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PODCAST

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power

John Williamson

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is an investigative podcast exploring the rise of the Vineyard movement - from a humble network of churches to a sprawling global empire. Through in-depth research and firsthand accounts, this series examines how power, influence, and ambition shaped the movement's evolution, often at the expense of those who trusted it most. From its early days under John Wimber to its modern-day scandals, Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power uncovers the hidden costs of

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

62:26

Full Interview: Doug Warburton

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/11/03

While production continues on Season Two of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power — which takes a broader look at evangelical movements beyond the Vineyard — John shares a full, uncut conversation with Pastor Doug Warburton, his own pastor and a leader within the ELCA Lutheran Church.In this episode, Pastor Doug offers valuable perspective from a tradition that’s been refining its systems of governance, accountability, and pastoral care for centuries. Together, John and Doug explore how institutional

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59:13

Full Interview: Brian Metzger

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/10/27

While Season Two of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is in production, John shares one of his full, uncut interviews — this time with Pastor Brian Metzger, one of the most outspoken critics of Vineyard USA’s handling of cases like Duluth Vineyard.In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Brian reflects on his years within the Vineyard Movement, what led him to speak out, and how his faith has evolved in the aftermath. Together, John and Brian discuss systemic leadership failures,

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78:01

Full Interview: Melody Winderweedle

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/08/18

Episode Summary:In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, former Vineyard pastor Melody Winderweedle shares her story of being quietly removed from leadership—not for misconduct, but for daring to lead with integrity, inclusion, and pastoral care. In the wake of a high-profile abuse scandal, Melody pushed for transparency, advocated for LGBTQ inclusion, and called out systems of control and exclusion. The response? Silence. Retaliation. And a door quietly closed behind her.Her story is not

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91:25

BONUS: Q&A

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/07/23

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you have additional questions not answered in this episode please send them to spoiledfruitpodcast@gmail.com or via our contact form on www.spoiledfruitpod.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/spoiled-fruit-faith-and-power/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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58:47

Full Interview: Ken Wilson

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/30

In this full-length interview, Spoiled Fruit sits down with Ken Wilson, founding pastor of Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor and one of the movement's earliest and most respected leaders. For decades, Ken was known as a thoughtful, compassionate voice within the Vineyard - until he did something few pastors dared to do: publicly express support for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Despite years of faithful service, Ken was quietly pushed out, his legacy downplayed, and the church he founded taken over by those

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59:37

Full Interview: JT Meyer pt. 2

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/27

In Part 2, JT Meyer recounts the aftermath of his decision to speak out. Despite his loyalty to the movement and attempts to engage in good-faith dialogue, JT was met with silence, isolation, and ultimately, exile from the Vineyard. He reflects on what he learned, the pastors who quietly supported him, and what a healthier, more just church could like.This is a powerful look at the human cost of speaking the truth - and the hope that remains on the other side.Content Warning: Includes themes of

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45:25

Full Interview: JT Meyer pt. 1

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/25

In Part 1 of this two-part interview, former Vineyard pastor JT Meyer shares his journey into the Vineyard movement - from his early pastoral calling to his commitment to creating a more inclusive and honest spiritual community. JT walks us through the formative experiences that shaped his theology and pastoral style, and the growing tension he felt as he began advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion within a system that demanded silence.This is a story of integrity, isolation, and the cost of refusing to

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64:41

Full Interview - The Anderson Family

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/23

In this emotional and unfiltered interview, we hear from Heidi Anderson and her children - former members of Mile High Vineyard, led by current Vineyard USA National Director Jay Pathak. When two of Heidi's children bravely came forward to report abuse, they went to one of the people they felt safest with: their youth group leader.But that leader failed to immediately report. And instead of care or accountability, the church responded by protecting its own - funding legal support for the youth

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58:03

Full Interview: Dr. Paula Swindle

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/19

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Paula Swindle helps us put words to the pain many have experienced but struggled to name. A scholar, psychologist, and trauma-informed spiritual care provider, Dr. Swindle brings deep insight into how religious systems - like Vineyard USA - can engage in spiritual bypass, silence dissent, and retraumatize survivors in the name of unity or divine authority. We talk about how spiritual abuse often masquerades as "pastoral care," why some

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34:30

Chapter 8: The God Card - Power, Control, and the...

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/17

In the season finale of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, we examine the final stage of Vineyard USA's transformation from grassroots revival to centralized authority. This chapter traces how real crisis - like the abuse scandal in Duluth - were used to justify a long-planned internal reorganization, giving a small group of leaders near-total control of the movement.We explore how spiritual bypassing, gaslighting, and vague accusations of "gossip" were used to silence dissenters. Through

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65:06

Full Interview: Mandy Cavoto

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/12

This is the full interview with Mandy Cavoto who, along with her husband Matt, were a part of the worship team at Mile High Vineyard in Denver, Colorado. Many opens up about the spiritual abuse, the patterns of manipulation, and gaslighting she experienced there. She also reflects on her deep grief for the community she once loved, the cost of staying silent, and what healing has looked like in the aftermath. This conversation is raw, unflinching look at what happens when loyalty is weaponized and

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51:41

Full Interview: Reagan Waggoner

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/11

In this extended interview, former Vineyard pastor Reagan Waggoner shares his deeply personal journey from trusted leader to outspoken critic of Vineyard USA's handling of spiritual abuse, institutional accountability, and the controversial ReOrg process. Reagan candidly discusses: The troubling dynamics he observed in Vineyard's national leadershipHis direct challenges to Jay Pathak and the chilling responseThe emotional toll of being investigated for asking difficult questionsWhy

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51:33

Chapter 7: Crisis as Currency

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/09

Chapter 7: Crisis as Currency — How Vineyard Leveraged Collapse to Consolidate PowerContent Warning: This episode includes references to spiritual abuse, institutional manipulation, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.In Chapter 7, we examine how Vineyard USA used crisis—real and perceived—to reshape its power structures under the banner of reform. As major scandals unfolded in Duluth and Anaheim, national leaders capitalized on the chaos to push through a sweeping reorganization process

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89:33

Full Interview: Adey & Tom Wassink

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/05

📄 Show Notes:In this episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, John sits down with Tom and Adey Wassink—former Vineyard pastors who led a thriving congregation in Iowa until their decision to fully affirm LGBTQ+ people placed them at odds with national leadership.Their story is one of love, loss, resilience, and rebirth. In this powerful conversation, they speak candidly about the painful process of being pushed out of the Vineyard Movement, the courage it took to stand by their convictions, and

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26:52

Chapter 6: Love the Sinner, Silence the Pastor

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/06/02

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts🔗 www.spoiledfruitpodcast.comWhat happens when pastors stay committed to a movement that no longer wants them?In this episode, we hear directly from former Vineyard pastors who sought to create churches that were fully welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ individuals—only to find themselves pushed out, marginalized, or erased.We begin with Ken Wilson, founding pastor of Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, whose decision to become

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38:27

Chapter 5: The Fine Print of Obedience

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/05/26

🎙️ Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Chapter 5: “The Appearance of Change”After years of warning signs, three independent investigations were launched—GRACE, Trusted HR, and Guidepost Solutions—each tasked with uncovering what went wrong in churches like Duluth Vineyard and Causeway Coast Vineyard, and within Vineyard USA itself.In Chapter 5, we take a closer look at what these investigations found, what they recommended, and how the churches and national leadership responded… or didn’t. We

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40:08

Full Interview: Rebecca Hopkins

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/05/23

📍 Episode Summary:In this episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, host John interviews Rebecca Hopkins, an investigative journalist renowned for her in-depth reporting on abuse and misconduct within evangelical churches. Rebecca discusses the challenges of investigating religious institutions, the patterns of abuse she has uncovered, and the importance of accountability in faith communities.🔗 Resources & Further Reading:• Rebecca Hopkins’ Articles on Religion Unplugged: Explore her

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38:02

Full Interview: Attorney Spencer Kluvin

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/05/21

🎙️ Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Full Interview: Spencer KluvínIn this special bonus episode, we share the full, unedited interview with Spencer Kluvín, the Florida-based attorney representing multiple victims in the ongoing civil litigation connected to Duluth Vineyard, Vineyard USA, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, and Jackson Gatlin.Spencer brings not only deep legal insight to the conversation, but also years of experience advocating for survivors in nationally significant abuse cases—including

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28:15

Chapter 4: God Told Me To

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/05/19

Episode 4: “God Told Me So”When personal revelation becomes a shield for power, who pays the price?In this episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, we examine the rise of Alan and Kathryn Scott—from their beginnings at Causeway Coast Vineyard in Northern Ireland to their controversial takeover of Anaheim Vineyard, the flagship church of the Vineyard movement. What began as a ministry rooted in spiritual fervor became a vehicle for unchecked authority, manipulation, and silencing of

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96:21

Full Interview: Kris Sauter

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power ·

2025/05/16

🎙️ Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Full Interview: Kris SauterIn this special bonus episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, we share the full, unedited interview with Kris Sauter, former youth pastor at Duluth Vineyard.Kris worked closely with the Gatlin family for years. In this conversation, he speaks candidly about what he witnessed from the inside—the early red flags, the power dynamics, and how the church’s leadership culture allowed misconduct and manipulation to go unchecked.His

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