For details about Easter events and services go to: https://easter.vineyardcolumbus.org/
Transition Updates
Finances
Our part-time Chief Financial Officer, Brian Noel, joined the team the first week of March. Although he’s been in this role for less than a month, Brian’s expertise has made the transition from the work previously provided by Jim Zins smooth and seamless. He has already developed helpful reports and tools that give us clearer insight into key financial metrics.
Our yearly audit was performed using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for Fiscal Year 2024/25 and we received an unqualified (or clean) opinion from them.Their report did, however, confirm our knowledge of unrestricted cash depletion.
Year to date, giving (tithes and offerings) is about 13% below what we had planned for this year's budget. In the first quarter (Sept-Nov), giving was only slightly lower than expected (down 4%). However, in the second quarter (Dec-Feb), giving decreased more significantly (down 20%). To help balance this, we have reduced spending in areas like operations and larger building projects. Because of this, we are moving forward carefully and focusing on rebuilding in this season. Our Finance Committee will continue to monitor giving trends closely, and we will share updates with you as the year progresses.
For those who would like a copy of the slide deck presented at the All Congregation Budget meeting held on March 1, click here.
Physical copies of the full Audit Report, are also available at the information desk, or you can request a copy from your campus pastor.
Elemental Group Update
Dave Workman of The Elemental Group is continuing his work to assess the culture of Vineyard Columbus. The Elemental Group is an external consulting organization that helps churches and faith-based nonprofits conduct listening assessments and strengthen organizational health. This process is intended to help us better understand the challenges of the past year and guide us as we move forward together.
Dave is interviewing 26 current and former staff and Council members. Most of those interviews have already been completed, generating more than 800 pages of transcripts so far. The remaining interviews are expected to be completed by March 30. He shared the following update with us:
“Overall, everyone seems open, honest, and comfortable sharing their views."
Once we receive The Elemental Group report, we will share an executive summary with you.
Here are some questions being asked in the interviews:
- How did you connect with Vineyard, and what originally drew you to this community?
- During your time here, what have been the 'high-water marks" - the seasons where you felt the church was most aligned with its mission?
- How would you describe the "unwritten rules" of how things get done at Vineyard Columbus?
- Regarding the challenges of the last few years—from your perspective, when was the "turning point" where things began to feel strained?
- When conflict or disagreement arises, how is it typically handled? Is it addressed directly, or does it tend to go "underground"?
- What do you feel is the biggest barrier to health or unity in the organization right now?
- What is the one thing Vineyard Columbus must preserve as it moves through this transition?
Community Center Update
Immigration Counseling Services: At Vineyard Community Center, our commitment to immigrant and refugee neighbors remains unwavering. Our calling to welcome the stranger and walk alongside those navigating complex systems continues to guide us. As we look ahead, we are realigning how we serve immigrant communities by focusing on sustainable, partnership-based models that allow us to expand impact while stewarding our resources responsibly.
In this next season, we will focus on:
- Expanding asylum clinics in partnership with trusted local legal organizations (offering several clinics annually)
- Continuing free health clinics
- Sustaining and growing our food pantry services
- Providing ESL (English as a Second Language) programming
- Deepening community connection, support, and resource navigation
We will be discontinuing Immigration Counseling Services in its current model of direct legal representation. As part of this transition, our immigration attorney, Jeanine Winfrey, and our paralegal, Brenna Skinner, will be transitioning off staff. Jeanine has faithfully served our community for over eight years, providing compassionate and skilled legal guidance to individuals and families navigating complex immigration processes. Brenna has also played an important role in supporting this work over the past year, helping serve individuals and families navigating the immigration system.
If you are interested in helping friends in our immigrant community in very practical ways, please email laura.weiant@vineyardcolumbus.org
Small Group Finder
If you are not already participating in a small group, the Small Group Finder is fully available to help you get connected. We encourage you to explore it and find a group that fits your interests.
We are continuing to update the Senior Pastor Transition page where we can review Frequently Asked Questions about the past year. You are also welcome to submit additional questions.
Thank you for your prayers, your patience, and your love for this church.
With gratitude and hope,
Senior Leadership Team
Vineyard Columbus