Articles
But God never abandoned Nadine, just as He never abandons any of us. One day, a friend invited her to Vineyard Columbus. Although her first visits didn’t bring an immediate breakthrough, she kept coming. It was during a sermon series titled Stranger in a Strange Land that Nadine
One pressing issue in our society today is the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio. Many are now asking, “If it’s legal, does that mean it’s okay for Christians to use it?”
We know that life is busy, and it’s easy to wonder why we might need to add one more thing to our already full plates. But Vineyard Core is not just another task; it’s an invitation to re-center our lives around the core of our faith.
We live in a time when people have more of everything, but less mental health, less peace, less purpose, less ability to make meaningful decisions, less joy, and fewer and fewer healthy, flourishing relationships.
The power of the presence of the Holy Spirit is the key to successful ministry. His presence led to my salvation, my sanctification, and my ability to be an effective youth pastor.
To everyone standing at the threshold of new opportunities, especially graduates, don’t let fear, inadequacy, or your past stop you. God has placed immense potential within you.
My challenge to you personally is to care as much about the “how of politics” as to the “what of politics”. In other words, Christians don’t just think about politics in a different way, but they show up in the world as a different kind of people.
Jay Pathak, the National Director of Vineyard USA says it well. He says, “when people enter into life with Jesus, it is a miracle. It’s not a series of intellectual decisions. We believe that the Scriptures teach that someone is literally born again spiritually. It is a miracle!
Approaching the discipleship process solely in a synchronous model (in-person church activity a few times a month), while people are being “discipled” by their choice of content on YouTube, Tik Tok, audiobooks or Netflix for hours on end now seems ill-advised.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. --Matthew 6:20
What became real for me was realizing that it is a good thing to engage in a practice that will help me connect with God, even if it seems strange at first.
Every 9 am on Wednesdays at the Vineyard Community Center, I lead an ESL women’s conversation hour for students who are interested in practicing their English-speaking skills and in building community. In this space, we talk, cry, laugh, and celebrate with one another.
Last week I got my big winter coat with its furry hood out of the closet. I even tracked down my mittens and a hat. I couldn’t find my scarf, so I got out my knitting needles and started to knit myself a new scarf (I know, I know, I’m an odd duck!) The winter chill is upon us, th
"Walk in the way of love and eagerly desire the gifts of the spirit." (1 Corinthians 14:1)In a few weeks, church, we will gather to pray “Come Holy Spirit” yet again, to be encouraged by worship and teaching, and to spend extended time in ministry.
“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” (Luke 2:40) Notice this: Jesus also had to grow and develop just like us.
How are you as a Christian, and how are we as a church community, going to walk forward in faith, empowered by God’s Spirit to be the body of Christ in the world?
At Vineyard Columbus, we value mercy, justice, and the progress of the Gospel in the world. We believe we are called to be engaged in the world around us as “salt and light,” expressing the love of God through good works such as providing for those in need...
One of the things I value most about Vineyard Columbus is our invitation to “come as you are”, while providing next steps for continued growth.
If you’ve never been to a Watch Night service at Vineyard Columbus you are missing out. Watch Night is one of the best things we do, and this year’s event is no exception.
When was the last time you had a conversation about God?
After a lot of hard work and preparation, Vineyard Columbus is a few weeks away from launching its first all-church Alpha campaign.
We’re all seeing and responding to the annual call back to school. This American ritual is alive and well in central Ohio, and many of our Vineyard Columbus families are in full back-to-school mode.
Why should we serve, you might ask? Aren’t our lives busy enough? Let me give you three good reasons why Jesus calls us to serve.
From lifelong friendships and encounters with God to late nights, long talks, epic water battles and even more epic worship, there’s a lot to love about church camp and this year’s Vineyard Columbus high school and middle school camps are no exception.
Suffice to say, intentionality matters. Showing up with a posture of curiosity matters. Showing up in inclusive ways to represent the kingdom of God matters.
We are horrified by and grieving for the loss of life in Buffalo. And we are exhausted by the familiarity of this story, and the violence, racially motivated hatred, and lasting damage that it entails.
He went back so that we too might also return to the One who we have abandoned and forsaken.
When your child lies down at bedtime, tell them that you are going to give them a blessing. Explain that you will draw a cross (or a heart) on their forehead or on the back of their hand as you say a special blessing for them. Let them choose where they want it drawn, or not. Be
At Vineyard Columbus, our value life ethic extends meaningfully in multiple directions: Toward protecting the unborn, whom we believe are made in the image of God just as much as their mamas.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Started by the vision and dedicated mission of a single mother distributing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the pantry has now grown into a functioning center of ministry for the poor and unsheltered in our city.
The holidays are near and it’s a wonderful time to begin reflecting on not only how we will spend our time this season but also how we have “spent” our time all year long.
The healing of diverse people starts in the heart of His followers first being thankful. Humility is fruit of a thankful lifestyle.
Whatever weighs you down, remember that God cares for you. The Bible tells us that when are weary and worn, God will give us rest for our souls. It reminds us that even when we are downcast, we can exchange our mourning for dancing.
There is not one family that is perfect, without its share of hardships. Every family comes with its own set of principles that make them unique and set apart from another family.
I have some big news about our campus launch timeline. After speaking with the leadership of Vineyard Columbus, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our campus launch.
Generosity has been a healthy mark of our church’s health in the past, and it continues to be a mark of health today.
We get to listen to one another, but before we can listen effectively, we should examine if anything is getting in the way of our ability, desire, and/or decision to do so.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Our goal is to make our students life-long disciples of Jesus who are meaningfully connected to the local church.
We have an amazing opportunity as the church to be an orientating space in a disorienting world!
On January 23, 2022, Vineyard Columbus is launching a brand-new campus in the heart of the city.
Over this past year, one thing has been abundantly clear: Being uncomfortable leads to change.
Well, maybe not everything – that’s a tall order. But we can certainly cover MOST of what you want to know.
From the earliest time you can remember, did you want to be like everyone else? Or did you just want to be accepted as you were, for being yourself?
I recently heard a story about the importance of having a strong core. The speaker shared how he had a strong dislike for going to the gym. And while he was paying his trainer to get him healthy and fit, he hated the workouts he was forced to do.
Billy Graham was one of the most influential and well-known Christians. He counseled 12 American presidents. He was on the cover of national and international magazines. He regularly topped lists of the most admired people in America or the world.
One of the biggest areas impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic has been marriage & family relationships. I look at the last fourteen months as a Generational Storm that will take years to fully understand its impact on relationships and family life.
When I was young, I would say to my grandmother, “Hey Grandmama! It’s so good to see you!” She would reply with a smile and with grace filled confidence as she said, “It’s good to be seen.”
When I first came to Vineyard Columbus in 1994, I was barely in my twenties, and the “old people” in the church were just entering their forties.
Mother’s Day is designed to be a time where we celebrate the gift of motherhood! For some, this means carrying life or birthing life into this world and for others, it means receiving life to love and nurture or remembering a loved one through their legacy.
Yesterday, a jury in Minneapolis found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of three charges in the murder of George Floyd. And while the verdict was being shared, a sixteen-year-old girl was killed by an officer responding to a 911 call on Columbus’ Southeast Side.
“Jesus is our Risen King!” I often repeat this to myself slowly to fully absorb what this means for me and believers everywhere. I revisit the reasons why His resurrection was the ultimate game-changer for us as His creation!
Vineyard Columbus member, Cody Miller, allowed us to use an image he created for our sermon series, Let's Rebuild. Cody has received numerous awards and honors for his work. You can read his official artist statement (below) or learn more about him on his website.
Years ago, Eric and I purchased our first house: a 100-year-old farmhouse on an acre of land complete with a little pond. Before you imagine something really amazing, keep this in mind: we were 22 years old and still students at Ohio State.
New research is showing that postmodernists are much more open to spiritual conversations, and even an invitation to church, than we think! Wow, does that surprise you?
The Welcoming Prayer is a well-known part of the contemplative Christian movement and is focused on our becoming aware of and engaged with God’s presence in all our circumstances.
It’s Women’s History Month, Sisters. And for many of us, March rolls right on by without a second thought of the significance of these 31 days. To be clear, no one month designation could ever encompass the impact of women biblically, historically, or in our contemporary times.
In 1 Corinthians 12:26 we read of the community of Christ: If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.
The past year has left an imprint on all of us – especially on our time. More than ever, we desire a sense of normalcy and some semblance of control over our time. Regularity and rhythm are byproducts of a life ordered around the story of God.
In 1988, Vineyard Columbus launched Fruit of Vine Food Pantry at Fifth Avenue. Shortly thereafter, in February of 1994, two physicians launched Vineyard Columbus’ free health clinics at the Food Pantry.
Lent reminds us that the landscapes of practice and preparation are central to our Christian faith. Most of us prefer the idea of setting up camp on the mountaintop, focusing in on the moments of achievement, success, or completion.
Sisters, the month of February has been dedicated to honoring the achievements of African American men and women to U.S. history because, too often, hard work and contributions were not recognized.
Ten years ago around this time the boy I liked asked me to go to his church’s Ash Wednesday service. I said yes, of course, because I liked the boy. I wore ripped jeans and a light blue t-shirt that said “do everything in love” in bold type, and a ratty pink zip-up hoodie.
Christians ought to care about history because we believe in a sovereign God who calls us to repent of, and not repeat, the sins from our past. God makes us aware of the past in order to work with us in the present to bring about the reality of his kingdom in the future.
For many years, there have been different stigmas and connotations associated with mental health. This world can be a hard and stressful place to live and it’s important to acknowledge that mental health difficulties are real and prevalent.
I never thought in a million years that I would walk away from my corporate career of nearly 17 years and say “yes” to whatever and wherever the Lord was leading me.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul tells us that the God-given role of the government is to “hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” In other words, people who are doing the right thing ought not to live in fear of being harmed by the authorities.
Merry Christmas! Spend some time reflecting on the birth of Christ today as you read the passage below.
Vineyard Columbus has a free gift for you; one with no strings attached. We believe in estate planning stewardship so strongly that we provide a way for you to obtain wills, trusts, and healthcare documents at no cost to you.
Today as we pen this letter, the Christian Church is fully in the season of Advent, that season on the calendar of the Church that observes and celebrates the birth of our Lord and the coming of the Christ child into the world and into our lives.
I’m sure many would agree that American culture places a high value on accomplishment. Many would also agree that constant “doing” comes at price, most often, relational erosion. We can lose an awareness of God, of others, and even of ourselves.
In Psalm 90, we encounter Moses, man of God, reflecting on long and painful years where, along with God’s people, he had experienced both the sustained hardship of their wilderness wanderings, as well as the heavy hand of God’s discipline in the face of their sin.
As we enter Advent, the season in which we anticipate Christ’s arrival, I find myself thinking about Daylight Savings Time—probably because I’m sitting down to write this as my husband sets a reminder on his watch to turn our clocks back tonight.
The mission statement for Vineyard Columbus is: “To develop communities of disciples who experience God, love one another, and partner with Christ to heal the world.”
This past year has provided pessimists with fresh reasons to describe themselves not as pessimists, but as “realists”. Over the past two decades, for the first time in American history (other than during major wars), the life expectancy of white middle-aged men has fallen.
I love Monday Night Football, mostly because it offers one of the week’s best match ups in the NFL. This past weekend (November 5-7) offered lots of great football moments.
In a little less than two months I will officially retire as Women’s Pastor and the leader of Women’s Ministry at Vineyard Columbus. I say officially because I don’t believe we ever truly retire from Christian service.
Oh God, our Father, in these days of anxiety and turmoil we come to you and you alone as our hope and our protection.
Last month, Pastor Rich wrote an article called "How am I Experiencing Letting Go of the Role of Senior Pastor?" Like him, Eric and I are asked by folks all the time about our own experience of this transition process…. "How are you guys managing all of this unrest?!"
Our family enjoys spending time in Maine. On our last trip, we visited the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, which sits on the coastline, above the Atlantic Ocean. The day we visited the wind was whipping and the sea was churning. The water was rough, and the waves were crashing into th
Vineyard Columbus has taken a cautious and prayerful approach to how we can stay connected during a time in which many of us are longing for closeness with our church community.
Has the lockdown made you feel isolated and lonely? Are situations in the world making you fearful? Does remote schooling or working from home have you on the verge of madness? Are you experiencing health or financial stress? You don't have to face these issues alone.
Two years ago, my life drastically changed, and I now find myself in a season of life that I didn’t ask to be in and didn’t want to be in, honestly.
Have you been telling yourself for a few years that you’ve always wanted to learn how to pray? Do you feel a call to leadership? Has God revealed the desire for more emotional resilience? Considering priorities and purpose is done best in meaningful relationships with others.
The story of Transitions Ministry first started in late 2015, when we began to explore where we could fill a void in the poverty of our city.
E Pluribus Unum, which is Latin for "Out of many, one", is the traditional motto of the United States before Congress adopted "In God we trust" as our official motto in 1956.
Our family recently returned to Columbus from Vancouver (Canada) where we were church planting for the last 5 years. I have lived in many places in my life, and I have to tell you that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
It is October and autumn is officially upon us — creating great joy for those of us who despise the heat and a sense of impending doom for those who hate to see it go.
I was born in Merida, Venezuela. I was raised in a Catholic home, where we went to church only for weddings. I am the oldest of 4 siblings. My parents divorced when I was a teenager. I saw my mother and my youngest sisters suffering from his absence.
It is easier to make a good decision than to unwind a bad one. Christian leaders can relate to being asked for advise much more often with untangling the negative consequences.
On a fairly regular basis, someone inside or outside of Vineyard Columbus will ask me, “How are you doing, Rich? How are you doing with the upcoming transition from your role as Senior Pastor?” My simple answer, in a word, is “Great! I’m doing amazing!"
