There is much I would like to say in support of this post. I think it is honest, written from genuine concern, and an appeal for institutional transparency after the disclosure of poor leadership decisions.
But, I want to start but confessing my participation in these words written: “To be honest, I think that most of us are so busy doing the Jesusy stuff that we don’t feel there’s time or value in reading through a bunch of legal papers and reports. I get that a lot of us haven’t read web pages, updates or reports and often we don’t even have time to watch short update videos. Life can come at us pretty fast.”
I have a sense of sorrow that I did not act soon enough or speak out loud enough concerning the dysfunction of national leadership.
I am grateful for Brian and others who have helped me face these difficult realities and long for healthier leaders and churches in a time when change is desperately needed. That change begins with a post like this seeking truth and a better way forward after a responsible and compassionate response to the damage done.
As a survivor of domestic and family violence by a long term Vineyard member (my ex-husband) who was never held accountable for his abuse of me and our 2 minor children, I can say that a victim-centric approach is the only Christ-like, just and honorable approach. We see this in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Allowing sin to continue without repentance is a mockery of the gospel and grace of Jesus.
We need to completely revamp policies of Vineyard USA on allegations of abuse!! Because I love the Vineyard Movement and believe we can do much better, I would like a seat at the table to represent abused wives and children to change Domestic Violence policies.
That is some painful storytelling. Thanks for writing it down and sharing it. We need more of this. Church should be a safe place. Only we can make it so!
The only way "ordination" could have solved the problem is if they can show overwhelming evidence that, if there was ordination, the Gatlin's would not have been ordained. Obviously, there is abundant evidence of the exact opposite.
Wow. I'm completely appalled, yet not entirely surprised by what you shared, because of what we've already seen with the SBC, Willow Creek, Sovereign Grace Ministries, etc. You rightly ask "Who watches the watchmen? How can you feel safe sharing your concerns with the same national leaders who keep promoting the people known to be doing you harm?" It's so disheartening that these questions keep needing to be asked, and in church movements and denominations that claim to champion women. Thanks for sharing this, and for the action steps you provide at the end.
I haven't finished the whole post yet BUT this....from Robb Morgan of VUSA is nuts:
"While we know that it is complicated, I do think that any decision that requires ongoing leadership and pastoral care will need to include Michael - he will have to lead from the front even though the relationships make it quite complicated. I do think it's wise to remove Michael and Brenda from the oversight of the investigation and pastoral care of Jackson. I do however, believe Michael will have the most wisdom to be offered as it relates to how you move forward as a church." - -
This is exactly the same as saying "I think the prosecuting attorney for this case should be the defendant." Here is what I think these people believe. "If a pastor has success, this proves he has a calling. Therefore, constitutionally, this pastor is best equipped to lead all operations of the church even investigation into his own misbehavior." This is based on a wrong-headed and unbiblical saying of the early Vineyard, "Show me your puppies not your papers." The belief that larger churches mean that the pastor has taken the narrow road to life makes exactly zero sense. My point is betrays their own narrative about themselves, namely that pastors are special. IMHO
I JUST sent this very part to a friend. We’ve also had direct contact with Robb and have known him for years, and I’m so disappointed to see that this discernment we all thought he had, is not actually real.
I will go way bigger. The Vineyard has never been a discipleship movement. If your leaders are not rigorously honest, truly vulnerable, and truly meek with respect to their position, then they have failed Discipleship 101.
There is much I would like to say in support of this post. I think it is honest, written from genuine concern, and an appeal for institutional transparency after the disclosure of poor leadership decisions.
But, I want to start but confessing my participation in these words written: “To be honest, I think that most of us are so busy doing the Jesusy stuff that we don’t feel there’s time or value in reading through a bunch of legal papers and reports. I get that a lot of us haven’t read web pages, updates or reports and often we don’t even have time to watch short update videos. Life can come at us pretty fast.”
I have a sense of sorrow that I did not act soon enough or speak out loud enough concerning the dysfunction of national leadership.
I am grateful for Brian and others who have helped me face these difficult realities and long for healthier leaders and churches in a time when change is desperately needed. That change begins with a post like this seeking truth and a better way forward after a responsible and compassionate response to the damage done.
Brian, long read, lots of information and a lot questions that trouble my soul. Praying!!!
My heart is heavy reading this article.
As a survivor of domestic and family violence by a long term Vineyard member (my ex-husband) who was never held accountable for his abuse of me and our 2 minor children, I can say that a victim-centric approach is the only Christ-like, just and honorable approach. We see this in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Allowing sin to continue without repentance is a mockery of the gospel and grace of Jesus.
We need to completely revamp policies of Vineyard USA on allegations of abuse!! Because I love the Vineyard Movement and believe we can do much better, I would like a seat at the table to represent abused wives and children to change Domestic Violence policies.
That is some painful storytelling. Thanks for writing it down and sharing it. We need more of this. Church should be a safe place. Only we can make it so!
The only way "ordination" could have solved the problem is if they can show overwhelming evidence that, if there was ordination, the Gatlin's would not have been ordained. Obviously, there is abundant evidence of the exact opposite.
Very thorough! Thank you. Where is the appeal? How do we sign?
Wow. I'm completely appalled, yet not entirely surprised by what you shared, because of what we've already seen with the SBC, Willow Creek, Sovereign Grace Ministries, etc. You rightly ask "Who watches the watchmen? How can you feel safe sharing your concerns with the same national leaders who keep promoting the people known to be doing you harm?" It's so disheartening that these questions keep needing to be asked, and in church movements and denominations that claim to champion women. Thanks for sharing this, and for the action steps you provide at the end.
I haven't finished the whole post yet BUT this....from Robb Morgan of VUSA is nuts:
"While we know that it is complicated, I do think that any decision that requires ongoing leadership and pastoral care will need to include Michael - he will have to lead from the front even though the relationships make it quite complicated. I do think it's wise to remove Michael and Brenda from the oversight of the investigation and pastoral care of Jackson. I do however, believe Michael will have the most wisdom to be offered as it relates to how you move forward as a church." - -
This is exactly the same as saying "I think the prosecuting attorney for this case should be the defendant." Here is what I think these people believe. "If a pastor has success, this proves he has a calling. Therefore, constitutionally, this pastor is best equipped to lead all operations of the church even investigation into his own misbehavior." This is based on a wrong-headed and unbiblical saying of the early Vineyard, "Show me your puppies not your papers." The belief that larger churches mean that the pastor has taken the narrow road to life makes exactly zero sense. My point is betrays their own narrative about themselves, namely that pastors are special. IMHO
I JUST sent this very part to a friend. We’ve also had direct contact with Robb and have known him for years, and I’m so disappointed to see that this discernment we all thought he had, is not actually real.
I will go way bigger. The Vineyard has never been a discipleship movement. If your leaders are not rigorously honest, truly vulnerable, and truly meek with respect to their position, then they have failed Discipleship 101.