Leaders of the Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota and its parent organisation Vineyard USA are scheduled to meet next month to discuss increasing accountability and improving responses to sexual abuse, following former pastor Jackson Gatlin's criminal conviction for sexual assault.
In a letter published last week on the church’s website, Interim Lead Pastor John Kliewer reflected on the painful yet transformative journey the church has endured over the past two years. He acknowledged the profound impact the scandal has had on the community, while also highlighting the church’s commitment to healing and reform.
Jackson Gatlin, a former pastoral assistant at Duluth Vineyard, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct, with five criminal complaints filed against him. An independent investigation by Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) found extensive abuse by Jackson and former senior pastors Michael and Brenda Gatlin, including sexual misconduct, cover-ups, abuse of pastoral power, and emotional abuse. Additionally, civil lawsuits have been filed against all three individuals, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA.
In his letter, Pastor Kliewer outlined the steps Duluth Vineyard has taken to address the misconduct, while also raising serious concerns about Vineyard USA’s response to the situation. Kliewer accused the parent body of prioritising the perpetrators over the victims, alleging that Vineyard USA mishandled abuse reports, failed to support victims, and allowed the perpetrators to influence the independent investigation. Kliewer also claimed that Vineyard USA paid severance to the perpetrators after their resignation and pressured Duluth Vineyard to do the same. In response, Duluth Vineyard has gone public with their concerns, calling for national-level reforms within the Vineyard movement, while Vineyard pastor Donnell Wyche has called for the resignation of the National Director.
Vineyard USA has since updated its timeline of events to acknowledge several leadership failures and mistakes.
Kliewer has urged other Vineyard pastors to reflect on a church culture that he believes has historically prioritised leadership power over accountability.
“From my experience and in my opinion, Vineyard USA has prioritised [Michael and Brenda] Gatlin in their response to the abuse in Duluth.”
Kliewer has also compiled a list of “essential actions” he believes Vineyard USA must take to ensure meaningful reform.
