Jay Pathak is the Lead Pastor of the Mile High Vineyard and Danielle Pathak is the Spiritual Formation and Staff Pastor. Jay and Danielle planted Mile High Vineyard, a family of neighborhood churches in 2001. They grew up in Columbus, OH and started attending the Columbus Vineyard as teenagers, where they began leading in ministry very young.  Jay has a BA in Philosophy from Ohio State University, is a graduate of Vineyard Leadership Institute and served on the Vineyard executive team for 5 years. He is also the co-author of The Art of Neighboring. Danielle has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Ohio State University, also attended Vineyard Leadership Institute and holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sustainable Faith and one in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from the Transforming Center in Chicago. They are the incoming National Directors for Vineyard USA! Jay and Danielle have been married since 1998 and they have two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Sofia.  In this episode of The Ferment you’ll meet Jay and Danielle up close and personal! They each share their stories of coming to faith and learning how to trust the Lord’s leading regarding their future, both as a couple and as people in ministry. Danielle speaks about her process of sorting through deeply engrained hurts relating to women in ministry, and Jay tells some stories about being pastored well…and not so well. Next Jay and Danielle share what Carol Wimber taught them about God giving specific callings on your life, as well as their experience of how God interacts with us differently and how the questions he asks of us change depending on the season of life we are in.  They also talk about the importance of learning to follow well if you want to lead well, and what they learned through the discernment process of whether or not to accept the position as National Directors. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to get to know our new national leadership! Show notes:  Mile High Vineyard https://www.milehighvineyard.org   Vineyard USA https://VineyardUSA.org   Socials Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Paul Anleitner is the Worship Pastor at the First Evangelical Free Church in Minneapolis, MN and host of the Deep Talks podcast - Exploring Theology and Meaning-Making. Prior to joining the staff at First Free, he enjoyed 15 years of vocational ministry experience in a variety of roles and denominational settings. He has had the privilege over the years of being not only a Worship Pastor in the Assemblies of God, Evangelical Covenant Church, and now the Evangelical Free Church, but has also taught theology and biblical studies courses in Christian high schools, directed parachurch ministries, and recorded & released original music. Paul loves reading theology, exercising and watching or playing basketball. He is married to the girl of his dreams, Keri, and they have 3 kids. In this episode of The Ferment podcast, Paul and our host Adam Russell have an incredibly nuanced conversation about the way symbols and the meaning we ascribe to them create stories that shape our worldview. Coming on the tail of January 6th and the insurrection at the US Capitol Building, Paul and Adam discuss the mixed symbolism of nooses and Confederate flags displayed alongside “Jesus Saves” signs and the way that mirrors the present state of Christianity and politics in our nation. As the layers are peeled back, Paul and Adam dive into spheres of psychology and theology, examining the symbolism within our church buildings and worship songs, and the effect the convergence of culture and subcultures has on shaping the narrative of our nation, our worship experience, and our lives.   Show notes Deep Talks Podcast https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com The Ferment Podcast – Paul Anleitner 5.26.19 https://bit.ly/3980Pl6

Eddie Espinosa is a well-known Vineyard veteran and pioneer in the modern worship movement. Eddie was featured on numerous recordings through the years including groundbreaking original two vinyl records from Vineyard Ministries International - "All The Earth Shall Worship" and "He Is Worthy To Be Praised" both releasing in 1982. Eddie's song include "You Are The Mighty King", "Worthy Is The Lamb", and the global worship classic and era-defining "Change My Heart O God". Despite being known as a songwriter and worship pastor, Eddie spent most of his professional career in public education as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Eddie and his wife live in Southern California and have two children.    In this episode of The Ferment, Eddie shares his story of being called into a life with Jesus and growing into a worshiper who is known as one who writes love songs to the Lord. He reflects on the early days at the Anaheim Vineyard and how they were marked by hunger and desperation for God, and shares the three things he believes bring the presence of God in worship. This is a very tender episode that overflows with a love for the Lord that is only cultivated in first-hand experience of His goodness and grace.     Show notes: Change My Heart, O God by Eddie Espinosa https://youtu.be/DwudqCO7mSQ Eddie’s interview with the Calvin Institute https://bit.ly/3dx2Zf5

Phil and Jan Strout are the National Directors for Vineyard USA.  For several years, Phil served in the Vineyard on the board of directors for Vineyard USA, as a Regional Leader, and as the Senior Pastor of Pathway Vineyard Church, a multisite church based in Lewiston, Maine. He has also done extensive work in church planting around the world, especially in Latin America, and along with his wife, Jan, is bilingual (English/Spanish). Phil is the author of God’s Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and Thrive: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. He brings a non-hyped, down-to-earth, passionately authentic spirit and vision to leading the Vineyard Movement in its divine assignment. Jan is a passionate leader in the church today. As a gifted exhorter and teacher, she has earned the title, “The Queen of Encouragement.” She has served nationally on the Vineyard Women’s Task Force with the heart to empower women for leadership, ministry, and life. Jan is an effective communicator and has taught Spiritual Formation, Prayer, Evangelism, and Missions in Portland’s E3 Leadership Institute. Phil and Jan have been married since they were teenagers and have two kids, 6 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. In this episode of The Ferment, Adam joins Phil and Jan at their farm in Maine to hear their story of coming to faith as teenagers, marrying young and heading out to the international mission field. They also talk about the value of soul care and share three prophetic illustrations that have grounded them in the pursuit of a contemplative life. Finally, Phil and Jan share about transitioning the role of National Director and the word the Lord gave Phil about “intersections” that has been guiding the Vineyard through this recent season of change. This is a rich episode full of wisdom and inspiration for leading a life faithful to the Lord.   Show notes: The Quest for the Radical Middle: A History of the Vineyard by Bill Jackson https://amzn.to/38l7NSz Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship  

Eleanor Mumford and her husband John play a significant leadership role within the Vineyard family of churches, both in the UK and overseas. They worked for two years with John Wimber at the Anaheim Vineyard in California before starting the SW London Vineyard in 1987. They handed over the leadership of that church in 2008 and served as National Directors in the UK and Ireland until 2015. They now focus on the continued development and momentum of the international Vineyard family. Eleanor and John have two grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. In this episode of The Ferment, Eleanor shares her origin story and the power of a praying roommate. She also talks about her husband’s first interactions with John Wimber and their earliest days with the Vineyard movement, the profound impact of worship in their life and ministry, and their life more recently as international coordinators within Vineyard Global. Eleanor speaks about unity, equipping international leaders to care for their people and communities, and shares an encouraging word about staying close to the Lord during this hard season.   Show notes: Vineyard Global: https://vineyard.org Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Jan Smith, dubbed Mama Jan by Usher, is the world’s premier vocal producer and instructor. She has over 30 years experience in the music industry as both an artist and a mentor. Mama Jan is a Grammy nominated producer and a Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to being a creative force for vocal excellence, Mama Jan is a visionary executive working across entertainment to reboot the music industry into an artist-driven business. As CEO of Mama J Music, she works tirelessly to fuse artist development, technology and music education into a successful career roadmap for all musicians. In this live recording of The Ferment, Adam and Mama Jan talk about the instrument of the human voice: what it is exactly and how to care for it well. Mama Jan shares practical tips for worship leaders, pastors and other vocalists who use their voices more than most including warm ups and warm downs and why every green room should have a steamer. Her holistic approach to honoring the body as a gift we’ve been entrusted with is an inspiration to every person regardless of vocation! Show notes: Jan Smith’s Website https://jansmith.com   Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Ryan Albrecht is a psychotherapist, husband, father and musician from Long Beach, New York. He has been serving at the Experience Vineyard Church in Rockville Centre for nearly a decade where he volunteers as a worship leader with his wife and worship director Elisha. It is there where his life transformed and he continues to experience life giving community, family, and encounters with God. Professionally Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker where he works with various mental, emotional, behavioral and spiritual health issues. Inspired by his own life experiences he is called to work with others to help heal from their trauma to realize lives that are full and unique to themselves. Ryan is also passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health in the church through sharing his story and professional insight to educate, equip, and train leadership. In this episode of The Ferment, Ryan shares his story of leading a life of youthful rebellion after a series of traumatic events changed his course, and the way those decisions escalated into addiction, multiple overdoses and criminal activity. He also shares about the steady pursuit of the Lord, being drawn into community at a church and slowly turning his life over to the service of people. Ryan and Adam then chat about the need to mature emotionally as we are growing spiritually, and tending to the inner life. This is a powerful testimony of redemption and the goodness of God.    Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Alan Franklin is a musician and music teacher, co-founder of MuzicNet School of Music in Park Forest and Chicago, IL, and the interim worship pastor at South Suburban Vineyard Church in Flossmoor, IL. He is a Chicago-native and one of twelve children. Alan and his siblings grew up singing and playing music in their parents’ church, and he has continued to be involved in worship ministry ever since. Alan has been married to his wife Terrilyn for 32 years and they have 4 daughters and one grandchild. In this VSOW takeover episode of The Ferment, Mike O’Brien and Alan Franklin have a chat about musicianship, growing in music theory, and the value of taking music lessons even as a seasoned worship leader. Alan talks about learning to play music by ear in church and starting a music school in his brother’s basement after recognizing a need in his community. He also explains the “number system” and gives some practical suggestions for how to implement it in your worship team. Alan and Mike then talk about generational succession in our life together as a church, the role of elders, and the need for making space and room for kids to join the worship team.   Show Notes: MuzicNet School of Music https://www.muzicnet.net/about/ Vineyard School of Worship (VSOW) http://Vsow.org   Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship  

Alexandria Faison is the worship pastor at the Vineyard Church of Davenport, Iowa.  She was born into a musical family of faith, singing solos in the choir at her Baptist church at 8 years old and eventually leading worship at 16 years old when they started attending the Vineyard.  Alex felt God’s leadership call on her life while attending the University of Northern Iowa where she had a full-ride scholarship for music education, and she soon returned to her home church where she joined the staff as worship director in 2015.  Alex has worked with Vineyard Worship for several years and was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: Generous God. She will also appear as a vocalist on the much anticipated release Breathe In, Sing Out, releasing early 2022. Alex is passionate about leading people into the presence of God through worship.   In this episode of The Ferment, Alex shares about her gospel roots, growing up in the black Baptist church and what it was like for her family to join a predominantly white congregation when they started attending the Vineyard. She also talks about becoming a worship pastor as a teenager and how she processed some of the reactions people had, the environment she’s in that allows her to be brave and share her experiences as a young black woman, and how she has cultivated relationships in different seasons of life. Alex is an old and gentle soul and this episode is marked by her wisdom and joy.   Show Notes:  Alex’s TikTok @alexandriafaison   VSOW Sound Lab Discount Code: Ferment15 Vsow.org   Vineyard Worship Together Daily- Alexandria and Kaleb Faison https://youtu.be/crkIq2UsG9E     Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Calvin Rodgers is a Chicago native and drummer who has been credited with revolutionizing the voice of gospel drumming. His parents realized at a very young age that Calvin shared their love for music and an even stronger love for the drums in particular. Both parents worked very hard to invest as much as they could into their son’s promising future. Around the age of 9, Calvin began shadowing his father, a well-known gospel musician, and songwriter, as his personal drummer. This afforded Calvin the opportunity of learning from some of gospel music’s most prolific songwriters, artists, and musicians. By the time he entered high school, he was traveling with GRAMMY-nominated choir master Ricky Dillard & New Generation. Around the same time, he became a part of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors program, spearheaded by jazz pianist, Ramsey Lewis. Upon graduating high school, Calvin began touring with Lewis and learning his way around the studio. While recording a radio commercial for Rice A Roni, Calvin met R&B crooner, R. Kelly. Kelly invited Calvin to join his band for his upcoming world tour, TP2. Upon completion of that tour, Calvin decided to place his focus on becoming a recording drummer. He also began finding his voice as an arranger and a producer. With over 200 live/studio albums listed to his credit, he has also recorded and toured with artists such as R.Kelly, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Dionne Warwick, Destiny's Child, Ronald Isley,  Ernie Isley, Avant, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Israel Houghton, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee, Tommy Simms, Tamela Mann, and many, many others. Though quite accomplished, Calvin continues to push himself in all areas while making sure to sow into the next generation through mentoring and private lessons.     In this episode of The Ferment, Calvin and Adam talk about the church as a safe space to raise up musicians and the necessity of continuing to expose yourself to new styles and skillsets to become a well-rounded player. Calvin also gives some solid advice about bringing yourself humbly into unfamiliar gig environments so as to be in service to the songs and the intention of those who hired you while also offering what makes you unique.  The conversation touches on investing in upcoming players, staying true to your roots, encouragement for the Vineyard Movement, and Calvin’s personal fermentation process. You won’t want to miss it!   Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship: Generous God  https://youtu.be/X4reWPmCgLE   Vineyard Soul: Chicago Sessions  https://www.vineyardworship.com/chicago-sessions     Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship