In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Rich Nathan about growing up in a completely secular environment, and how chasing his wife in college led him to an encounter with the Holy Spirit that radically changed the course of his life. They also talk through some practical advice for offering a salvation call during a church service, the benefits of making it a specific opportunity separate from the ministry call, and the danger of making assumptions about the spiritual status of people in your congregation.
Rich Nathan is the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus. Rich was the first Senior Pastor serving from 1987-2020. Prior to becoming senior pastor, Rich taught business law at The Ohio State University for five years.
He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and received his Juris Doctorate with honors from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1980. Rich served on the National Board for Vineyard USA for more than two decades. Rich now serves on the Board of Christian relief agency, Convoy of Hope. He is a popular national and international conference speaker.
Rich co-authored Both And (IVP Books, 2013) with Insoo Kim as well as Empowered Evangelicals (Ampelon Revised 2009) with Ken Wilson. Rich is also the author of Who is My Enemy? Welcoming People the Church Rejects (Zondervan, 2002). He has written numerous articles on leadership in publications such as Leadership Magazine.
Rich was born and raised in New York City. He and his wife, Marlene, have been married for over 40 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.
Show Notes:
Vineyard USA suggested reading for September
Alpha Booklet “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel
https://bit.ly/3MlFmHD
Vineyard USA National Conference // The Way On
Gospel of the Kingdom with speakers Rich Nathan & Julia Pickerill
https://youtu.be/ztfcglrpYcY
Rich’s Website
https://www.richnathan.org
Vineyard Columbus
https://vineyardcolumbus.org
Socials:
@vineyardusa
vineyards.org
