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.
February 12, 2026
Multi-site Taskforce
Beginning February 17, the Head of Staff will lead a Multi-site Taskforce with representatives from each campus. Members have been selected for their fiscal, legal, business, strategic, and relational expertise to help navigate key questions and provide input to SLT regarding a path forward.
February 12, 2026
Finance Leadership Update
Vineyard Columbus has engaged a fractional CFO from FocusCFO to provide financial leadership as the Interim Director of Finance concludes his time on March 1.
February 8, 2026
Campus Advisory Team Meeting (Sawmill)
SLT, Finance, and campus leaders met with the Sawmill Campus Advisory Team to listen and engage in dialogue related to the transition.
February 8, 2026
Congregational Meeting (Pickerington)
A congregational meeting was held at the Pickerington campus to share transition updates, including current financials, and to address previously identified questions.
February 1, 2026
Campus Advisory Team Meeting (Grandview)
SLT, Finance, and campus leaders met with the Grandview Campus Advisory Team to listen and engage in dialogue related to the transition.
January 30, 2026
Senior Pastors Update
Our senior pastors will preach their final sermon on February 22, with their last day on staff scheduled for March 7.
January 26, 2026
Staff Care update
We are prioritizing staff care by strengthening support systems, rebuilding trust, and embedding healthy rhythms of work, rest, and formation into our culture. A Staff Care Team has been formed to provide additional support to SLT and met on Jan 26 to outline next steps.
January 26, 2026
Elemental Group Update
SLT and VUSA met with the Elemental Group and are reviewing their proposal for an assessment process, including a review of events from the past year related to the transition.
January 25, 2026
Campus Advisory Team Meeting (Pickerington)
SLT, Finance, and campus leaders met with the Pickerington Campus Advisory Team to listen and engage in dialogue related to the transition.
January 16, 2026
Elemental Group Engaged for Church Assessment
Elemental Group has been engaged to guide an initial phase of listening, assessment, and consultation. This work includes interviews with church leadership and key stakeholders and will provide insight into organizational culture, leadership structures, and areas for growth and healing.
January 14, 2026
Interim Senior Pastor Search
Several interim candidates have been approached. While none have been able to step into the role at this time, the Senior Leadership Team continues to work closely with Vineyard USA as the search continues.
January 11, 2026
Congregational Meeting (Sawmill)
A congregational meeting was held at the Sawmill campus to share transition updates, including current financials, and to address previously identified questions.
January 11, 2026
Senior Pastor Transition Announcement (January 2026)
Eric and Julia announced their decision to step down as Senior Pastors to staff and later to the congregation. Representatives from Vineyard USA were present to support staff and leadership during this time.
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
An All-Church Annual Budget Meeting is scheduled for March 1 to review the proposed budget and share financial information for the year ahead.
This will be held in the Westerville Multi-Purpose Room from 2-3:30pm.
- March 1 - All Campuses
Congregational Meeting Schedule
In upcoming congregational meetings, members of SLT, Finance, and campus leaders will share current financials and provide clarity on additional topics.
- January 11 - Sawmill
- February 8 - Pickerington
- February 15 - Grandview and Sawmill
Campus Advisory Team Meetings
Additional meetings between SLT, Finance, and Campus Advisory Teams are planned to create space for listening and dialogue.
- January 25 - Pickerington
- February 1 - Grandview
- February 8 - Sawmill
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.