The National Leadership Handbook

We update the National Leadership Handbook because our shared life as a movement requires clarity—not complexity. The Handbook isn’t meant to say everything; it’s meant to say what must be said in order to explain how we live and lead together as Vineyard churches.

If we never updated the Handbook, it would either grow disconnected from how we actually function—or balloon into something overloaded and unusable. That’s why we focus on including only what’s essential, and why we continue to build it out carefully, over time.

What we add matters. Some things simply need to be in writing. For example, Version 3.0 includes key additions that limit the authority of the Handbook itself and affirm the authority of the local church. Those aren’t just details—they’re foundational to how we live together with trust and accountability.

For that reason, we’re committed to adding content slowly and transparently. Rather than overwhelming churches with an overly large document all at once, we began with what was necessary and are shaping the rest in partnership—with broad input and time for reflection at every step.

In that sense, updating the Handbook isn’t just about content—it’s a formative process. How we add new sections is just as important as what we add. Take, for example, the process for adopting into the Vineyard: while a tested process already exists, turning it into Handbook language will involve gathering feedback from those with recent lived experience, refining the language, and submitting it to a slow and careful review.

This is how we learn to walk together in clarity, care, and mutual trust.

For the next few years, we expect to update the Handbook every two years. Once a few more foundational policies and structures are in place, we expect the pace to slow down.

The ReOrg team presented several proposals to the previous Vineyard USA leadership. These proposals were carefully evaluated. In 2021, the Executive Team approved the final organizational structure, revised bylaws, and granted the Leadership Council ratification responsibilities. Historically, church voting within Vineyard USA leadership was utilized exclusively for the appointment of the National Director. The process outlined in the Handbook significantly increases participation, involving over eighty Vineyard pastors and leaders.

We recognize that no system is perfect and welcome constructive feedback. While future adjustments to the ratification process are possible, any changes would need to follow the current procedures outlined in the Vineyard USA Handbook.

The Leadership Council is made up of Regional Leaders, Area Leaders, and Association Leaders. By design, this ensures the Council reflects voices from across the geography of the movement as well as perspectives from historically under-represented leaders.

Regional Leaders (RLs) are appointed by the designated Super Regional Leader, with confirmation from the Associations Director and the National Director. While the final decision rests with the Super Regional Leader, input from Lead Pastors in the region is actively sought. The process includes discernment, a written reflection project, references, and interviews conducted by a diverse team of leaders. These steps help ensure that the recommended candidate reflects the needs and context of the churches served. Regional Leaders serve five-year terms, may be reappointed, and are directly responsible to the Super Regional Leaders.

Area Leaders (ALs) are appointed by the Regional Leader(s), with input from the Super Regional Leader, and confirmed by both the Super Regional Leader and the Associations Director. Lead Pastor input is also incorporated in the process. In considering candidates, factors such as leadership experience, a sense of call, willingness to serve, peer recognition, and geographic proximity are weighed. Area Leaders also serve five-year terms, may be reappointed, and are directly responsible to the Regional Leader(s).

Association Leaders are appointed by the Associations Director and confirmed by the National Director. Members of each Association inform this appointment process to ensure leadership reflects and serves its community well. Association Leaders also serve five-year terms, may be reappointed, and are directly responsible to the Associations Director.

In each case, leaders are chosen with accountability, confirmed through multiple layers of approval, and evaluated regularly. This process is designed to ensure that those serving on the Leadership Council embody both the trust of the pastors they represent and the accountability of the broader movement.