In local church matters of this sort, Vineyard USA (VUSA) is not inclined to make public comments regarding criminal allegations against a staff pastor, but actively supports the local church, its leadership, and those impacted with appropriate guidance and resources. However, this matter is complicated by two dynamics. First, the individual charged with criminal sexual conduct is the son of former senior pastors, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, and both Michael and Brenda Gatlin have a longstanding history of trans-local leadership in VUSA. 

On November 20th, 2023, the Duluth Vineyard made public a report authored by GRACE. The scope of the report is identified as follows: “Duluth Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota, engaged Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) to conduct an independent investigation in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct by alleged offender Jackson Gatlin.” 

To the reporting victims of criminal sexual conduct: We continue to pray that you experience comfort, healing, and peace. We continue to pray that justice will prevail as the legal proceedings are ongoing. VineyardUSA is committed to the development and implementation of systems of confidential reporting, trauma-informed care, increased training, and greater structures of accountability. 

To the staff, leaders, and community of the Duluth Vineyard: We pray for continued healing for the entire church family. The information contained in the criminal filings and subsequent GRACE report are painful, hard to read, and for some, hard to reconcile. We pray that God will meet your entire community as you reflect on the findings and work together to address the recommendations offered by GRACE.

Additional Allegations of Leadership Misconduct Against Michael and Brenda Gatlin

Shortly after criminal allegations were made public, additional allegations of leadership misconduct (failure to report, abusive conduct, bullying, etc.) were asserted by current and former Duluth Vineyard staff members, church and community members, as well as some current and former Vineyard pastors. Allegations were provided directly to Vineyard USA, others to VUSA by the Duluth Vineyard, and others were made online via media and social media. A small number of reporters contacted the Vineyard USA confidential reporting mechanism supported by Guidepost Solutions. Any allegations related to Gatlin’s conduct as leaders of the Duluth Vineyard were directed to GRACE to be included in the full investigation. The final report from GRACE calls into question the conduct and quality of leadership exhibited by Michael and Brenda Gatlin and the resulting culture of the Duluth Vineyard. Similar conduct has been reported to VineyardUSA beyond the scope of GRACE investigation.

Historic Shortcomings in Vineyard USA Oversight and Reporting Procedures

A representative example of Vineyard’s challenges with translocal oversight can be seen from the following information.

On March 16, 2023, (approx 45 days after allegations against Jackson Gatlin were made public) an email with the subject line “A Formal Concern / Complaint To The VineyardUSA Board Regarding Michael Gatlin” was resubmitted to current and former VUSA board and staff members for review. The reporter, a former Vineyard pastor, indicated that a select group of Vineyard USA Executive Team members had received the original complaint of leadership abuse via email in 2014. The email from 2014 alleges both translocal and local bullying behavior by the Gatlins. Upon receipt of the newly resubmitted information in 2023, Vineyard USA immediately shared this information with the Duluth Vineyard, GRACE, and Guidepost Solutions. Emails from members of the Executive Team in 2014 acknowledged receipt of the complaint and encouraged the reporter to engage with the Gatlins directly. To confirm its findings, Vineyard USA asked Guidepost Solutions to do a limited-scope investigation into what, if anything, was done with the formal complaint in 2014. As far as could be determined, no formal process of review or follow-up was implemented at that time. This particular situation is further complicated by the fact that, when made aware of the allegations submitted to VUSA, Michael Gatlin informed the board of the Duluth Vineyard. In turn, the board investigated the allegations related to local church leadership outlined in the complaint. Documents reveal that the board investigated the matter internally and dismissed the claims of the reporter based on interviews of Duluth Vineyard staff members.

As Vineyard USA has become aware of the practical limitations of our processes, we have been compelled to offer a more robust way of receiving and investigating allegations of abuse and misconduct against pastors, leaders, and translocal leaders. 

To the reporting victims of leadership misconduct: Vineyard USA offers our sincere apology to those who may have experienced leadership misconduct in line with the findings of the GRACE report. Allegations not investigated by GRACE (but which were otherwise disclosed to Vineyard USA) are consistent in theme and description and describe behavior outside the conduct expected of leaders at any level of VineyardUSA. 

Additionally, we offer a sincere apology to those who attempted to report leadership misconduct to the leadership of Vineyard USA, in this and other situations. Prior to 2022, we relied on local Vineyard pastors to resolve allegations and conflict at a local level. We have become aware of the practical limitations of that structure, and we felt compelled to offer a more robust way of receiving and investigating allegations of abuse. Our heart goes out to the people who were hurt prior to our efforts.

Vineyard USA’s Continued Work

The processes that have been put in place since the implementation of the national reorganization in January 2022 and in view of the recommendations offered by the Institutional Assessment provided by Guidepost Solutions in June 2023 are in response to the inadequate systems and insufficient manpower that was previously challenged to provide appropriate levels of accountability to pastors, Area, Regional, and National Leadership. To learn more about our historic and systemic issues, Vineyard USA conducted an Institutional Assessment, the final report and ongoing updates can be found here. Vineyard USA is committed to acknowledging our past shortcomings, being transparent when issues arise, building a stronger culture of accountability among pastors and leaders, and implementing better systems to attend to concerns of leadership conduct. In March 2023, Vineyard USA launched a confidential mechanism for reporting allegations of leadership misconduct and abuse. You can find more information about that reporting hotline here.

To Vineyard pastors and leaders: Vineyard USA is working in cooperation with local pastors and churches to strengthen the nature of our relationship. Initiatives that are underway will support the training of pastors, leaders, and boards on areas of competency for every pastor and every church.

Process of Church Discipline for Michael and Brenda Gatlin

The conduct that has been reported throughout the fact-finding process warrants the administration of church discipline. Vineyard USA affirms the responsibility of local churches to develop and administer church discipline as outlined in their governing documents and under the direction of its leadership. Based on the bylaws that govern the Duluth Vineyard, the responsibility of church discipline in this matter belongs primarily to the Duluth Vineyard. As with any local church, the sphere of authority over which the Duluth Vineyard has responsibility is limited.

Because of those limitations, Vineyard USA will administer church discipline within the sphere over which it governs by restricting any/all ministry opportunities for Michael and Brenda Gatlin until the process of restoration has been updated. Vineyard USA asks that all Vineyard churches remain up to date on the process of church discipline and any appropriate restrictions on participation. Should you have any questions about the  church discipline process, please contact John Elmer, Super Regional Leader for Vineyard USA () 

As of January 1, 2024, Vineyard USA is in contact with the Duluth Vineyard, Michael and Brenda Gatlin and the local Vineyard church which they are presently attending to facilitate the church discipline process. In the days to come, for the sake of all those impacted, it is important that Michael and Brenda Gatlin attend to the various allegations, seeking clarity when needed and providing adequate responses as requested.

Going Forward

• Vineyard USA will not make additional comments related to the criminal allegations unless deemed necessary once the ongoing legal proceedings are concluded.
• Vineyard USA will continue to support the Duluth Vineyard.
• Vineyard USA will administer church discipline within its sphere of authority.
• Vineyard USA will continue to strengthen the health of our national movement and local churches through training, confidential reporting mechanisms, and improved systems of accountability.