We Are Vineyard

A Story of the Vineyard in Song – Brian DoerksenShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Brian Doerksen about his first encounter with the Vineyard and the doors it opened for him to pursue the faith his heart longed for. Brian shares the history behind the album “Changed By Your Glory” and the stories of how some of his most well-known songs came to be. They also discuss how he discerns his songwriting assignments, what makes a song evergreen, and some advice for newer Vineyard songwriters.  Brian is a songwriter, recording artist, and songwriting instructor (founder of ‘Unlocking Your Songs’), but most of all he loves spending time with his high-school sweetheart Joyce (they have been married for 38 years.) Brian & Joyce have 4 adult daughters and 2 adult sons with Fragile X Syndrome. His songs are known and sung internationally in faith communities of all kinds including ‘Come Now is the Time to Worship’, ‘Refiner’s Fire’, ‘Hope Of The Nations’ and ‘The River.’ Show notes:  Hear more from Brian on The Ferment   Changed By Your Glory 

A Story of the Vineyard in Song – The Making OfShow Podcast InformationWelcome back to the We Are Vineyard podcast! In today’s episode we are kicking off a mini-series about a very special session of this summer’s National Conference called “A Story of the Vineyard in Song.” In this episode, you will hear from the planning team (Adam Russell, Casey Corum, Melisa Keller, Caleb Maskell, and Nicole Dill) about why they decided to create this session and some behind-the-scenes stories about the planning process. Different members of the team also share why songs are such a cornerstone of the Vineyard Movement, how songs serve as a marker for us of time and place, and some of the songs that have been especially formational in each of their lives. Show notes: Vineyard Worship Essentials

Pastoral Succession Part 4: Pathway Vineyard with Phil Strout and Allen AustinShow Podcast InformationThis episode of We Are Vineyard is the final in our mini-series on pastoral successions. Super Regional Leader John Elmer interviews Phil Strout and Allen Austin about how they each felt called in this transition, some of the things that were successful in transitioning, and the value of raising someone up from within the church. Allen shares some thoughts on those who are feeling a call to senior leadership, and Phil shares some advice to lead pastors and boards who are looking towards an upcoming transition.  We’re taking a summer break for the month of August, but we’ll be back with some incredible new episodes in September! We’ll see you then!  Phil Strout is a committed leader and communicator in the 21st-century church. He brings over fifty years of experience in the areas of church planting and cross-cultural missions. Referred to as a “quintessential practitioner” for his work in Latin America and globally, Phil is not afraid to think outside the box and challenges others to do the same. Phil is a leadership coach and the author of God’s Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and THRIVE: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. Phil is the previous senior pastor of Pathway Vineyard in Maine, and the previous National Director of Vineyard USA.  Allen Austin is the senior pastor of Pathway Vineyard, a multi-site church with locations in Brunswick, Gray, and Lewiston Maine. Allen has called the Vineyard his home since 1991. Allen’s faith journey and pastoral experience has been primarily dedicated to what John Wimber called “the main and the plain” – doing the simple work of loving God, loving neighbors, and sharing the Gospel. Allen and his wife Darlin have two adult children, Jennah and Erik, one son-in-law, KP, and two grandchildren, Kai and Mae – all of whom they adore. Show Notes:  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil  Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony 

Pastoral Succession Part 3: Branches Vineyard with Amanda ClarkShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, we continue our mini-series around pastoral succession with Super Regional Leader Joel Seymour interviewing Amanda Clark. Amanda shares about being born into a hyper-charismatic healing cult, navigating her relationship with Jesus after leaving that religious group, and her journey into ministry. Amanda and Joel talk through the things her pastor did to prepare the church for her to step into the lead pastor role, some of the challenges in her pastoral transition, and how she cared for her soul during that time.  Amanda Clark pastors Branches Church in Northern Indiana. She loves Jesus and hands-on culturally relevant ministry. She’s passionate about sharing meals around the table and building community through meaningful relationships. Amanda has been privileged to study the Bible at Northern Seminary and holds a Masters in New Testament Theology. Amanda is married to Justin, who is a talented video producer, artist, and musician. Justin and Amanda have served in ministry together since 2007, previously serving at Vineyard Community Church in Syracuse, Indiana, and The Vine in Goshen, Indiana.  When she isn’t prepping for a sermon, you might find her in the kitchen, or at the Farmer’s Market. Amanda enjoys spending time with her parents and her seven siblings, or anyone, really – she’s a people person! Show Notes:  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil  The Gospel People Don’t Want to Hear: Preaching Challenging Messages, Lisa Cressman Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, Nijay Gupta We Are Vineyard: Tell Her Story podcast interview with Jay Pathak and Nijay Gupta Women’s Association Mentoring Opportunities VineyardUSA Pastoral Health: Coaches & Spiritual Directors Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony 

Pastoral Succession Part 2: Pearland Vineyard with Alan Allen and Kurt AttawayShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, we continue our mini-series around pastoral succession with Super Regional Leader Joel Seymour interviewing Alan Allen and Kurt Attaway. Alan shares his story of planting the church, and Kurt shares about being raised in the Vineyard and finding his way into ministry through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. They talk about Alan calling out what he saw the Lord doing in Kurt and walking with him as they explored that calling, how they managed the family component of their relationship, and the role humility played in their transition. Finally, Alan and Kurt describe the nuts and bolts and heart work of their transition process and share some of the pain points they encountered along the way.  Alan Allen is the founding pastor of the Vineyard Church of Pearland, Texas, and currently serves as the Pastor of Care and Community.  Kurt Attaway stepped into the Lead Pastor role at Pearland Vineyard after serving on staff for 12 years. Kurt earned a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas San Antonio, which he attended on a full athletic scholarship. In 2012 he completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston Clear Lake and spent 10 years being trained and practicing as a clinician. In addition to his role at Pearland Vineyard, Kurt currently serves on the Multiply Vineyard Team. He is married to Lauren and they have 4 children.    Show Notes:  Pearland Vineyard  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil    Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony 

Pastoral Succession Part 1: Matt Massey and Vineyard Cincinnati ChurchShow Podcast InformationThis episode of We Are Vineyard is the launch of a mini-series around pastoral succession. In this episode, Jay talks with Matt Massey about giving up his moralistic life to live how he wanted to in college and the ways his dad stayed engaged with him throughout his season of searching. Matt shares about his natural entrance to ministry in college, leaving a lucrative career to pursue pastoring, planting a church and then leaving it to take over a church in crisis, and refocusing the church on Kingdom ministry. Finally, Matt shares some advice both to people who are considering stepping into a lead pastor role at an existing church, and current lead pastors who are starting to plan for succession.  Matt is the lead pastor at Vineyard Cincinnati. He started his career at Procter & Gamble while at the same time volunteering with a youth ministry at Lakota High School. Following his graduation from Trinity Evangelical, he transitioned into full-time ministry. A few things that Matt enjoys include golf, learning people’s stories, mentoring young people, fantasy football, craft beer, and laughing a ton. He and his wife Kim live in Loveland, OH and have three adult daughters.     Show notes:  Old Paths, New Power by Daniel Henderson   Day of Giving: Seed & Soil    Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony   

The Law and The Gospel with David ZahlShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Caleb Maskell, Associate National Director of Theology and Education, talks with David Zahl about being raised in a family where faith and reliance on God was modeled and they had freedom to find their own path with God. They also talk through three topics that have marked David’s life and writing: mercy, the law and the gospel, and low anthropology.  David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website, and co-host of both The Mockingcast and The Brothers Zahl podcasts. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. Zahl is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself). His next book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World comes out in April 2025 from Brazos Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues.    Show Notes:  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil  Mockingbird website  Mockingbird podcast Low Anthropology by David Zahl  Seculosity by David Zahl  Law and the Gospel by William McDavid, Ethan Richardson, and David Zahl    Social Media:  Instagram: @mockingbirdnyc X/Twitter: @mockingbirdmin Facebook: @mockingbirdmin   Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony

The Substance of Our Faith: Foundations for the History of Christian Doctrine with Douglas SweeneyShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Caleb Maskell, Associate National Director of Theology and Education, talks with Douglas Sweeney about experiencing the church over the course of his academic journey, breaking down the word “doctrine”, and discovering it through our daily walk with Christ. Doug shares why he started his project on the history of doctrine with the coming of the Holy Spirit, the right and best way to draw on the riches of scripture, and how to navigate a world where so many teachers are offering different ways of thinking about scripture. Finally, Doug shares some resource suggestions for pastors who want to continue growing in their understanding of scripture. Douglas Sweeney became the second dean of Beeson Divinity School in 2019. In this role, he shepherds the institution by providing strategic leadership and facilitating its work to prepare men and women for gospel ministry. Before coming to Beeson, Sweeney taught Aquinas College, Yale Divinity School, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, the University of Heidelberg, and several other schools in the United States and abroad. He is the author or editor of more than 20 books on the history of Christian doctrine, early modern Protestant history, American church history, Christology and global evangelicalism. His latest book is called The Substance of Our Faith: Foundations for the History of Christian Doctrine (Baker Academic). It is the first of two volumes on the global history of doctrine, or the history of the teaching of the Christian faith in churches all around the world since the time of the apostles. Sweeney is an evangelical Lutheran affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. He is married to Wilma, and they have one adult son, David, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie.   Show Notes: The Substance of Our Faith by Douglas Sweeney  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil    Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony  

God Gave Rock & Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music with Dr. Leah PayneShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Associate National Director of Theology and Education Caleb Maskell talks with Leah Payne about worship music. They discuss the difference between contemporary Christian music (CCM) and contemporary worship and the impact of Vineyard Worship on church music at large. They also talk about how worship music has been used outside of the church, and Leah shares a pastoral word for pastors and worship leaders.   Leah Payne is Associate Professor of American Religious History at Portland Seminary and a 2023–2024 Public Fellow at the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). She holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and her research explores the intersection of religion, politics, and popular culture. Payne is author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music (Oxford University Press, 2024), and co-host of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, a Public Radio Exchange (PRX) podcast about Christian rock and its listeners and Weird Religion, a religion and pop culture podcast. Her writing and research has appeared in The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service, and Christianity Today.   Show Notes:  Register for the 2024 Vineyard USA National Conference: Seed & Soil  Day of Giving: Seed & Soil  Vineyard Worship Leah’s website God Gave Rock and Roll To You by Leah Payne  Worshipping With The Anaheim Vineyard by Andy Park, Lester Ruth, and Cindy Rethmeier   Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony

We Are Vineyard Church Story: Hub City Vineyard interview with Chris SchlotterbeckShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Super Regional Leader John Elmer talks with Chris Schlotterbeck about hearing from the Lord before he had a relationship with God, being delivered from addiction, and being asked to preach on a missions trip before he had ever read the Bible. Chris talks about finding the Vineyard through Vineyard Worship and his journey from youth ministry to planting a church. Finally, John and Chris talk about prioritizing outreach in the community, and how the Hub City Vineyard became known as the “Hippie Church.”  Chris grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and had a radical encounter with Jesus in 1995 that totally changed the direction of his life. After graduating from Shepherd College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary education, Chris was hired at a local church as their youth & children’s pastor where he served for 3 years. Chris came into the Vineyard under the guidance of John Elmer in Syracuse, NY. While at the Syracuse Vineyard, he learned everything about “church”, from cleaning toilets to pastoring kids, teens, & young adults. After earning his degree from VLI & serving several years in Syracuse, Chris planted the Hub City Vineyard in Hagerstown, Maryland in 2006. After 18 years the small living room gatherings have grown into a vibrant tie-dyed community of faith. Chris is the lead pastor and enjoys Baltimore Ravens football, baseball, and the Maryland Terrapins. He has a passion for the Vineyard and seeing all people in the Tri-State Area accepted and shown the unconditional love of Jesus. Chris loves to spend time with his wife Jessica, and their six children: Isaac, Trinity, Zoe, Lily, Nolan & Phoenix.    Show Notes:  Register for the 2024 Vineyard USA National Conference: Seed & Soil Hub City Vineyard Power Evangelism by John Wimber   Steve Sjogren’s books  Chris’ email: chris@hcv.church   Social Account Links for Church  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HCV.church Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hubcityvineyard/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@HCVHubCityVineyard TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@hcvhubcityvineyard Messages – https://linktr.ee/hcvpodcast    Vineyard History and Identity Resources:  The Way It Was by Carol Wimber  The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson  Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson “I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony