Leadership + Legacy
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February 27, 2023
2 min update regarding Michael & Brenda Gatlin's resignations
27 min discussion regarding the allegations, investigations, Vineyard USA's role, and a pastoral & prophetic reflection
If you have information that would be relevant to the investigations, we encourage you to contact the Duluth Police Department and Emily Petrie () at GRACE, who are conducting an independent investigation with the Duluth Vineyard.
Request additional information
Questions, contact Robb Morgan
Managing Director, Vineyard USA
Media inquiries, contact Nicole Dill
Communications Director, Vineyard USA
Learn about VUSA’s November 2022 initiative to assess and improve how we and our churches handle leadership misconduct, moral failings, restoration processes, and allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Brenda Gatlin has resigned as a Super Regional Leader for Vineyard USA, and Michael Gatlin has resigned as the Senior Pastor of the Duluth Vineyard, as well as his positions as a Trustee on the Vineyard USA Board, and on the Board of Vineyard Worship.
We have included a short video to describe the topline information regarding this update. We would encourage every Vineyard pastor to review this 2-minute video. A longer 27-minute video has been provided in support of the complex nature of the allegations, investigations, Vineyard USA’s role, and a pastoral & prophetic reflection. We encourage you to read all the information on this site before watching the longer video, as it provides valuable context.
Key Decisions and Timeline
Key Parties Involved
February 10, 2023
Dear Pastors & Leaders,
Vineyard USA has suspended Brenda Gatlin pending an investigation related to the handling of allegations of sexual abuse and leadership misconduct while serving as pastor of the Duluth Vineyard. The investigative process will include active GRACE and police investigations, as well as Vineyard USA’s internal review of information that has been made available as a result of these allegations coming to light.
Vineyard USA initially placed Brenda Gatlin on a 30-Day Leave of Absence on February 1, 2023 allowing time for Vineyard USA to support the Duluth Vineyard, for individuals to focus on the investigative process, and to gather information material to this decision. Regional Leaders, Area Leaders and local pastors within the regions she had been overseeing were informed at that time.
Brenda’s Super Regional duties will be covered by John Elmer and Joel Seymour. For the immediate future, John Elmer () will serve as the interim Super Regional Leader for the Midwest North and Northwest Regions and Joel Seymour () will serve as the interim Super Regional Leader for the Mountain Region. They will continue to support all Regional and Area Leaders, who have all been advised of these developments and are available to support you as well.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees has placed Michael Gatlin on a 90-day Leave of Absence.
If you have information that would be relevant to the investigations you are encouraged to contact GRACE and the Duluth Police Department. Other inquiries can be directed to Robb Morgan, Managing Director (). All media inquiries should be directed to Nicole Dill, Communications Director ().
Updates will be posted as available on this webpage.
Robb Morgan
Managing Director, Vineyard USA
If you have information that would be relevant to the investigations, we encourage you to contact the Duluth Police Department and Emily Petrie () at GRACE, who are conducting an independent investigation with the Duluth Vineyard.
Learn about VUSA’s November 2022 initiative to assess and improve how we and our churches handle leadership misconduct, moral failings, restoration processes, and allegations of abuse and misconduct.
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