Episode Summary:

In this episode, we investigate how the Vineyard Movement’s obsession with growth metrics, married co-leadership structures, and lack of accountability mechanisms created the perfect conditions for abuse and systemic failure.

We dive into how these dynamics directly set the stage for the rise of Michael and Brenda Gatlin at Duluth Vineyard—highlighting the early warning signs of toxic leadership, ignored reports, and the cultural factors that prioritized expansion over the safety of congregations.

This is where the cracks beneath the surface began to split wide open.

Topics Covered:

• Recap of Vineyard’s explosive growth under John Wimber and the rise of Vineyard Music.

• How Vineyard USA tracks growth metrics—similar to corporate performance systems.

• How married couples dominate leadership roles within the movement—and why that creates built-in conflicts of interest.

• The lack of consistent church governance, board accountability, or standardized bylaws across Vineyard churches.

• The illusion of local church “autonomy”—and how it’s applied inconsistently.

• The rise of Michael and Brenda Gatlin at Duluth Vineyard through measurable growth and national influence.

• Early signs of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership behaviors by the Gatlins.

• The ignored warning letter sent by Pastor Ryan Bauers to Vineyard USA in 2014.

• How systemic weaknesses within Vineyard leadership structures enabled long-term damage.

Key References and Resources:

• Duluth Vineyard’s public timeline and updates regarding leadership issues:

➔ Duluth Vineyard - Our Response to Allegations of Misconduct

• Vineyard USA’s statements about church autonomy and national oversight:

➔ Vineyard USA - Our Values and Structures

• Guidepost Solutions (later hired to assess Vineyard USA structures):

➔ Guidepost Solutions

• GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment):

➔ GRACE Official Website

• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline (support for survivors):

➔ RAINN.org

Resources for Survivors:

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):

➔ rainn.org | 1-800-656-HOPE

• The Hotline (Domestic and Emotional Abuse Support):

➔ thehotline.org | 1-800-799-SAFE

• GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment):

➔ netgrace.org

Ways to Support Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

• Rate and review the show to help amplify survivor stories.

• Share this episode with friends, church leaders, or anyone grappling with issues of faith, power, and institutional accountability.

• Follow John Williamson for updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Disclaimer:

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is a work of investigative journalism. It includes allegations and opinions based on interviews, public documents, media reports, and other sources. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This podcast is not affiliated with Vineyard USA or any religious organization. Names, events, and quotes are used for reporting and documentary purposes under fair use and public interest protections. The creators of this series have taken care to verify information where possible and present commentary in a good-faith effort to inform the public.

Some episodes contain references to sexual abuse, spiritual trauma, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode Description:

In the premiere episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, host John Williamson shares the deeply personal story that became the catalyst for this investigative series—an account of sexual assault, institutional betrayal, and buried pain that would remain unacknowledged for decades.

As John began asking questions, a pattern emerged: a movement that began as a radical, Spirit-led network of churches evolved into something more recognizable—something hierarchical, brand-driven, and ultimately, deeply flawed.

We go back to the beginning: the roots of the Vineyard Movement, the vision and influence of John Wimber, the explosive success of Vineyard Worship, and how the pursuit of growth slowly began to eclipse the movement’s original values.

This episode sets the foundation for the rest of the series, as we begin to explore how empire building, lack of accountability, and systemic failures created conditions that harmed real people—and continue to do so.

🔊 Audio Credits:

This episode includes a brief excerpt from a sermon by John Wimber, used under fair use for educational and journalistic purposes.

🎧 Clip Source: John Wimber - “Going For It” on YouTube.

Special thanks to creators who preserve and share these historical archives.

🌐 Links & Resources

🖥️ Official Website:

www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com

→ Visit for transcripts, research materials, episode guides, and more.

📱 Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and breaking news:

• Instagram: @spoiledfruitpodcast

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🆘 If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual or spiritual abuse:

You are not alone. Support is available.

📞 RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

www.rainn.org

→ Free, confidential, 24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence.

🙏 Support for spiritual abuse survivors:

The Spiritual Abuse Resources

→ Education, survivor stories, and recovery resources.

⭐️ If you found this episode impactful:

Please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the show. It helps others find the podcast and supports this work. And if you know someone who needs to hear this—share it.

Next Episode Tease:

In Episode 2, we begin our deep dive into Michael and Brenda Gatlin—their rise to power in the Vineyard Movement, the red flags along the way, and how they created the conditions for something devastating to unfold.

Hosted & Produced by:

John Williamson

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is an independent investigative podcast.

Disclaimer:

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is a work of investigative journalism. It includes allegations and opinions based on interviews, public documents, media reports, and other sources. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This podcast is not affiliated with Vineyard USA or any religious organization. Names, events, and quotes are used for reporting and documentary purposes under fair use and public interest protections. The creators of this series have taken care to verify information where possible and present commentary in a good-faith effort to inform the public.

Some episodes contain references to sexual abuse, spiritual trauma, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power - a limited investigative podcast that explores the rise and reckoning of one of the most influential church movements of the last 50 years: the Vineyard.

This teaser sets the tone for what's to come - a deeper dive into the dangerous intersections of church, power, and empire building. Through firsthand accounts, leaked recordings, and careful investigation, we'll ask the hard questions many have been afraid to voice.

What happens when the Spirit-led becomes brand-driven? And what kind of fruit grows when empire becomes the goal?

Subscribe now and be ready when the first episode drops!

Credits: Archival audo exerpted from a sermon by John Wimber, used under fair use for educational and commentary purposes. Original source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUG8r66OjVo

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Website: www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com

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