church there, and served on the pastoral team for several years until they were called to move back to Virginia and plant Crossroads Church.     Christina and Joel have co-pastored Crossroads Church in Fredericksburg, VA since 2008. As a Lead Pastor, Christina has been a big-picture thinker and creative visionary, responsible for communicating and driving the vision and mission of the church forward. She finds great joy in preaching and teaching, leadership development, and building systems that foster church health and growth. In addition to her local leadership at Crossroads Church, she has served in other leadership roles with the Vineyard, such as an Area Leader in Northern and Central Virginia for ten years (2009-2019) and on the Vineyard Women in Leadership Team for the past three years (2018-2021).  Joel and Christina have been married for 23 years and have 3 amazing kids – Hannah, Caleb, and Zoe.  The Lowery family loves to travel and so far, their favorite destination is Maui, with its warm sun and beautiful island beaches.  Show Notes: Register Now for Vineyard USA’s 2025 National Conferences Listen to Christina’s previous episode  Listen to Mark Batterson’s episode  Vineyard Leadership Essentials Project Timothy

Clay Harrington: The Ongoing Practice Of Risk Taking In EvangelismShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Clay Harrington about being raised as a military kid in an international community, the culture shock he experienced upon returning to the US as a teenager, and the faithfulness of his mother’s prayers for him. Clay shares about the slow conviction of the Lord in his life that led him to repentance, his work with at-risk youth, the holy dissatisfaction he felt in evangelism efforts ,and how his heart was ignited by the teachings of John Wimber. Jay and Clay talk about the crucial role of celebrating risk and failure in evangelism, and how the Sunday experience is practice compared to how we show up in our neighborhoods.

At an early age, Clay Harrington was taught timeless truths about God by his mother. However, during his teenage years, he turned away from God to live a life of sin. It wasn’t until the age of 30 that he would turn from a sinful lifestyle to a life sold-out for Christ. Since his born-again experience, Clay has experienced a number of radical encounters with the Father and made it his life’s mission to help the Church realize they are new creations and how to live alive to God. Today, Clay is committed to proclaiming freedom to captives, healing the sick, equipping the saints to live naturally supernatural lives, and inspiring the church to live radically for Jesus.

Clay is married to his wife, Regina, and they are blessed with two sets of boy/girl twins. Clay and his family reside in OH, where he works as the Senior Director of Breakthrough Ministry at Vineyard Cincinnati Church in Springdale, OH.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD

Clay’s website
https://www.clayofgod.com

Socials:
Facebook & Instagram: @ClayofGod77
@vineyardusa
Vineyardusa.org

Rich Nathan: Evangelism and Social Justice – We Need Both Wings Of The PlaneShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Rich Nathan about growing up in a completely secular environment, and how chasing his wife in college led him to an encounter with the Holy Spirit that radically changed the course of his life. They also talk through some practical advice for offering a salvation call during a church service, the benefits of making it a specific opportunity separate from the ministry call, and the danger of making assumptions about the spiritual status of people in your congregation.

Rich Nathan is the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus. Rich was the first Senior Pastor serving from 1987-2020. Prior to becoming senior pastor, Rich taught business law at The Ohio State University for five years.

He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and received his Juris Doctorate with honors from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1980. Rich served on the National Board for Vineyard USA for more than two decades. Rich now serves on the Board of Christian relief agency, Convoy of Hope. He is a popular national and international conference speaker.

Rich co-authored Both And (IVP Books, 2013) with Insoo Kim as well as Empowered Evangelicals (Ampelon Revised 2009) with Ken Wilson. Rich is also the author of Who is My Enemy? Welcoming People the Church Rejects (Zondervan, 2002). He has written numerous articles on leadership in publications such as Leadership Magazine.

Rich was born and raised in New York City. He and his wife, Marlene, have been married for over 40 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD

Vineyard USA National Conference // The Way On
Gospel of the Kingdom with speakers Rich Nathan & Julia Pickerill
https://youtu.be/ztfcglrpYcY

Rich’s Website
https://www.richnathan.org

Vineyard Columbus
https://vineyardcolumbus.org

Socials:
@vineyardusa
vineyards.org

Soong-Chan Rah: Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled TimesShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Soong-Chan Rah about his experience growing up in a poor, immigrant family and the cultural divides that existed in his neighborhood despite the many commonalities. He also describes the contrasting freedom, care and dignity his family experienced in their local immigrant church. Jay and Soong-Chan discuss whether or not multi-ethnicity should be the goal of every church, and the incredible rewards Soong-Chan found through his intentional pursuit of mentoring from the African-American pastors in his area. Finally, Soong-Chan shares what he learned through his ongoing practice of lament, and the opportunity the church has been afforded by the disruption of COVID to ask God what we have to lament, and what the church might pursue if we renounced exceptionalism, triumphalism and our assumptions of greatness.

Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is Robert B. Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of The Next Evangelicalism (IVP Books, 2009); Many Colors (Moody, 2010); Prophetic Lament (IVP Books, 2015); co-author of Forgive Us (Zondervan, 2014); Return to Justice (Brazos, 2016); and Unsettling Truths (IVP Books, 2019).

Soong-Chan received his B.A. from Columbia University; his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; his Th.M. from Harvard University; his D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Th.D. from Duke University.

Rah is formerly the founding Senior Pastor of Cambridge Community Fellowship Church (CCFC), a multi-ethnic church living out the values of racial reconciliation and social justice in the urban context. He has previously served on the boards of World Vision, Sojourners and the Christian Community Development Association. He has extensive experience in cross-cultural preaching as well as on numerous college campuses.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Register for the Vineyard AAPI Association Summit
with special guest speaker Soong-Chan Rah
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/asian-american-pacific-islander-association/

Soong-Chan Rah’s website
http://www.profrah.com

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Diane Bauman: Value Life – Walking Alongside Women In CrisisShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Diane Bauman about her work with people who find themselves in crisis pregnancy situations. Diane shares about navigating the different outcomes of her own unplanned pregnancies as a teenager, how she met Jesus, and her experiences as a ministry leader in the church while carrying a lot of pain and trauma from the losses she endured growing up. Diane recounts the transformational experience of finding forgiveness in a post-abortion support group and shares about the way God is repurposing her story to work with women locally and abroad through Value Life ministry at Vineyard Columbus.

Diane Bauman is the Value Life, Transitions and Orphan Care Ministries Pastor at Vineyard Columbus. After a 20-year corporate career, she came on staff in 1999 as Volunteer Coordinator and leader of the pro-life ministry which later became Value Life. The ministry started in 1993 and has grown under Diane’s leadership into a ministry serving hundreds of women each year. She is passionate about caring for women in unexpected or crisis pregnancies as well as those who have experienced the pain of abortion, miscarriage or early infant death.

Diane experienced an unexpected pregnancy at the age of 15 and found the courage to stay in school and graduate with honors, so she understands firsthand the hardships faced by many of the women the Value Life ministry serves. In addition to her service to women and babies, she loves helping people discover what they are created by God to be, flower gardening, cooking, and reading. Diane and her husband Roy have been married for 46 years, they have 4 adult children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Transitions and Value Life at Columbus Vineyard
https://vineyardcolumbus.org/value-life

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Bubba Justice: A New Chapter For Vineyard MissionsShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Bubba Justice about his formational experiences of being raised in poverty by a single mother and visiting his grandmother’s homeless shelter, his first experiences with the Holy Spirit, and how his education in finance turned out to be an asset in ministry. Bubba shares about his goal of planting churches throughout the world that are self-sustaining, and some exciting collaborative opportunities in international missions. Finally, Bubba offers an encouragement to pastors to dream about missional opportunities both “near and far”.

Elgie “Bubba” Justice is the Chief Financial Officer and Missions Coordinator for Vineyard USA. In his capacity as the Missions Coordinator, he gives leadership to VUSA Missions by overseeing mobilization, training, partnership development, and coordinating US activity with Vineyard associations internationally. As CFO, he oversees the financial and human resource systems for the Vineyard Movement in the United States.

Prior to this role, Bubba served as the National Coordinator for Vineyard USA for four years, starting in 2017 under the leadership of Phil Strout. Over the years, Bubba has served in Vineyard Leadership on the Executive Team, Vineyard Resources Board, Vineyard Worship Board, and on the Multiply Vineyard Advisory Team.

After working in the financial world as a C.P.A., a financial manager, and a chief financial officer, Bubba was the senior pastor of the Inverness Vineyard Church (IVC)for 23 years. Before planting IVC, Bubba served in many roles as a volunteer pastor in the Birmingham Vineyard from 1983 until 1993. Some of the ministries Bubba led included youth, children, nursery, intercession, small groups, and ministry team.

Bubba and his wife Melany live in Houston, TX, and have two married daughters and one grandchild.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Compassion International
https://www.compassion.com/

Convoy of Hope
https://convoyofhope.org

Petros Network
https://petrosnetwork.org

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Ray Maldonado: Embracing A Kingdom AND A Missional View Of DiversityShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Ray Maldonado about the decades of work he’s invested in advocating for diversity and developing multicultural churches. Ray shares the story of how the Lord reclaimed his marriage, the scripture that turned his heart toward the fringes of his community, his call to ministry, and how he came to study diversity in the Vineyard Movement as a doctoral student. Ray and Jay discuss what they have been gleaning from the Evangelical Covenant Church and the challenges and opportunities a Euro-American, English-dominant church may encounter in moving toward multiculturalism.

Dr. Rafael Maldonado Jr., or “Ray” as he is known to his friends, pastored in Chicago for 29 years in two churches. He is the head Caribbean Missions Coordinator for the Vineyard Movement, and also leads a Partnership for an island in the Caribbean. Besides developing a church planting program, Ray is a Certified Coach and coaches church planters and leaders in the U.S. and Latin America. He and his wife Teresa have five children and eleven grandchildren, live in Lakeland, Florida and are involved in the Lakeland Vineyard. Ray’s heart is to promote the heart of Jesus for the Biblically diverse church that he calls the Transcultural Church. He received his doctoral degree from Bakke Graduate University.

Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/

Evangelical Covenant Church- Sankofa
https://covchurch.org/mercy-justice/sankofa/

Socials
Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Justice and the Kingdom of God: Jay Pathak and Josh WilliamsShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay and Josh Williams talk through Vineyard USA’s recommended reading for August, “The Gospel With The Poor”, which includes a companion series for kids, as well as a 4-week sermon series. They share thoughts about their favorite quotes, and think through how we can address the issue of justice practically. They then transition to a discussion of how to be of help in your city, and share some excellent suggestions of how to get in touch with the specific issues your city is facing.

Josh Williams is Vineyard USA’s Associate National Director for Evangelism and Justice. Josh grew up in Iowa and in 2004 he headed to the East Coast to study at Yale University in New Haven, CT where he majored in American Studies and Ethnicity, Race and Migration, followed by his entrance to Divinity School and getting plugged into Elm City Vineyard (ECV). During his time at grad school and in the first years of ECV, Josh started several evangelistic prayer groups on Yale’s campus, established an outdoor church for the housed and unhoused, and launched an incarnational inner-city neighborhood ministry that included a sidewalk Sunday school where many kids made first-time commitments for Jesus. In 2011 Josh was ordained as a pastor in the Vineyard and weeks later married his wife Tina (ECV’s Worship Pastor and a regular presence in Vineyard Worship recording projects). In 2014, Josh became ECV’s first full-time Lead Pastor, and he has enjoyed seeing Jesus grow the church in multi-ethnicity, justice, evangelism, spiritual formation, and Holy Spirit ministry. In the Vineyard, Josh has served as an Area Leader and an Executive Team member since 2017. He has also been on the Vineyard Ethnic Diversity task force since 2019. Josh and Tina recently celebrated ten years of marriage and parent two adorable little ones, Zoe and Joy. Their favorite family activities are going to waterfalls and beaches, eating ice cream, and singing loudly together.

Show Notes:
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Vineyard USA suggested reading for August
https://vineyardusa.org/gospel-with-the-poor/

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Hannah Estabrook: Imagining A More Neighborly Response To Women Caught in Sex TraffickingShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Hannah Estabrook about her work as a mental health clinician working with survivors of sex trafficking. Hannah shares about her early experiences with the Holy Spirit, how she was drawn to the mental health field and how continuing to follow the next right step led her to establish a drop-in center for women involved in sex work. She also shares her personal practices that have prevented her from burning out, her goals in working alongside survivors, and the most surprising thing the Lord is doing in her heart right now.

Hannah Estabrook, MA, LPCC-S has been working as a clinician in the mental health field for over seventeen years and has specialized in providing direct services to survivors of sex trafficking. Her work with survivors has included the settings of the criminal justice system (CATCH Court), as well as the streets (Sanctuary Night), where she currently serves as Executive Director. She also serves as a pastor of The Abbey, a contemplative Vineyard church in the city of Columbus, Ohio.

Show Notes:
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Vineyard USA suggested reading for August
https://vineyardusa.org/gospel-with-the-poor/

Sojourners: Should Prostitution Be Decriminalized?
https://sojo.net/magazine/may-2022/should-prostitution-be-decriminalized

The Abbey
https://theabbeycolumbus.church

Sanctuary Night
https://www.sanctuarynight.com/

Socials
Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Instagrams:
@hannahruthestabrook
@theabbeycolumbus
@porchlightcolumbus
@sanctuary_night

Tina Colón Williams: The Kingdom Work Of Immigration LawShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Tina Colón Williams about her career in humanitarian immigration law, how she came to see the field of law as a potential expression of justice and compassion, and the holy work of receiving people’s most tender stories. Tina shares about growing up on the outside of the cultural majority, her trajectory-altering experience as a teenager of hearing the stories of undocumented immigrants in San Francisco, and how she fell into a job at a cushy corporate law firm before finding her niche in immigration law. Tina beautifully illustrates how her faith informs her work, and addresses some of the common misconceptions about the immigration process.

Tina Colón Williams is an immigration attorney, worship pastor and vocalist based in New Haven, Connecticut. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tina moved to New Haven in 2005 to attend Yale University. She graduated from the University of Connecticut school of law in 2014, and she currently leads an immigration litigation practice at Esperanza Attorneys at Law, a small low-bono law firm based in New Haven that represents immigrants from countries around the world in humanitarian immigration applications, removal proceedings and immigration appeals. She and her husband Josh lead the Elm City Vineyard church in New Haven, where Tina serves as the Worship Pastor. Tina has also served as a vocalist and songwriter for a number of Vineyard Worship releases over the past several years. Tina and Josh have two young girls, Zoe (4) and Joy (2). They love the city of New Haven, beaches, eating new foods, singing and dancing, and following Jesus in community with others.

Show Notes:
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Vineyard USA suggested reading for August
https://vineyardusa.org/gospel-with-the-poor/

Elm City Vineyard
http://elmcityvineyard.org

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Dr. Charles Montgomery Jr: Creating Kingdom Disciples That Reflect The Way Heaven Is Going To LookShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Dr. Charles Montgomery Jr. shares about how God disrupted his path to a lucrative career in engineering with a call to ministry, the cultural shift he experienced in working at a Vineyard Church, and what his upbringing uniquely adds to his church. Charles and Jay then talk about the work being done within Vineyard Associations and what they are excited about for the future of the Vineyard. Charles leaves us with a word about the winding road to reconciliation and an encouragement for pastors who are hesitant in engaging this crucial work.

Charles A. Montgomery, Jr serves as the Associations Strategic Coordinator for Vineyard USA and Teaching Pastor at Vineyard Columbus. Charles also founded a successful multiethnic Campus (Vineyard Columbus East) and has pastored there since 2012. His passion is to develop Beloved Communities as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, an alumnus of Charles’ alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Charles has a B.A. in Mathematics from Morehouse, a Master of Divinity from Emory University (Ga) and a PhD in Ethical and Creative Leadership from Union Institute University (OH).
He has earned several credentials in Diversity Training and is a Certified Spiritual Director through the Sustainable School of Faith.

He considers his greatest accomplishment (ok, grace) being married to his childhood crush, Kimberly. Charles and Kimberly are avid Buckeye fans (Go Bucks!) and make their home in Columbus Ohio.

Show Notes:
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Vineyard USA suggested reading for August
https://vineyardusa.org/gospel-with-the-poor/

Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
https://amzn.to/3vLJCJ1

Roadmap to Reconciliation by Brenda Salter McNeil
https://amzn.to/3p3r2bA

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Cheryl Pittluck: The Transformative To-Do List of Isaiah 58Show Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Cheryl Pittluck shares about pursuing a degree in Theater Arts, meeting and marrying a pastor named Lance, and their early years with the Holy Spirit and the Vineyard. Cheryl talks about the expectations on a pastor’s wife, the dryness in her life as a mom with young kids, and the things she prayed that changed the trajectory of her life and ignited her passion for justice work and “seeing the world made new”. Cheryl also shares a powerful word for how Christians could be the hands and feet of Love in today’s world, as well as some advice for people who feel a draw towards serving a particular people group.

Cheryl Pittluck has served both inside the church and outside as a mentor, trainer, teacher, and advocate on issues of anti-human trafficking and social justice ministries for many years. While at the Anaheim Vineyard, Cheryl led the anti-human trafficking and social justice ministries and is a founding member of the Vineyard Justice Network.
She also has served extensively outside the church in areas of justice, volunteering over the last 13 years with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force as a mentor, trainer and teacher, chairing the Task Force’s Faith Based Advisory Council.
She also serves on the board for the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA., is a trained Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST) “Hands That Heal” trainer, and served on Representative Ed Royce’s Human Trafficking Advisory Council while he functioned as Chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs. She has been married to Lance Pittluck for 43 years, and has a beautiful daughter, wonderful son-in-law, and possibly the most amazing granddaughter ever.

Show Notes:
https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Vineyard USA suggested reading for August
https://vineyardusa.org/gospel-with-the-poor/

Global Center for Women and Justice – Podcasts
https://endinghumantrafficking.org

Vineyard Justice Network
https://vineyardjusticenetwork.org

Listen to Cheryl’s talk at the 2021 Vineyard USA National Conference – Wednesday, Session 4
https://conference.vineyardusa.org/livestream/#wednesday

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa

Dominique Gilliard: Diversity Is A Revelatory Gift From GodShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Dominique Gilliard shares about his role of pastoring pastors in the work of making connections between scripture, discipleship, and our call to be ambassadors of reconciliation. He and Jay talk about the role of justice work and racial righteousness in the church, and the Biblical evidence for the marriage of evangelism and justice. Dominique discusses diversity as a revelatory gift from God, some challenging and practical questions to ask if your church is seeking to be a truly multiethnic church, and the work he is doing to provide resources for pastors to engage this conversation from a Biblical perspective.

Dominique DuBois Gilliard is the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church. He is the author of Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores, which won a 2018 Book of the Year Award for InterVarsity Press and was named Outreach Magazine’s 2019 Social Issues Resource of the Year. Gilliard’s latest book, Subversive Witness: Scripture’s Call to Leverage Privilege won Englewood Review of Books 2021 book of the year award. Gilliard also serves as an adjunct professor at North Park Theological Seminary in its School of Restorative Arts and serves on the board of directors for the Christian Community Development Association. In 2015, the Huffington Post named him one of the “Black Christian Leaders Changing the World.” Earlier this year, Gilliard received North Park Theological Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Show Notes:
Subversive Witness website
https://www.zondervan.com/p/subversive-witness/

Subversive Witness video-based small group curriculum
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/subversivewitness

Rethinking Incarceration
https://www.ivpress.com/rethinking-incarceration

Rethinking Incarceration video-based small groups curriculum
https://seminarynow.com/programs/rethinking-incarceration

Sankofa
https://covchurch.org/mercy-justice/sankofa/

Justice Journey for Kids curriculum
https://covchurch.org/make-and-deepen-disciples/children/justicejourney/

Kingdom Mosaic Bible Study Series
https://covchurch.org/resource/the-kingdom-mosaic-life-together-series/

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardUSA
dominiquegilliard.com
Dominique’s Instagram: @DominiqueDGilliard
Dominique’s...

Reverend Paul Robinson: Living At The Intersection Of DifferenceShow Podcast Information

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Reverend Paul Robinson shares about how the Lord has orchestrated his life since childhood, from a prophetic word given by his Sunday school teacher and his experiences in different denominations, to growing up on the south side of Chicago and his time in seminary. Reverend Robinson talks about learning from different streams of theology and thought, and how all the pieces of his life started to fit together vocationally in a very beautiful way. He and Jay also talk about being uniquely positioned to pastor through difficult times, leading constructive dialogues, and the value in listening to a diverse set of voices.

Paul Robinson is the Executive Minister of Love Mercy Do Justice for the Evangelical Covenant Church. The mission of LMDJ is to join God in making things right in a broken world. Prior to this role Paul was Senior Community Leadership Manager with the Wilder Center for Communities, former Director of the organization’s James P. Shannon Leadership Institute and Church Planter. Paul has partnered with nonprofit, for-profit, education, government and community individuals and organizations in core value clarification, leadership development, intercultural agility, anti-racism and capacity strengthening to help them better lead themselves and others. Paul is most comfortable at the intersection of ideas, difference, passion and effective action. He enjoys using his skills in meeting design, facilitation and convening to catalyze meaningful connections to stimulate individual and community transformation. Robinson holds a B.S. degree in Finance from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. Paul Robinson is 2017 AARP Minnesota and Pollen Fifty over Fifty honoree. Paul is married to Kim and together they have seven adult children. Reverend Robinson’s combined experience in ministry, business, nonprofit management, and leadership development spans 25 years.

Show Notes:
Sign up for a regional gathering near you!
https://vineyardusa.org/events/

The Evangelical Covenant Church – Love Mercy Do Justice
https://covchurch.org/mercy-justice/

Socials:
Vineyardusa.org
@vineyardusa