For regular updates about the transition go to: vineyardcolumbus.org/transition
New Interim Senior Pastor
Rick Callahan joins Vineyard Columbus as our Interim Senior Pastor, bringing more than three decades of pastoral leadership, coaching, and ministry experience. Coming from outside our church and rooted in the Vineyard movement, Rick offers both a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the kind of Spirit-led community we are seeking to cultivate in this season.
Over 35 years in ministry, Rick has served in a wide range of roles—including lead pastor, campus pastor, mission mobilization pastor, teaching pastor, spiritual formation pastor and leading student ministries —across churches of varying sizes, from a few hundred to several thousand, and a church with 10 campuses. He has also walked with churches through seasons of both growth and challenge, helping guide congregations and leaders toward emotional health, stability, and renewed strength. His experience includes working closely with pastors, staff teams, and elders in times of discernment, crisis, and celebration.
In recent years, Rick has focused on serving the broader Church as a succession plan consultant for churches and nonprofits, as a coach, and a professor, investing in pastors and leaders across the country and around the world. He has contributed to ministry and leadership development through organizations and institutions such as the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, Vineyard Leadership Institute, and several universities. He has also served as guest faculty at ministry training schools in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Rick holds degrees from Evangel University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and George Fox University, is a certified leadership coach and has been trained as an intentional interim pastor.
Throughout his journey, Rick has experienced both the joys and the challenges of ministry, and he carries a deep compassion for those serving in the church. He believes that God uses every part of our story—both the blessings and the hardships—to shape us for His purposes. In this season, Rick senses a calling to provide steady, caring leadership—creating space for healing, listening, and discernment rather than introducing new vision or major change.
Rick and his wife, Michelle, live in the Chicagoland area and are enjoying their “Mimi and Pops” season of life, with three adult children and six grandchildren all within a short drive. Michelle has spent over 30 years running a piano studio, has served in kids and worship ministries, and supports faith-based nonprofits through grant research. Together, they love investing in their family, encouraging leaders, and walking alongside the church in meaningful ways.