Standing & Participation
Good standing in Vineyard USA
Good standing is a shared language for participation — a way of saying, "yes, we're in, we're connected, we're showing up together."
Vineyard USA is a relational movement. Good standing describes the concrete commitments that make that relationship visible and real. The National Leadership Handbook, Version 3.0, live as of August 29, 2026, gives those commitments shape and structure. Accountability, at its heart, requires doing what we say we’ll do. That’s integrity — and it’s what makes the Vineyard family actually function like a family.
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Church Standing
Overview
What good standing means
It's about being the kind of churches, and the kind of movement, that do what we say.
Most of what good standing asks for is practical: completing an annual census so we know who’s in the family, having an active Trademark License, and contributing financially together. These aren’t new expectations — they’ve been part of Vineyard affiliation for years. Some elements are newer, like endorsement of local ordination credentials, but these too have developed over time and reflect how we relate to one another across the whole movement.
Each September, Vineyard USA will confirm each church's standing via email to their Lead Pastor.
Churches with a status of "Good Standing — Pending" or "Out of Compliance" will receive specific information about what needs attention — and that communication is the start of a formal conversation with next steps and support.
- Good Standing
The church is meeting good standing criteria currently in active review.
- Good Standing — Pending
The church is undergoing a specific good standing review, invited to address an area of concern, or has made an appeal.
- Out of Compliance
The church is not meeting established criteria for good standing. Timely resolution required.
Section 3 of the National Leadership Handbook covers everything in detail. For specific questions, reach out directly.
Eight criteria
Here's what each one means.
Bylaws on File
Every Vineyard church’s bylaws must establish affiliation with Vineyard USA and acknowledge the National Leadership Handbook. The most current version needs to be on file with Vineyard USA.
Financial Contribution
3% of the church’s general fund contributed to Vineyard USA annually. Monthly giving is encouraged. Electronic payments at give.vineyardusa.org. Include your church ID number.
Annual Census
Completed within the timeline Vineyard USA sets each year — generally the first quarter.
Active Trademark License Agreement
A current Trademark License Agreement on file with Vineyard USA. This governs the use of the Vineyard name and marks.
Designated Board Member on File
A named independent board member who can serve as a liaison between Vineyard USA and the local church when exceptional circumstances arise — things like illness or death of a Lead Pastor, serious crises, or other situations where normal communication channels aren’t available. Identified through the annual census.
Ordained and Endorsed Lead Pastor
- Deadline: Dec 31, 2028
Every established Vineyard church must be led by a pastor who holds local ordination credentials and national endorsement from Vineyard USA. Grace periods of up to two years are available for newly appointed pastors.
Cooperation with Vineyard Policies and Procedures
Churches are expected to engage Vineyard’s shared processes and follow the policies outlined in the Handbook. This includes things like ordination and endorsement, church planting, adoption, and disassociation.
Active Participation in Your Area
Staying connected to your area — attending gatherings when you’re able, responding to your Area Leader, and knowing the other Vineyard pastors nearby. Churches are also encouraged to engage regional, association, and national opportunities as they’re able.
The full text is in Section 3.3 of the National Leadership Handbook. For questions about a specific criterion, email .
When something needs to be worked through
Good standing also provides a framework for working through real concerns — not just a sidebar conversation with a leader, but a real process with real steps.
The Handbook includes formal ways for churches to raise questions, appeal provisions, or flag disagreements. When something needs to be worked through, there’s a path for it.
Appealing a New Version of the Handbook
A church may formally appeal a provision in a newly ratified version of the National Leadership Handbook. The appeal must be submitted in writing by the Lead Pastor before the new version takes effect. Result: Good Standing — Pending.
Rejecting a New Version of the Handbook
A church may formally reject a newly ratified version of the National Leadership Handbook. The rejection must be submitted in writing by the Lead Pastor before the new version takes effect. Result: Out of Compliance. Vineyard USA will engage with the church to understand the concern and seek a resolution.
Appealing a Designated Standing
Every Vineyard church retains the right to appeal its designated standing at any time. Appeals are submitted in writing via the Designated Standing Appeal Form. Result: Good Standing — Pending while the appeal is reviewed.
The full text is in Sections 2.5 – 2.6, 3.7 of the National Leadership Handbook.
The three designations
Every Vineyard church holds one of three designations at any given time. Here's what each one means.
- Good Standing
The church is meeting the good standing criteria currently in active review. Churches in good standing are eligible for the full range of Vineyard USA participation: training, cohorts, translocal leadership opportunities, Leadership Council appointment, advisory group participation, cooperative processes, and eligibility for the Board of Trustees.
- Good Standing — Pending
The church is in good standing but has one or more things that need attention — a specific criterion under review, an identified area of concern, or a formal appeal the church has submitted.
When Vineyard USA has identified a specific criterion under review or an area of concern, we communicate directly what needs to be addressed and what resolves it. If the church sees things differently or wants to propose a different resolution, that conversation is part of the process.
- Out of Compliance
The church is not meeting established criteria for good standing. This designation may also apply when there is a significant or persistent departure from Vineyard theology or practice, a demonstrated pattern of mismanagement, an unwillingness to address misconduct, or a failure to follow through on a prior agreed plan.
Vineyard USA provides written notice of the specific concerns, a reasonable period to respond, and support to help the church return to good standing where possible. A church in this designation is not eligible for the participation opportunities that come with good standing. Every church retains the right to appeal its designated standing.
The full detail on each designation is in Sections 3.4 – 3.6 of the National Leadership Handbook.
Key Dates & Rhythms
Key dates & rhythms
March 2, 2026
National Leadership Handbook v3.0 Ratified
The Leadership Council ratified Version 3.0 of the Handbook.
August 29, 2026
National Leadership Handbook v3.0 Goes Live
Per Section 2.4.5, the Handbook takes effect 180 days after ratification.
September 2026
First Annual Standing Notice
Every Vineyard church receives notice of their designated standing:
- Good Standing
- Good Standing — Pending
- Out of Compliance
Churches on Good Standing — Pending or Out of Compliance are returned to Good Standing as soon as the outstanding issue is resolved and processed.
Criteria under active review:
- Bylaws Establishing Formal Affiliation to Vineyard USA (Section 3.3.1)
- Appealing a New Version of the Handbook (Section 2.5)
- Rejecting a New Version of the Handbook (Section 2.6)
- Participation in Cooperative Processes (Section 3.3.6)
- Appealing a Designated Standing (Section 3.7)
Additional criteria may come under active review earlier as needed.
April 2027
Status Notice — Pending & Out of Compliance
Churches remaining on or moving to Good Standing — Pending or Out of Compliance receive notice.
Criteria coming into active review:
- Census Completion (Section 3.3.3)
- Designated Board Member (Section 3.3.5)
September 2027
Annual Standing Notice
Every Vineyard church receives their annual notice of designated standing.
April 2028
Status Notice — Pending & Out of Compliance
Churches remaining on or moving to Good Standing — Pending or Out of Compliance receive notice.
Criteria coming into active review:
- Affiliate Member Financial Contribution (Section 3.3.2)
- Trademark License Agreement (Section 3.3.4)
September 2028
Annual Standing Notice
Every Vineyard church receives their annual notice of designated standing.
April 2029
Status Notice — Pending & Out of Compliance
Churches remaining on or moving to Good Standing — Pending or Out of Compliance receive notice.
Criteria coming into active review:
- National Endorsement and Local Ordination of Lead Pastor(s) (Section 3.3.7)
The rhythm: Every September, all churches receive a notice of their designated standing. Every April, churches on Good Standing — Pending or Out of Compliance receive a status notice — whether it's new or a reminder.
Statuses return to Good Standing as soon as the issue is resolved and processed.
Resources
Board Resources
End-of-Year Checklist
A practical resource to support the governing boards of Vineyard churches.
Each year, Vineyard USA encourages boards to work through the items below before the end of the calendar year. Think of it as a rhythm — a chance to review the things that matter most for healthy governance and continued good standing.
Pastoral Staff
Set Lead Pastor Compensation & Conduct Annual Review
The board should formally review and approve Lead Pastor compensation annually, including salary, benefits, and any housing allowance. Document this review in board minutes.
Review & Approve Clergy Housing Allowance
For qualifying pastoral staff, the board must formally designate a housing allowance before the start of the calendar year for it to be tax-exempt. Confirm proper documentation is in place. Consult your CPA or attorney if you have questions about eligibility or documentation requirements.
Review Pastoral Licensing Status
Confirm whether any pastoral licenses held by staff need to be renewed.
Vineyard Relationship
Review the National Leadership Handbook
The board should review the current version of the National Leadership Handbook. Version 3.0 went live August 29, 2026. The good standing overview summarizes what’s in it; the full text is the authoritative document.
Review Good Standing Criteria & Church Status
Review the eight criteria for good standing and your church’s current standing status. Vineyard USA sends each church an annual standing notice in September — the Lead Pastor has it.
Reconcile 3% Financial Contribution
Every Vineyard church contributes 3% of its general fund to Vineyard USA annually. The board should review the year’s giving, reconcile any shortfall, and ensure the church is on track for the coming year.
Confirm Your Designated Board Member for the Upcoming Census
The Vineyard USA census, released in January, requires churches to identify a designated board member — a named independent board member who can serve as a liaison between Vineyard USA and the local church when exceptional circumstances arise, like the illness or death of a Lead Pastor or other situations where normal communication channels aren’t available. Confirm that person going into the new year.
Confirm Serious Allegations Were Reported to Vineyard USA
When serious allegations arise — sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal activity — the first obligation is to report to the appropriate civil authorities and comply with mandatory reporting laws. Vineyard USA also requires that the Lead Pastor or governing body promptly notify Vineyard USA when matters of that nature arise. Confirm that anything requiring notification this year was handled accordingly.
Governance & Compliance
Review Governing Documents & Board Composition
Review your bylaws and confirm your board is majority independent. If your bylaws changed this year, let Vineyard USA know.
Review Background Check Status
Some local church policies — and some state laws — require periodic background check renewals for staff, volunteers, or anyone working with children or youth. Confirm whether any renewals are due and take care of them.
Policy Review
The Handbook requires every Vineyard church to have a current child and youth protection policy. Beyond that, make sure you have what your church needs to operate in a healthy and legally compliant way. Vineyard USA’s Policy Pack has templates — adapt them to your context.
Review Key Resources
Confirm the church’s relationships and access to the following are current:
- Area Leader — your primary point of connection within Vineyard USA
- Regional Leader — regional support and oversight
- CPA or Financial Advisor — for annual financial review and tax compliance
- Attorney — for governance, employment, and legal matters
- Church insurance — confirm coverage is current and adequate
The Church Law Center is a recommended resource for churches navigating legal questions related to governance, employment, tax, and property. churchlawcenter.com
Review Annual Financials & Approve Next Year's Budget
The board should review the year’s financial statements and approve the budget for the coming year. Document both actions in board minutes.
Pastoral Due Diligence
Pastoral Due Diligence
Vineyard churches are locally governed — hiring decisions belong to the local church, just as ordination does. At the same time, Vineyard USA plays a meaningful role in the lives of Vineyard pastors through the national endorsement process (Section 5.2) and the shared standards for pastoral conduct and ethics, safeguarding, and pastoral discipline that apply to all Vineyard pastors, outlined in Section 4.
Because of that role, Vineyard USA is able to support local churches in appropriate due diligence before hiring a pastor or in other significant moments. A Lead Pastor or Designated Board Member may submit a request to Vineyard USA asking whether there are any known concerns regarding a specific pastor.
Vineyard USA’s knowledge of any concerns is limited to what has been self-disclosed by the pastor (Section 4.4.5), disclosed by a local church’s governing body or Lead Pastor (Section 4.4.1.1), or reported to Vineyard USA.
Requests must be submitted by the Lead Pastor or Designated Board Member of a Vineyard church.
National Leadership Handbook
National Leadership Handbook
Over the past several years, Vineyard USA has developed the National Leadership Handbook (NLH) to describe clearly how we relate to one another as a family of churches. Rather than relying only on a Trademark License, our connection is now supported by the Handbook, a shared framework that articulates the relationship between local churches, Vineyard USA, and Vineyard pastors.
The Handbook was first created at the direction of the former Executive Team at the culmination of the 2021 ReOrg. Much of its content puts into writing the expectations, agreements, and commitments that have long shaped our life together, while also offering clarity and structure where needed most. In this way, the Handbook gives shared language to what has often been practiced informally, making it possible for our movement to flourish into and through the next generation.
Ordination
Ordination in the Vineyard
Ordination itself is carried out by the local church, the community that has witnessed the Candidate’s life, character, and formation up close and over time. Vineyard USA issues national endorsement as an expression of shared discernment, affirming that a pastor is recognized across the broader Vineyard movement.
These two actions are distinct and complementary. Together they reflect our conviction that pastoral identity is formed in community and recognized through relationship — with Vineyard USA stewarding a common theological and formational standard so that ordination carries consistent meaning across the movement.
Contact Us
Handbook & Good Standing Team
Robb Morgan
Managing Director
Joel Seymour
Super Regional Leader | Director of Regional Leadership & Support
Tori McGraw-Rowe
Manager of Ordination & Polity