A Message From the Overseers
The past several months have been a season of unexpected and significant change for VCC. We are grateful for the patience, care, and continued commitment of our congregation during this time. As shared with the church, Chris Kroger resigned from his role as Lead Pastor of VCC. It’s important for you to know that this was his decision—and was in no way brought on by any matter of church discipline. VCC has been working with Vineyard USA – locally and nationally – to guide us through this transition with care, clarity, and integrity. And we remain committed to walking through this season with humility and prayer—trusting the Lord to guide His flock forward.
Transition Plan Overview
The following priorities are guiding the transition process:
A first-order focus on church stability, health, and care
Partnership with Vineyard USA to provide oversight, accountability, and support during the transition
A commitment to ongoing, clear communication as the process unfolds
The identification and placement of an Interim Pastor to provide counsel and pastoral assistance during this season
Engagement with PastorServe – an external consulting ministry with extensive experience in crisis care – to facilitate listening, assess organizational health, provide compassionate care and constructive insights that can pave the way to healing
Transition Updates
(We will update this page regularly as new information becomes available)
November 15, 2025 – Chris Kroger emails to the Overseers his decision to step down as Lead Pastor
November 23, 2025 – Chris’ resignation announced to the congregation on Sunday morning
January 4, 2026 – Interim Pastors, Kent & Elizabeth Butcher, engaged to provide counsel and pastoral assistance
January 25, 2026 - PastorServe approved for Church Assessment.
February 17, 2026 – The Board of Overseers finalized a broad-based list of participants for PastorServe’s congregational interviews and assessment. They also began discussing congregational concerns regarding board and leadership structure. The Board agreed to wait for PastorServe’s assessment before making any major decisions moving forward. Further, the Board authorized Derek and Ashley to oversee the day-to-day operations and ministries of VCC and to make necessary ministry decisions until a new leadership structure is ultimately established.
February 24, 2025 – PastorServe surveys and meeting schedules distributed to participants.
PastorServe has been engaged to guide an initial phase of listening, assessment, and consultation. This work includes interviews with staff, church leadership and a cross-section of congregants, and will provide insight into organizational culture, leadership structures, and areas for growth and healing.
Interim Pastors
We have asked Kent and Elizabeth Butcher to return to VCC to serve as Interim Pastors. Kent and his late wife, Liana, served in the Vineyard movement for nearly 30 years, including more than 20 years here at VCC as Lead Pastor. Elizabeth and her late husband, Steve, served as missionaries in China for 22 years and, prior to that, spent 10 years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). During this interim season, Kent and Elizabeth will apply their experience, wisdom, and leadership to support the church through this transition, with a primary focus on:
Providing perspective and guidance to the Board of Overseers as they discern and shape a path forward
Supporting staff health and wellbeing
Providing pastoral care and overall church stability
Investing in leadership development
The Interim Pastors will serve in renewable three-month terms. These terms are structured to:
Establish and review quarterly benchmarks for the interim role
Evaluate the financial sustainability of the interim arrangement
Assess the overall effectiveness of the interim role for VCC
This interim role is not intended to introduce new vision or long-term direction, but to provide steady leadership, care, and clarity as the church prepares for what comes next.
Key Questions We Are Committed to Address
We know many in our church community are asking thoughtful and important questions. While not all of these have been fully addressed yet, leadership is committed to engaging them—including questions about board composition and qualifications; how members are selected, who holds voting authority, and the length of board terms; whether pastors serve on the board and, if so, whether they have voting rights; and how clear and transparent board decisions and processes are. These important questions will be addressed in due time through ongoing church family communications, small group conversations, and the assessment and discernment process being guided by PastorServe and Vineyard USA.
Have a question(s) regarding the pastoral transition? Please fill out the form below.
Fireside Chats
These gatherings are a space for open conversation and connection with a few of our overseers, where you can hear more about what’s happening in the life of our church, ask questions, and share your heart in a small-group setting. We strongly encourage you to participate if you’re able.
Open Circle
Kent & Elizabeth Butcher invite you to join “Open Circle” — a welcoming space to connect, be known, ask honest questions, and share what’s on your heart.