We Are Vineyard

Worship, Justice, and Immigration Law with Tina Colón WilliamsShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Associate National Director of Justice and Evangelism Josh Williams chats with Tina Colón Wiliams about how she experiences God as an immigration lawyer. They talk about whether the migrant issue at the Texas border is as bad as the media makes it seem, and Tina paints a picture of what the majority of migrants actually look like. They discuss the calling of the church in this situation, the impact of this work on Tina personally and how she meets Jesus in it, how she cares for her own soul, and some of the God stories she’s seen over the years.   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 and Joy. They love the city of New Haven, beaches, eating new foods, singing and dancing, and following Jesus in community with others. Show Notes: Become a Volunteer– Executive Office for Immigration Review Register for Vineyard USA’s National Conference: 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   

Love 146: Telling The Whole Story with Rob MorrisShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Josh Williams (Associate National Director of Justice & Evangelism) talks to Rob Morris about how his family came to Christ one at a time while he was growing up, and how getting burnt out in ministry led him back to Jesus and eventually to work with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and Mercy Ships. Rob shares about becoming aware of the human trafficking industry, his first experience in an undercover investigation, and how that launched the work of Love146. Rob talks about the effectiveness of maintaining a posture of humility and learning, how defiant hope keeps them going, and some practical ways that you can help support the work.  Rob Morris is the CEO and co-founder of Love146, an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation. Prior to co-founding Love146, Rob worked with Mercy Ships International directing training schools at the International Operations Center. He has lectured and taught in over 20 countries on issues of justice, compassion, and human rights, and has been featured in the Huffington Post, the CNN Freedom Project, Forbes, WNPR, Alec Baldwin’s “Here’s the Thing” podcast on WNYC, Fox News, and more.  Show notes: Learn more about Love146 and support their work!  Register for Vineyard USA’s National Conference: 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   

From MIT to Full Time Ministry: James Choung from IntervarsityShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with James Choung about being raised in a Korean immigrant church and how he experienced justice growing up in an inner-city community. James shares how God disrupted his plans at MIT, directed him to reinvest in his fraternity, and called him to full-time ministry. James talks about his transition to InterVaristy Christian Fellowship after seminary, and then he and Jay talk about Vineyard’s relationship with InterVarsity.  Rev. Dr. James Choung serves as Vice President of Strategy & Innovation — overseeing evangelism, discipleship & leadership development, planting, global engagement & justice, multiethnic initiatives, and the Creative Labs — at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. He is also ordained with Vineyard USA and has written three books — the latest being a co-written book titled Longing for Revival.  James wrote his D. Min. dissertation on postmodern leadership development also at Fuller Theological Seminary, received his M. Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and studied management science and marketing at MIT. He has previously served on the pastoral staff of a Boston-area urban church plant, of a megachurch in Seoul, and led an LA-adjacent house church. As for other interests, he has led worship at various national conferences including the Urbana Student Missions Conference, and serves on boards for higher education and overseas for-profit and non-profit startups. For fun, he likes to travel with his wife, laugh with his two sons, spoil his daughter, bask in Los Angeles’ endless summer, and swing a racket in hopes of playing something like tennis.   Show Notes:  Hear more from James at Better Together!  2024 Vineyard USA National Conference: Seed & Soil James’ Website  Longing for Revival by James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer  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: Jeff Faust and Vineyard of the RockiesShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Super Regional Leader Joel Seymour chats with Jeff Faust about growing up in a dysfunctional home, how his family changed after his mom had a powerful encounter with the Lord, and the spiritual experience he had in college that changed the trajectory of his life. Jeff shares about starting a ministry to the most overlooked people in Kansas City, finding the Vineyard, and being discipled into leadership. Finally, Joel and Jeff talk about Jeff’s call to Fort Collins, the gift of a pastoral transition marked by honor and respect, and the changes they’ve seen in their church since they started incorporating a salvation call each Sunday.  Growing up far from God with a life marked by wild living and selfish ambition, Jeff was drifting further and further away from the purposes of Christ for the first two decades of his life. But everything changed when out of God’s abundant grace, he encountered Jesus after a spring break trip to Cancun. In this encounter, Jeff received the freedom and forgiveness he desperately needed and received a calling to spend his life leading people to Christ. Shortly after, he was introduced to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where his encounter was matched with intentional discipleship as a student leader. After meeting Natalie on the same IVCF leadership team (now married for 15 years with three amazing children), he launched a Christian parachurch ministry focused on serving inner-city youth. During their time in KC, Jeff & Natalie found Vineyard Community Church and immediately felt at home. After serving KC’s youth for a number of years, Jeff transitioned onto staff at Vineyard Community Church where Mark Warner’s leadership prepared him for pastoring in the Vineyard Movement.  After navigating a fruitful succession plan with Rick Olmstead, Jeff now leads Vineyard Church of the Rockies in Fort Collins, CO.  He continues to lead with the same passion for helping people experience God matched with an ongoing process of discipleship. Show Notes:  2024 Vineyard USA National Conference: Seed & Soil  Hear more of Jeff and Rick Olmstead’s pastoral succession story Hero Maker by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird    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   

Building Multi-Ethnic Communities and Bringing Your Whole Self with Gary DawkinsShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Gary Dawkins about growing up in a Black Baptist Church in Baltimore and the practical intersection of church and neighborhood.  Gary talks about the Holy Spirit encounter that convinced him Jesus was real, the roundabout way he found himself in a Vineyard Church, and the powerful moment he fell in love with the Vineyard Movement. Finally, Gary shares where he’s seen progress in the Vineyard regarding racial equity and where he still sees the need for breakthrough.  Gary Dawkins is a pastor, public communicator, and community leader who earned his MBA from Syracuse University and Master of Science in Communications Management from Morgan State University, a historically black university (HBCU). He serves as Lead Pastor of the Mercy Vineyard Church in Minneapolis, MN.  He is also passionate about justice for the marginalized and uplifting his community. Gary cares and wants to see the marginalized flourish in every area of life.  Gary is a former media professional and educator, who is now captivated by helping people grow in their faith and relationships. He is especially passionate about developing a lasting discipleship culture that includes acts of service, social justice, and cultural competency. He is the husband of the beautiful LeKita Scott Dawkins and father to the brilliant Grace. They love cooking together and playing Monopoly. Game on! Show notes:  Better Together Conference  Vineyard Worship’s Sound Lab Vineyard USA’s 2024 National Conference: Seed & Soil  Vineyard USA Associations  Vineyard USA’s Financial Well-being of Pastors Initiative 

Alpha: Sharing Jesus’ Love Through Hospitality with Jessica GattonShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay chats with Jessica Gatton. Jess shares about the profound experience she had with Jesus as a young child, being immersed in ministry as a teenager while her dad was her youth pastor and the decision she made in college to stay the course in her faith. Jess talks about how studying social work helped her make sense of her observations of the world, and the grace of coming to the end of herself in ministry, slowing down and doing some internal work. Finally, Jess and Jay discuss the incredible ongoing partnership between Alpha and the Vineyard, the turnkey evangelism course Alpha provides, and the profound gift of bringing churches back to the basics of hospitality, Jesus’ love, and experiencing the Holy Spirit.  Jessica Gatton has been in the Vineyard for 30 years and is now on staff as VP of Ministry with Alpha USA. Show Notes:  Alphausa.org Emotionally Focused Watch Nicky Gumbel’s interview at the 2023 Vineyard USA National Conference!   

John Mark Comer: Finding A More Biblical View Of DiscipleshipShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with John Mark Comer about starting in ministry at a young age, the gifts he received from the staunch evangelical worldview in which he was raised, and the life circumstances that inspired him to learn a more biblical model of discipleship and spiritual formation. John Mark shares about the ancient practices that have helped him feel unstuck, the changes he noticed in his church during a season of extreme growth, and how their metrics of success had to change once they altered the social contract of their church.  John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of Practicing the Way, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Live No Lies, and four previous books. He’s also the Founder and Teacher of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your church or small group. Prior to starting Practicing the Way, he spent almost twenty years pastoring Bridgetown Church in Portland, OR, and working out apprenticeship to Jesus in the post-Christian West. He lives in Los Angeles. Show Notes:  John Mark Comer’s Website    

50 Years Of The Vineyard: The Story Of The Westside Vineyard with Brad Bailey and John ElmerShow Podcast InformationWelcome to season 3 of the We Are Vineyard podcast! This year marks the 50th anniversary of Vineyard churches in the US, and to celebrate we will be highlighting stories of local churches throughout the country. In today’s episode, Jay talks with John Elmer and Brad Bailey about Westside Vineyard Church. John and Brad share stories of how the church was formed, the approach to learning leadership lessons as they were figuring things out in the early days, and some characteristics and values of the Vineyard that have remained through all these years.  Brad Bailey serves as the Lead Pastor of the Westside Vineyard Church (on the Westside of Los Angeles). He began attending the church in 1985 and became the Lead Pastor in 1991, the second to follow Kenn Gulliksen who had initially planted the church. Brad is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has valued serving the Vineyard movement as an Area Leader and Missional Partnership Leader for India. Brad’s wife Leah is a Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator at UCLA. They have four young adult children, having left the “nest” to Buddy…the Golden Retriever. Show Notes:  Listen to John Elmer’s episode of We Are Vineyard (season 1, episode 14) The Ferment Podcast by Vineyard Worship  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     

2023 In Review with Jay and Danielle PathakShow Podcast Information In the final episode of the We Are Vineyard podcast for 2023, Jay and Danielle Pathak chat about some things they’re excited about from this year, some things they were surprised by, and what they’re looking forward to in 2024. You’ll hear about some initiatives through Vineyard USA, such as Financial Health cohorts for pastors and the partnerships happening with our Associate National Directors on the regional level, and get more information about opportunities to gather together in 2024.   As a reminder, we’ll take a break for January, but we have some awesome plans for Season 3, which launches February 7th! Show Notes:  Listen to sessions from some of our Regional gatherings: https://vineyardusa.org/2023-regional-conferences/ Financial Well-being of Pastors Initiative: https://vineyardusa.org/financial-well-being-of-pastors-initiative/ Evangelical Covenant Church: https://covchurch.org/ 2024 Better Together Conference: https://bettertogether.vineyardusa.org/

Advent – LOVE with Geno OlisonShow Podcast InformationIn this episode of We Are Vineyard, Geno Olison, leader of our VUSA Black Pastors and Leaders Association, shares a devotion he has prepared on the theme of Love from 1 John 4:7-14, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, followed by the song “Behold,” the title track of Vineyard Worship’s newest album release, created in partnership with Heaven and Earth, Vineyard Columbus’s worship and songwriting community. We’ll see you in February 2024 with new episodes! Show Notes:  Behold Heaven and Earth Worship Vineyard Worship Vineyard USA Associations