🎙️ 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 compare the actions taken by Duluth, Coleraine, Vineyard USA, and Vineyard UK & Ireland—and ask whether the reforms put in place are truly meaningful or simply cosmetic.

We also examine the new bylaws, employee handbook, conflict of interest policy, dating policy, and child protection policy that Vineyard pastors have been asked to sign. What protections are missing? Who holds the power now? And what happens when churches—like Ann Arbor, Duluth, and Raleigh—begin to push back?

⚠️ Content Warning:

This episode includes detailed discussion of spiritual, emotional, and sexual abuse, and the mishandling of misconduct in church settings. It may also include strong language. Listener discretion is advised.

🛑 Legal Disclaimer:

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any organization, past or present. This podcast is for storytelling and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, clinical, or professional advice. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a faith-based setting, we encourage you to seek support from qualified professionals and survivor-advocacy resources.

🙏 Special Thanks:

Thank you to our guests in this chapter:

Ryan Bauers, Kris Sauter, Brian Metzger, and JT Meyer,

whose honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to speak up make this series possible.

🔗 Stay Connected:

Subscribe and follow Spoiled Fruit wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit: www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com

Follow us on social: @spoiledfruitpod

Exclusive content available soon for subscribers.

🎙️ Credits:

Written and Hosted by: John Williamson

Produced by: John Williamson Productions, LLC

📍 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.

🎙️ Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power – Full Interview: Spencer Kuvín

In this special bonus episode, we share the full, unedited interview with Spencer Kuvín, 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 clients connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Cosby.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Spencer discusses:

• How early warning signs were ignored

• What the legal case reveals about institutional patterns of protection

• Why survivors so often face retaliation when they speak up

• And what true accountability in a faith-based system might actually require

This interview offers essential context for understanding the legal and structural failures at the heart of this story—and what it means for the Vineyard movement and beyond.

⚠️ Content Warning:

This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, emotional trauma, and ongoing legal proceedings involving high-profile defendants. It may also contain strong language. Listener discretion is advised.

🛑 Legal Disclaimer:

The views and experiences shared in this episode reflect those of the individuals interviewed and do not necessarily represent 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, clinical, or professional advice. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a religious or institutional context, please seek support from licensed professionals and survivor-centered organizations.

🙏 Special Thanks:

We extend our deepest thanks to Spencer Kuvín for his transparency, time, and advocacy on behalf of survivors.

🔗 Stay Connected:

For more full-length interviews and bonus content, subscribe to Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit: www.spoiledfruitpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter): @spoiledfruitpod

Exclusive content is available for subscribers and supporters.

🎙️ Credits:

Guest: Spencer Kuvín, Esq.

Written and Hosted by: John Williamson

Produced by: John Williamson Productions, LLC