Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power

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 vulnerable staff members are left without protection or support. Whether you've been following the story or are just tuning in, Mandy's story provides essential insight into the systemic failures explored throughout Spoiled Fruit. Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of emotional, spiritual, and institutional abuse, as well as references to traumatic experiences within faith communities. Listener discretion is advised. For resources go to www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com/resources 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

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 known simply as the “ReOrg.”We trace National Director Jay Pathak’s rise to power, exploring how his formation under leaders like Rich Nathan and Michael Gatlin shaped his leadership style—and how patterns of control, suppression of dissent, and spiritual bypassing followed him into his national role.We also break down:• The striking similarities between the 2020 internal ReOrg memo and the Guidepost Solutions assessment used later to justify structural change.• How a flawed survey, a narrow assessment scope, and a potentially compromised investigator created the illusion of consensus.• Why many pastors now believe the ReOrg wasn’t just reform—it was a strategic seizure of control, engineered by those already in power.Finally, we ask: what happens when a movement founded on revival becomes obsessed with survival? And who pays the price when reform is built on the backs of the abused?💬 Connect:• 💻 Website: spoiledfruitpodcast.com• 📧 Email: spoiledfruitpodcast@gmail.com• 📱 Instagram / TikTok / X: @spoiledfruitpod📰 Media inquiries and tips:Contact John Williamson at spoiledfruitpodcast@gmail.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/spoiled-fruit-faith-and-power/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 publicly affirming marked a seismic shift in his relationship with the movement he helped build. We also hear from JT Meyer, Melody Winderweedle, and Tom & Adey Wasink, all of whom paid a steep personal and professional price for choosing integrity over silence.Each of their stories is different. But the pattern is the same: pastors who tried to make room for everyone… were quietly shown the door.This chapter explores the tension between theology, community, and control—and what it costs to be inclusive in a system designed to shut the conversation down.Special thanks to our guests:🙏 Ken Wilson – for his honesty, clarity, and willingness to finally tell his side of the story🙏 JT Meyer – for his courage in navigating a public reckoning with grace🙏 Melody Winderweedle – for sharing her journey with insight and vulnerability🙏 Tom & Adey Wasink – for their transparency, compassion, and continued work building a faith community rooted in love📚 Learn more about the Wasinks’ journey and their new book, Permission to be Queer and Christian: A Path to Wholeness, available now through https://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Queering-Heartland-Adey-Wassink/dp/1641801859 🗣️ If this episode resonates with you, please rate, review, and share the podcast.🎙️ Join the conversation at www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com or on Instagram @spoiledfruitpod.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

📍 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 investigative pieces on various religious institutions and figures.• Apologist Michael Brown Engaged in ‘Sexually Abusive Misconduct,’ Report Says• Pastoral Team Urges IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle Banned from ‘Public Ministry’• Rebecca Hopkins’ Reporting on MinistryWatch: Investigative reports on church networks and leadership accountability.• Churches are Leaving the ‘Network’ Led by Steve Morgan🧠 Key Topics Discussed:• The role of investigative journalism in uncovering abuse within religious institutions.• Challenges faced when reporting on powerful religious figures and organizations.• The importance of independent media in holding faith communities accountable.• Insights into the patterns of misconduct within evangelical movements.📣 Connect with Rebecca Hopkins:• LinkedIn: Rebecca Hopkins📬 Stay Connected:• Subscribe to Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power: Stay updated with the latest episodes and discussions.• Follow us on Social Media: Engage with our community and share your thoughts.⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organization or institution.All individuals mentioned are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While every effort has been made to verify the information shared in this episode, listeners are encouraged to do their own research and draw their own conclusions.This episode may discuss allegations of abuse, misconduct, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or misconduct, we encourage you to seek support from qualified professionals or legal counsel.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

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 dissent.Through firsthand accounts and extensive reporting, we uncover how Alan Scott’s insistence that he was hearing directly from God allowed him to bypass accountability, override governance structures, and consolidate power in ways that left congregants and staff confused, hurt, and in some cases, spiritually traumatized.We explore:• The red flags from Northern Ireland that went unheeded• The leadership dynamics in Anaheim following the Scotts’ arrival• Parallels between the Scott and Gatlin stories• The role of worship platform culture and figures like Jeremy Riddle• Why Vineyard USA didn’t intervene—and what that says about their systems💬 Special ThanksThis episode wouldn’t be possible without the honesty and courage of those who agreed to share their experiences. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who trusted us with their stories—many of whom are speaking publicly for the first time.💬 Special ThanksThis episode wouldn’t be possible without the honesty and courage of those who agreed to share their experiences. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who trusted us with their stories—many of whom are speaking publicly for the first time.Thank you to:🗣️ Brian Metzger, lead pastor at Raleigh Vineyard 🗣️ Rebecca Hopkins of The Roys Report, whose consistent and careful reporting helped illuminate key details of the Anaheim Vineyard story and provided a foundation for further investigation.Your voices help shine a light where silence has prevailed for far too long.🎧 Listen & SubscribeSpoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to shows.📣 Spread the WordIf this episode resonated with you, please consider rating and reviewing the show, sharing it with a friend, or posting about it using the hashtag #SpoiledFruitPodcast.It’s time to ask why we excuse the bad fruit.Disclaimer:Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is a work of investigative journalism. It includes allegations and opinions based on interviews, public documents, media reports, and other sources. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.This podcast is not affiliated with Vineyard USA or any religious organization. Names, events, and quotes are used for reporting and documentary purposes under fair use and public interest protections. The creators of this series have taken care to verify information where possible and present commentary in a good-faith effort to inform the public.Some episodes contain references to sexual abuse, spiritual trauma, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.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

🎙️ Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Full Interview: Ryan BauersIn this full-length interview episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, we sit down with Ryan Bauers, former Vineyard pastor in Duluth, Minnesota, who in 2014 formally raised concerns to Vineyard USA about Michael and Brenda Gatlin—years before their son Jackson was placed into leadership or arrested for sexual misconduct.In this powerful and personal conversation, Ryan reflects on what led him to speak up, how his concerns were received, and the emotional and spiritual toll that came with being a voice of warning inside a system not prepared to listen.This interview is part of our extended series of full, unedited conversations with key individuals whose testimonies are essential to understanding the culture, breakdowns, and missed opportunities for accountability inside the Vineyard movement.⚠️ Content Warning:This episode includes discussions of spiritual and emotional abuse, leadership misconduct, and the mishandling of abuse reports. It may include strong language and emotionally difficult content. Please listen with care.🔗 Stay Connected:Subscribe to Spoiled Fruit for more full interviews and extended conversations with key voices from across the Vineyard movement.For more, visit www.spoiledfruitpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @spoiledfruitpod🛑 Legal Disclaimer:The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individuals interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any organization, past or present. This podcast is intended for informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, therapeutic, or professional advice. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a faith-based or institutional setting, please seek help from qualified professionals and survivor-advocacy organizations.🎙️ Credits:Guest: Ryan Bauers, former Vineyard pastor, Duluth, MNWritten and Hosted by: John WilliamsonProduced by: John Williamson Productions, LLCSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/spoiled-fruit-faith-and-power/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode Summary:In this episode, we investigate how the Vineyard Movement’s obsession with growth metrics, married co-leadership structures, and lack of accountability mechanisms created the perfect conditions for abuse and systemic failure.We dive into how these dynamics directly set the stage for the rise of Michael and Brenda Gatlin at Duluth Vineyard—highlighting the early warning signs of toxic leadership, ignored reports, and the cultural factors that prioritized expansion over the safety of congregations.This is where the cracks beneath the surface began to split wide open.Topics Covered:• Recap of Vineyard’s explosive growth under John Wimber and the rise of Vineyard Music.• How Vineyard USA tracks growth metrics—similar to corporate performance systems.• How married couples dominate leadership roles within the movement—and why that creates built-in conflicts of interest.• The lack of consistent church governance, board accountability, or standardized bylaws across Vineyard churches.• The illusion of local church “autonomy”—and how it’s applied inconsistently.• The rise of Michael and Brenda Gatlin at Duluth Vineyard through measurable growth and national influence.• Early signs of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership behaviors by the Gatlins.• The ignored warning letter sent by Pastor Ryan Bauers to Vineyard USA in 2014.• How systemic weaknesses within Vineyard leadership structures enabled long-term damage.Key References and Resources:• Duluth Vineyard’s public timeline and updates regarding leadership issues:➔ Duluth Vineyard - Our Response to Allegations of Misconduct• Vineyard USA’s statements about church autonomy and national oversight:➔ Vineyard USA - Our Values and Structures• Guidepost Solutions (later hired to assess Vineyard USA structures):➔ Guidepost Solutions• GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment):➔ GRACE Official Website• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline (support for survivors):➔ RAINN.orgResources for Survivors:• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):➔ rainn.org | 1-800-656-HOPE• The Hotline (Domestic and Emotional Abuse Support):➔ thehotline.org | 1-800-799-SAFE• GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment):➔ netgrace.orgWays to Support Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power:• Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.• Rate and review the show to help amplify survivor stories.• Share this episode with friends, church leaders, or anyone grappling with issues of faith, power, and institutional accountability.• Follow John Williamson for updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights.Disclaimer:Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is a work of investigative journalism. It includes allegations and opinions based on interviews, public documents, media reports, and other sources. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.This podcast is not affiliated with Vineyard USA or any religious organization. Names, events, and quotes are used for reporting and documentary purposes under fair use and public interest protections. The creators of this series have taken care to verify information where possible and present commentary in a good-faith effort to inform the public.Some episodes contain references to sexual abuse, spiritual trauma, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.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

Welcome to Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power - a limited investigative podcast that explores the rise and reckoning of one of the most influential church movements of the last 50 years: the Vineyard.This teaser sets the tone for what's to come - a deeper dive into the dangerous intersections of church, power, and empire building. Through firsthand accounts, leaked recordings, and careful investigation, we'll ask the hard questions many have been afraid to voice.What happens when the Spirit-led becomes brand-driven? And what kind of fruit grows when empire becomes the goal?Subscribe now and be ready when the first episode drops!Credits: Archival audo exerpted from a sermon by John Wimber, used under fair use for educational and commentary purposes. Original source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUG8r66OjVoFollow us:Instagram/ X / Facebook / Tik Tok / Bluesky:@SpoiledFruitPodWebsite: www.spoiledfruitpodcast.comSupport the Show:If this work matters to you, consider sharing the show, leaving a review, or supporting us through a donation.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