John Elmer

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John Elmer

Super Regional Leader

The first assignment of SRLs will be to help develop and navigate the transition into new regional structures and leadership. Long term, SRLs will oversee multiple Regional Leaders and their corresponding local churches, providing the necessary training and support.

Meet John

John Elmer is a Super Regional Leader for Vineyard USA.

John grew up in Syracuse, New York. Right before his senior year in high school, he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus and was radically saved. He began a Bible study within a couple of months and never stopped. John went to college at Messiah College, where he majored in Biblical Studies and it was there that he met his wife, Gwen.

Gwen and John planted the Syracuse Vineyard 30 years ago and have grown it into a multi-site church that has planted 13 other churches. John has also participated in translocal leadership, serving the Vineyard as an Area Leader, National Church Planting team member, Mission Partnership Leader, and as a Regional Leader for the last 10 years.

John and Gwen have been married 38 years and have lived together in NYC, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, the squatter slums in Bangkok, as well as Syracuse. They have three children and five grandchildren that they love to be with. John is a big Syracuse University sports fan, as well as a lifelong Yankees fan.

What's your dream for Vineyard churches?

My dream for Vineyard churches is that there would be a multiplying Vineyard in every city, town, and village across America, that would bring the Kingdom in powerful ways.

I long to see churches established that bring waves of salvation, solid discipleship, moves of healing, and fights for justice.

What's one thing you learned as a pastor that you'll bring into this role?

Forty years of ministry in all kinds of roles has given me a wide range of ministry experience.

I have succeeded and failed which has taught me a lot. I think the most important skill I will bring into this role is an eye for potential leaders. There are so many untapped leaders in our churches and when we call them out the church’s impact will multiply!

What is the Way On for the Vineyard?

I think the Vineyard is well positioned for this coming season! If we continue to focus on being biblically faithful, Holy Spirit empowered, and caring for the poor while doing evangelism there will be great fruitfulness.

The world is hungry for Truth and Power and caring for the poor builds a voice.