Senior Pastor Transition
Vineyard Columbus 2026
A Message from Church Leadership
The past several months have been a season of significant change for Vineyard Columbus. We are grateful for the patience, care, and continued commitment of our congregation during this time.
As shared with the church, Eric and Julia have decided—after a season of prayerful discernment and wise counsel—to transition out of their roles as Senior Pastors of Vineyard Columbus. This was their decision, and it is not a matter of church discipline.
The Church Council and Senior Leadership Team are working closely with Vineyard USA to guide the church through this transition with care, clarity, and integrity. We remain committed to walking through this season with humility and prayer, trusting the Lord to guide Vineyard Columbus forward.
Transition Plan Overview
The following elements are guiding the senior pastor transition process:
- Partnership with Vineyard USA to provide oversight, accountability, and support during the transition
- Engagement with Elemental Group, an external consulting organization, to support listening, assessment, organizational health, campus model viability, and relational reconciliation
- A focus on church stability, leadership health, and care for staff and congregation
- The identification and placement of an interim senior pastor to lead during this season
- Ongoing communication with staff, leaders, and the congregation as the process unfolds
Transition Updates
We will update this page regularly as new information becomes available.
April 16, 2026
Prayer Walks (Pickerington Campus)
Monthly prayer walks will begin on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30–7:30pm at the Pickerington Campus. These gatherings will include guided prayer for our church community and leadership, with the first taking place on April 16.
April 16, 2026
Elemental Group Update
The Elemental Group’s report is complete and has been shared with key participants. An executive summary will be released soon.
April 8, 2026
New Interim Senior Pastor
After several interviews and an extensive period of prayer, we are happy to announce Rick Callahan as our new Interim Senior Pastor! He will begin on April 19. Please pray for his transition.
Interim Senior Pastor Qualifications
The interim senior pastor role is intended to provide shepherding leadership and stability during this season, not to set long-term direction.
The interim senior pastor will:
- Be from outside Vineyard Columbus, bringing fresh perspective
- Have experience within the Vineyard movement
- Be seasoned in wisdom and leadership, with large-church experience
- Be spiritually and emotionally healthy and available for this season
- Focus on pastoral care rather than introducing new vision or structural change
- Create space for learning, assessment, and discernment
Key Questions We Are Committed to Address
We know many in our church community are asking thoughtful and important questions. While not all answers are available yet, leadership is committed to addressing questions such as:
- What factors led to the leadership transitions of the past year, and how we arrived at this moment
- How decisions are being made during this transition, and what accountability and oversight are in place
- How Vineyard Columbus’ finances are structured, what has changed, and how financial clarity and sustainability are being addressed
- How pastors, staff, and campus leaders are being supported and cared for during this season
- What the transition process looks like moving forward, including the role of interim leadership and Vineyard USA
These questions will be addressed through ongoing communication, campus conversations, and the assessment and discernment process being guided by Vineyard USA and Elemental Group.
Upcoming Meetings & Resources
All-Church Annual Budget Meeting
The Annual Meeting was held on March 1st, 2026. For a copy of the slide deck, please click here.
- For physical copies of the full Audit Report, please go to the info desk or request one from your campus pastor.
Campus Advisory Team Meetings
Additional meetings between SLT, Finance, and Campus Advisory Teams (CAT) are planned to create space for listening and dialogue.
- Every Monday evening - Pickerington
Small Group Leader Multisite Meetings
Meetings for Small Group Leaders are planned to create space for dialogue and discussion around our multisite model.
- Sunday, April 19 - Pickerington
- Monday, April 27 - Sawmill
- Tuesday, April 28 - Westerville
Open Prayer Gatherings
We are inviting our whole congregation to open prayer and intercession gatherings to pray for our church and staff. Wednesdays from 12–1pm in the 2nd Floor Ministry Center, Westerville Campus.
Monthly prayer walks will held on the third Thursday of each month at the Pickerington Campus from 6:30–7:30pm. These gatherings will include guided prayer for our church community and leadership.