Vineyard Church Southern Indiana

Vineyard Church Southern Indiana 2026 Business Meeting Recap

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:20:39 +0000

Vineyard Church Southern Indiana 2026 Business Meeting Recap

Financial transparency, outreach impact, and vision for growth in New Albany, Indiana

Our Commitment to Transparency and Health
In February, Vineyard Church Southern Indiana held our annual business meeting, something our bylaws require and something we genuinely believe is healthy for our church family. This year’s meeting was especially meaningful as we updated our bylaws to align with the ordination pathway established by Vineyard USA. These updated bylaws are available on our website for anyone who would like to review them.

We want to be a church that leads with clarity, integrity, and openness as we pursue the mission God has given us.

Celebrating What God Did in 2025
One of the biggest highlights of the meeting was celebrating the incredible ways God used our church to reach our community.

Easter Outreach
We saw about 230 new faces at our Easter outreach who were not part of our church family. Moments like this remind us that our community is hungry for hope and connection.

Baptisms
Our annual pond baptisms remain one of our favorite traditions. There is nothing like celebrating new life and surrender to Jesus together.

Fall Outreach
Our fall event was wildly successful, with well over 600 people from the community attending.

Food Pantry Impact
During November and December, we distributed over $5,000 worth of food to families in need. While this level of distribution is not sustainable year-round for our current space and budget, we do plan to continue this seasonal effort.

Breakfast with Santa
This outreach welcomed 221 guests from outside our church community, creating meaningful connections with local families.

Altogether, our outreach efforts touched more than 1,100 people in our region. Praise God for the opportunity to be a light in New Albany and the surrounding communities.

Board Update

We introduced our current board of directors and shared that two positions remain open. Invitations have been extended and we are awaiting responses. The board’s role is to steward finances, ensure we operate within our bylaws, and help guide the church faithfully.

Current Board:
Pastor Brian Hassett
Pastor Alex Hassett
Tony Portell - Pastor of Vineyard Life Church in Indianapolis - He is also our area leader for Vineyard USA.
Dan Brunmeier
Lois Engebretson

Financial Snapshot

We are committed to increasing financial transparency each year.

2025 Overview

Total Income: $139,285.74
Total Expenses: $116,124.53
Reported Surplus: $23,161.21

However, we want to be clear:

$20,000 of the surplus came from a one-time gift from outside our church family.
Normal operating surplus: $3,161.21.

We believe honesty builds trust, and we want our church family to understand the real picture.

Where the Money Goes

Our spending remains healthy and mission-focused:

Facilities: 36.1%
Personnel: 32.4%
Ministry & Outreach: 23.7%
Administration: 7.8%

Our total monthly payroll for all part-time staff is $2,950, and our team remains bi-vocational.

Where Does the Money Come From

Currently:

Church size: about 136–140 people
Regular givers: 10.7% (about 15 people)
Average monthly income: $9,940

The money comes from the incredible generosity of a few people in our congregation. We are deeply grateful for the generosity in our church!

We also want to acknowledge that this participation rate is significantly below the typical healthy range of 35 to 40 percent.

The Opportunity in Front of Us

There are 57,000 people within a 20-minute drive of our church who do not currently have a church home. We believe many are searching for hope, community, and truth.

The most effective way people still find church is simple and powerful: personal invitation.
Online search and social media also matter, but at this time we do not have consistent budget available for digital advertising.

Healthy and Sustainable

The good news is clear:
We are stable. We are sustainable. And we are living within our means.

Our budget is lean and mission-focused, and there is no evidence of wasteful spending.

What Growth Will Require

To expand our impact, broader participation is essential.

If every person in our church consistently gave even $20 per week, our monthly budget would increase by more than $8,000, dramatically expanding our ability to:

Increase outreach
Strengthen benevolence
Invest in advertising
Support ministry needs

The mission field around us is vast, and we are believing God will continue to stir hearts across our church family to step in and participate in new ways.

On a pastoral level, we want to encourage you to trust God as your true source. The principle of honoring God with our resources predates the Mosaic Law, and Jesus affirmed the practice while also reminding God’s people not to neglect the weightier matters of the heart.
We also recognize that everyone’s financial season looks different. For some, a full tithe may feel genuinely out of reach right now. Even within the Old Testament system, provision was made for those who could not bring the standard offering. What mattered most was bringing their best with sincerity and faith.
Our prayer is simple: that each of us would prayerfully consider our part, trust God with what we have been given, and consistently choose to invest in the work He is doing through the local church.

Together, we believe God will continue to widen our reach and deepen our impact in Southern Indiana.

Your Part in the Mission

As we look ahead, we are inviting our church family to lean in together:

Pray daily
For the 57,000 people around us who need hope.

Give consistently
Planned, faithful giving fuels the mission forward.

Volunteer monthly
Be the hands and feet of Jesus, especially in Kids Ministry.

Invite regularly
You never know which invitation will change someone’s life.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the business meeting, finances, or vision, we would love to connect with you.

Brian@WeAreVineyard.com
812.503.9817

I already have several planned meetings with other members that would like to discuss further so please don't hesitate to reach out!

Here is a link to the slide deck with all of the above information that was used during the business meeting: Business Meeting Slides

Here is a link to the meeting minutes for you to view and see some of the Question and answer: Business Meeting Minutes

Wait… Why Does Exodus 30 Talk About Paying a Ransom?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:14:48 +0000

Reading the One Year Bible Together | Vineyard Church Southern Indiana – New Albany, IN

If you’re reading along with us in the One Year Bible, you probably hit Exodus 30 this week and had the same reaction I did. You’re cruising along through instructions about the Tabernacle, incense, oil, worship practices… and then suddenly:

God tells Israel everyone must pay a ransom for their life when the people are counted.

And if you’re like me, you stopped and thought:

“Wait… what?”

Because it almost sounds like God is charging admission.

But I also knew there had to be something deeper going on here. So I did some digging for us. Let’s walk through it together.

The Strange Moment in Exodus 30

God tells Moses that whenever Israel takes a census, every person must give a small silver offering as a “ransom” so that no plague comes upon them.

And here’s what stood out:

1. Everyone gave the same amount.

2. Rich people couldn’t give more.

3. Poor people couldn’t give less.

Which immediately tells us this isn’t about fundraising. Something spiritual is happening.

Why Would Counting People Be a Problem?

In the ancient world, kings counted people to measure their strength.

“How big is my army?”
“How powerful am I?”
“How secure is my kingdom?”

But Israel wasn’t supposed to think that way. They weren’t strong because of their numbers. They existed because God rescued them from slavery.

So every time the people were counted, God required them to remember: “You are alive because I redeemed you.” The ransom payment wasn’t buying protection.

It was a reminder:
Your life belongs to God.

Why Everyone Paid the Same

This part still hits today. Everyone paid the same ransom amount because:

1. No one’s life was worth more.
2. No one could buy better standing with God.
3. Everyone stood equally dependent on His mercy.

In a world constantly ranking people by money, status, and influence, God reminds His people every life has equal value. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

And Then It Gets Really Beautiful

This passage quietly points forward to Jesus. In Exodus, people gave silver as a reminder that their lives had been spared.

But in the New Testament, Jesus says, “The Son of Man came… to give His life as a ransom for many.”

We don’t pay ransom anymore because Jesus became the ransom. Peter says we weren’t redeemed with silver or gold, but with Christ’s precious blood.

The reminder in Exodus becomes reality in Jesus.

Why This Matters for Us Reading Today

If you’re reading the One Year Bible with us and you hit passages that make you pause, you’re doing it right. Sometimes Scripture makes us stop and ask questions. And often, right behind the confusion is something beautiful.

Exodus 30 reminds us:

1. Our lives aren’t random.
2. We’ve been rescued.
3. We belong to God.

And now we get to live in gratitude, freedom, and purpose because of what Jesus has done! This good news folks!

Reading Together in New Albany, Indiana

One of the things I love about our church family at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana in New Albany is that we’re learning Scripture together.

None of us are experts, none of us have "it" all figured out (whatever that means), we are all just figuring it out together.

If you’re looking for a church home in New Albany, Indiana, or you want a place to explore faith and grow, we’d love for you to join us.

And as we keep reading together this year, here’s encouragement for all of us:

When a passage makes you say, “Wait… what?”
Lean in.

God often hides some of His best treasures right there.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Brian
Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
New Albany, Indiana

When the Church Gets Exposed: Why Your Faith Isn’t Fake (Even When Leaders Fail)

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:35:27 +0000

When the Church Gets Exposed: Why Your Faith Isn’t Fake (Even When Leaders Fail)

For Anyone Carrying Church Hurt in Southern Indiana
At Vineyard Church in New Albany, Indiana, we pastor a lot of young families who are trying to raise kids with faith while navigating a culture full of cynicism and broken trust in institutions—including the church. When church scandals dominate headlines, it’s natural to ask hard questions about God, leadership, and whether your own spiritual experiences were real.

Unfortunately, scandals sell.
They sell ad space.
They sell clicks.
They dominate airtime.
And the church has never been immune.
That part isn’t new. It just feels louder now because we carry the internet in our pockets. What used to be whispered is now livestreamed.
If you zoom out, church history reads like a Netflix documentary nobody asked for. Kings bargaining with popes. Power trades. Corruption. Even the heroes we admire weren’t spotless. Martin Luther changed the world, and also… yeah… the man had issues. Big ones.
God has always done His work in the middle of human mess.

This Isn’t New. It Just Feels Louder.

Growing up, the scandals I heard about were attached to names like:
Jim Bakker.
Jimmy Swaggart.
Jim Jones.

At this point, “Jim” feels like a risky baby name. No offense. But statistically… y’all have had a moment. LOL

Then in high school, when I encountered revival culture, Lakeland, Florida was the buzz. People were getting saved. God was moving. And then… it wasn’t. An affair. A collapse. A story that became complicated overnight.
I remember thinking, If something real happened there… does this cancel it? Does it contaminate it?

Fast forward:

2020: Carl Lentz.
2023: Mike Bickle and IHOP.
Recently: heartbreaking allegations surrounding Shawn Bolz. Personally, I feel the weight of this because Shawn Bolz is someone I have admired from afar and promoted. Heck, I have used some videos from him when speaking about the prophetic. Knowing what I know, I regret that and am sorry. Shawn is not a trustworthy person or minister, in fact he is harmful and manipulative. I encourage everyone to stay completely away from him, his ministry, and anything associated with him.

And now the questions get heavier.

It's perfectly reasonable to ask, "was any of it real?"

Was I manipulated?
Did God actually move?
Was my experience fake because the messenger was flawed?
If you’ve wrestled with that, you’re not weak. You’re honest.

In 2023 our church hosted Steve Nicholson, a Vineyard legend. Someone asked him, “What do you think the next big thing God is doing is?”
He paused and said:

“I’m not really sure… because I think the American church is under judgment. God is exposing things right now.”

He talked about being in a season of Babylon. Then he smiled and added:

“But that’s okay. Amazing things happen in Babylon too.”

That line has lived rent-free in my head ever since.
Because exposure feels terrifying.
But it is also mercy.

Genesis Is a Mess (And That’s the Point)

This year our church has been reading through Scripture, and I started preaching through Genesis for the first time.

And wow.

Not “wow, so inspiring.”
More like, “wow, this is chaotic.”

Genesis is messy.
Morally complicated.
Uncomfortably human.

Adam and Eve fail immediately.
Abraham lies about his wife.
Isaac copies him.
Jacob deceives.
Judah sleeps with his daughter-in-law.
Noah’s family fractures.
Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.

These are the patriarchs.
The founders.
The “faith heroes.”

And they’re… a disaster.

Which means something massive:

God has always worked through broken people in broken systems with mixed motives and partial obedience.

So when we look at modern church scandals and think,
This must mean everything was fake,
Genesis quietly whispers,
No. This means God is consistent.

God Has Always Been Bigger Than Bad Leadership

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Some of what we experienced was mixed with ego.
Some of it was contaminated by broken leadership.
Some of it was manipulation.
And God still moved.

That doesn’t excuse anyone.
That doesn’t mean we re-platform people.
That doesn’t mean harm didn’t happen.

It means God is bigger than flawed messengers.
The Holy Spirit is not limited by our mess.
He doesn’t need perfect vessels.

If God waited for purity before moving, Genesis wouldn’t exist.

So What Do We Do With All This?

This is not a call to blind loyalty.
This is not a “trust leaders no matter what” post.
This is not denial.

You are responsible for what you see.
You are responsible for what you know.
You are responsible to walk wisely and protect your heart.

Something very much worth mentioning here: Leaders in the body of Christ are ESPECIALLY responsible for all of these things. As a whole, we MUST do better.

But you are not responsible for carrying the guilt of someone else’s failure.

If you encountered God…
If you were healed…
If your faith deepened…
If you met Jesus in a real way…

That wasn’t fake.
That wasn’t stolen from you.
That doesn’t get revoked because someone else fell.

Exposure Is Mercy

Right now, it feels like God is cleaning house.
And honestly? That’s grace.

Exposure is mercy.
Light is kindness.
Truth is protection.

The church isn’t being destroyed.
It’s being refined.

God is not fragile.
Your faith is not fake.
And exposure is not destruction—it’s mercy.

Final Thought

Maybe maturity isn’t pretending leaders are flawless.
And maybe it isn’t throwing away faith when they aren’t.

Maybe maturity is trusting a God who has always worked in Babylon…
and still builds His Kingdom there.

God is big.
We are small.
His grace is sufficient.

And somehow, against all odds,
He keeps moving anyway.

A Humble Invitation

At Vineyard Church in New Albany, Indiana, we don’t pretend to be perfect. We are a community learning how to follow Jesus honestly, humbly, and... imperfectly. We believe God still moves, still heals, still speaks, and still transforms lives—even in imperfect churches. Especially in imperfect churches.

If you’re a young family, a skeptic, a former church kid, or someone quietly rebuilding their faith, you’re welcome here.

-Pastor Brian & Pastor Alex

When the Bible Gets Messy

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:37:45 +0000

When the Bible Gets Messy: Judah, Redemption, and a God Who Is Still Kind

Vineyard Church | New Albany, Indiana

Hey Vineyard Fam! If you’re reading through the Bible in a year with us, then Genesis 38 probably made you pause. Judah’s story is intense. Death. Broken family lines. Moral failure. Cultural customs that feel foreign. Plot twists that feel like a Lifetime movie. Pastor Tess wasn’t exaggerating.

But Genesis 38 isn’t in the Bible to shock us. It’s in the Bible to show us how God works redemption through real people in real mess.

As modern readers, we often want explanations. Judah’s first son is killed by God because he was “evil,” but Scripture doesn’t tell us what he did. That can feel unsettling. But to an Old Testament reader, this wasn’t confusing. They would have thought:
“We don’t know what he did, but it must have been serious.”

The Bible isn’t trying to satisfy our curiosity. It’s establishing God’s holiness and justice.
Then Judah’s second son refuses to carry on his brother’s family line, something that was both cultural and deeply spiritual. It threatened the future God was unfolding through Judah. To him, it was no big deal. To God, it disrupted a redemptive plan that would one day include all of us. So God judged that too. It's heavy, but not random.

Here’s what makes this chapter powerful:
God’s plan of redemption was always meant to come through the line of Judah. We see it clearly in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1). The Messiah, the Savior of the world, would come through this family.
We see first hand that the family is… complicated.

Judah himself later fathers a child through Tamar in a morally messy situation. Nobody in this story is spotless. Nobody is the hero. And that’s the point. The Bible isn’t a book about perfect people doing holy things. It’s a book about a perfect God redeeming broken people.

We often read Scripture trying to find heroes. Genesis 38 refuses that approach. It forces our eyes toward Jesus. He is the hero. The family tree that leads to Him isn’t polished. It’s honest.

Another layer we can’t miss:
In Scripture, judgment and mercy are not opposites. Judgment is often God protecting something sacred.
What looks severe in Genesis 38 is actually God guarding the future.
No preserved lineage → no Messiah
No Messiah → no cross
No cross → no redemption

What looks severe in the moment was actually God protecting the future.

God isn't cruel. God is fiercely devoted to His redemptive plan.

And then there’s Tamar.
She’s not just a plot detail. Matthew 1 names her in the genealogy of Jesus. In a culture where women were often invisible, God honors her faithfulness and persistence. She becomes part of the story that brings salvation to the world. Tamar isn’t a footnote. She’s proof that God sees the overlooked and weaves their faithfulness into His story. That matters for every parent, every mom, every person who feels unseen or stuck in a complicated situation. God is still writing something meaningful.

Genesis 38 shows us something deeply comforting:
God didn’t wait for Judah’s family to clean itself up. He didn’t pause redemption until everything was perfect. He stepped right into the mess and kept going.
That’s grace!

God didn’t choose a perfect family to bring salvation into the world. He chose a real one.
And that’s how we know He can work in ours too.

So when the Bible feels uncomfortable… lean in.
When you don’t understand everything… don’t check out.
When the story feels messy… remember that redemption always starts in messy places.
The Old Testament isn’t ancient history. It’s the foundation of our hope. It shows us that God’s kindness, discipline, justice, and mercy are always moving toward restoration.
And if God could bring Jesus through Judah’s story…
He can absolutely work through yours.

I for one am thankful - God's plan is always bigger than our mess.

Blessings!

-Pastor Brian

The Church as a School: Learning from Jesus in New Albany, Indiana

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:26:27 +0000

Sunday Recap

Hey Vineyard Fam!
This past Sunday we talked about how the church isn’t just a family gathering or a hospital for the hurting (though it’s definitely those things too) it’s also a school where we learn from Jesus together. If we’re honest, our culture is drowning in information but starving for wisdom. We’ve got Google, podcasts, and even AI at our fingertips, but that doesn’t mean we’re being formed into the image of Christ. Jesus calls us to be more than consumers of content, He calls us to be disciples, students who keep showing up to class with Him as the Teacher.

A Few Tools to Help You Grow Right Now

Theos University – Think of this like Netflix for theology. It’s a monthly subscription with short, distilled video lessons on the Bible, theology, and church history. If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper but didn’t know where to start, this is a great next step.
The Bible Project – These guys are incredible. They create animated videos that unpack the big story of Scripture, podcasts that go deep on themes, a Bible app with reading plans, and even free online classes. Best part? It’s all free and designed to help you see how every part of the Bible points to Jesus.
Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.com) – When you’re ready to nerd out, this is the place. You can look up Greek and Hebrew words, check different translations, and read commentaries, all for free. It’s like having a seminary library in your pocket.

Using AI the Right Way

I know some of you are already experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT or Grok to study Scripture. That’s not a bad thing, but here’s the catch: garbage in, garbage out. AI will usually agree with whatever bias you bring to it. The key is learning to ask better questions.

Here are some of my favorite prompts when I’m digging into a passage:

Who wrote this, and who was it written to?
From historic Christian orthodoxy, why do we think it was written?
What would the original readers have understood that I might miss because I live in America in 2025?
Are there any Greek or Hebrew words I should pay attention to? (double-check with Blue Letter Bible)
What trusted sources can I explore that stick close to historic Christian teaching?

BE ENCOURAGED!

At the end of the day, being a disciple simply means being a student. And the good news? Jesus is the best Teacher you’ll ever have. So whether you live here in New Albany, Jeffersonville, or Louisville, keep showing up to class with Him. Let’s keep learning, keep growing, and keep being shaped into His likeness, together.

The Spirit Who Breathes Life into Dry Bones | Vineyard Church Southern Indiana

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:14:31 +0000

At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe Pentecost is more than just a moment—it’s a movement. While often known as the "birthday of the Church," Pentecost has deep biblical roots beginning with Passover and culminating in the Upper Room. This message of hope and Holy Spirit empowerment continues today. Join us as we explore the journey from Passover to Pentecost, through Ezekiel's prophecy and Jesus' promise.

I. What Is Pentecost? Understanding Its Biblical Roots In the book of Exodus, God delivers Israel from slavery through the blood of the lamb at Passover (Exodus 12). But deliverance wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of transformation. Over the next 50 days, God shaped Israel through a journey of dependence:

Bitter waters made sweet (Exodus 15) → God heals.
Manna from heaven (Exodus 16) → God provides daily.
Water from the rock (Exodus 17) → God sustains.
Victory over Amalek (Exodus 17) → God answers prayer.
Jethro’s advice (Exodus 18) → Healthy leadership and systems matter.

When Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, God offers an invitation to a deeper covenant: “Be a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). Sadly, the people reject the invitation and ask Moses to stand in their place. The result? The law is written on tablets of stone—not hearts.

II. Prophecy of Pentecost: Ezekiel’s Vision of New Life Ezekiel 36:26 prophesies:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Then in Ezekiel 37, we see a vivid vision of dry bones in a valley. As God commands Ezekiel to prophesy, the bones assemble and flesh forms—but they remain lifeless until the breath (ruach) of God enters them. This prophetic moment sets the stage for what will later happen in Acts 2.

III. Pentecost Fulfilled:
From Resurrection to the Upper Room Jesus, the perfect Lamb, is crucified at Passover. For 40 days after His resurrection, He teaches His disciples about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Before His ascension, Jesus tells them:

“Wait for the gift my Father promised...” (Acts 1:4)

The disciples wait 10 more days—bringing us to the 50th day, the Feast of Pentecost. Acts 2 describes the moment the Holy Spirit descends like a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of fire rest on each believer. This is the fulfillment of Sinai:

The law is now written on hearts.
The Spirit empowers every believer.
The Church is born—not in fear, but in fire.

IV. The Upper Room and Ezekiel's Dry Bones:

A Prophetic Parallel Before the Spirit arrived, the Upper Room was a valley of dry bones:

The disciples were afraid.
Their mission felt unclear.
They were emotionally exhausted.

But when the Spirit breathed, everything changed. Just like Ezekiel’s bones, they stood up filled with power and purpose. The Church began not with a strategy, but with a breath.

V. What Pentecost Means for You Today
At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe the same Spirit is moving today. Pentecost is not just a historical event—it’s an invitation to:

Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Step out of spiritual dryness.
Live with Kingdom purpose.

Ask yourself:

Are you feeling spiritually disconnected?
Do you feel like your passion has dried up?
Are you longing to hear God's voice again?

God is still asking, “Can these bones live?” The answer is yes—when the Spirit breathes.
Conclusion: Receive the Spirit Today Pentecost reverses the fear of Sinai. The Spirit writes on our hearts, breathes into our dry places, and sends us to be witnesses of Jesus. At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we are praying for the wind of God to fill every home, every heart, and every valley.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Honoring the Fallen, Living with Gratitude

Mon, 26 May 2025 13:15:58 +0000

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country—men and women who laid down their lives so others might live in freedom. As a church, we are deeply grateful for the ultimate sacrifice made by these individuals. Their courage and selflessness echo the words of Jesus in John 15:13:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Because of their sacrifice, we are able to gather freely. We worship without fear. We pray in public. We preach the gospel openly. These freedoms are not free—they were purchased with lives.

And as followers of Jesus, we believe their sacrifice also invites us to reflect more deeply on another reality: the Kingdom of God.

The Flag-Draped Casket and the Already/Not Yet

Though I’ve never personally stood at a military funeral, there’s something deeply symbolic in what happens there.

There’s weight and reverence in the way a flag is folded, in the hush that falls over the crowd, in the final salute. It’s not just about a life lost; it’s about honor. About purpose. About legacy. In those moments, we see the collision of grief and glory.
And in many ways, that tension mirrors what we call the “now and not yet” of the Kingdom of God.

Just like we mourn the fallen while hoping for something more, we live today in a Kingdom that has come but isn’t yet complete. Jesus has already defeated death, but we still face loss. We know resurrection is real, yet we attend funerals.

We live between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in a thousand ways. We grieve with hope (1 Thess. 4:13). We honor sacrifice while holding on to resurrection promises. Memorial Day reminds us that love often looks like sacrifice, and that true freedom is always costly.

Living in Response to Their Sacrifice

So how should we live in response?

With Gratitude: Let every prayer today be a thank-you. Thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. Thank Him for the families who have lost loved ones in service. And thank Him for Jesus, who showed us what sacrificial love looks like.
With Purpose: The freedom we have isn’t just for comfort, it’s for mission. Let’s use our freedom to love radically, to serve boldly, and to advance the Kingdom wherever we go.
With Hope: When we see a folded flag, let it remind us not only of what has been lost, but of what is coming. The day when swords will be beaten into plowshares. When every tear will be wiped away. When every sacrifice will be seen, honored, and redeemed.

To all who have lost loved ones in service to our country, we see you. We honor you. We are praying for you.

And as a church, we commit to living lives worthy of the freedom we’ve been given—both as Americans and as citizens of a greater Kingdom.

Grace and peace to you this Memorial Day.

-Pastor Brian

? Carry the Corner: A Sermon on Faith, Healing, and Jesus’ Authority in Luke 5

Sat, 24 May 2025 15:09:11 +0000

New message at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana this Sunday in New Albany

What do you do when someone you love can’t get to Jesus on their own?
This Sunday at Vineyard Church in Southern Indiana, we’re opening Luke 5:17–26—a story of healing, bold faith, and the friends who tore through a roof to carry someone to Jesus. It’s more than just a miracle. It’s a wake-up call to the kind of faith that changes lives.

? What You’ll Experience in This Message:

Discover the 4 types of people in the room—and which one you are
Learn why Jesus forgave sins before healing the man
Find out what it means to carry someone to Jesus in real, practical ways
Explore how to grow your faith, persistence, and compassion
And see how healing confirms Jesus' divine authority

Whether you’re watching online or walking in the door, this message will challenge and inspire you to grab a corner and bring someone to Jesus.

? Who Should Come?

Anyone in New Albany or Southern Indiana looking for a church where faith is alive

Anyone praying for healing—for themselves or someone they love

Anyone feeling stuck or spiritually paralyzed

Anyone wondering how to serve others when they don’t feel “spiritually qualified”

? Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM
? Vineyard Church Southern Indiana — 727 Rolling Creek Dr New Albany, In 47150

How to Recognize a Breakthrough Before It Happens

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:22:28 +0000

Most of us want breakthrough to look like fireworks.
A clear sign. An open door. Something dramatic.
But what if breakthrough starts in the small things?
What if God is already moving… we just haven’t noticed it yet?

? The God Who Moves Before We See It

In Isaiah 43:19, God says:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Sometimes the issue isn’t that God isn’t moving—it’s that we’re not perceiving what He’s already doing.
We’re so focused on the closed door, we miss the new thing growing quietly in the hallway.

? Clues That Breakthrough Is Near:

You’re feeling a new discomfort with old patterns
You’re suddenly more aware of your need for God
You’re seeing confirmations in Scripture or conversations
You’re more hungry for prayer than performance
You feel stretched—but not abandoned

These aren’t delays. These are contractions.
God is birthing something new.

? What Pastor Tony Taught Us Sunday:

Pastor Tony Portell reminded us that breakthrough often starts before the waters break.

It starts when we return to worship
When we stop trying to force it
When we get around the right people
When we remember the names of God—not just what we want Him to do

Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t the thing changing…
It’s you changing, so you can handle the thing when it does.

? Your Move Today:

Take 5 minutes to ask: “God, what are You already doing that I’m not seeing?”

Share a story of past breakthrough with your family, kids, or small group

Write down one thing God has already done—before you ask Him to do the next thing

✨ You’re Not Stuck. You’re Being Prepared.

At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe in the God of Breakthrough.
But we also believe in the process that shapes us in the waiting.
Come walk it with us.
? 727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
? Sundays at 10:00 AM | Kids Ministry Available

God of Breakthrough – Pastor Tony Portel’s Message Recap

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This past Sunday at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we had the honor of welcoming guest speaker Pastor Tony Portel—a Vineyard USA area leader, best-selling author of No Longer Stuck, and a trusted mentor to our church family.

His message, “God of Breakthrough,” stirred faith and hope in the room as we explored what it means to follow the God who breaks through walls, wounds, and waiting seasons.

?️ Baal-Perazim – The Master of Breakthrough

Tony centered the message around one of the names of God revealed in the life of David:
Baal-Perazim, meaning “Master of Breakthrough.”

“God has broken through my enemies by my hand like the breakthrough of waters.” – 1 Chronicles 14:11

Breakthrough doesn’t come from hustle—it comes from God’s sudden move, often after a season of obedience, presence, and surrender.

? The Names of God – Who He Is in Our Waiting

Tony also reminded us of the many names of God found in Scripture—each one reflecting a piece of His character:
•Jehovah-Jireh – My Provider
•Jehovah-Tsidkenu – My Righteousness
•Jehovah-Rapha – My Healer
•Jehovah-Emunah – My Faithful God
•El Roi – The God Who Sees Me

When we need breakthrough, these names remind us that God is not just able—He’s personal.

? From Longing to Living Water

We looked at David’s longing for water in 2 Samuel 23 and how his men risked their lives to bring it—only for David to pour it out as an offering to the Lord. It was a reminder that what refreshes us most is often tied to presence, not comfort.

Jesus echoes this in John 7:38:

“Rivers of living water will flow from the heart of those who believe in Me.”

Breakthrough is not a single moment. It’s the result of living connected to the Spirit of God.

? A Beautiful Time of Ministry and Healing

After the message, the Holy Spirit continued to move. We entered into a powerful time of ministry, and several words of knowledge were shared for healing and breakthrough in specific people’s lives.

It was beautiful to watch the Vineyard value of “everyone gets to play” unfold in real time—as people prayed for one another, encouraged each other, and responded to God’s presence together. These are the moments that define us as a church family.

You’re Invited

Looking for a church in New Albany, IN where the presence of God is real and the people are growing in faith together? Come join us next Sunday.

? Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
? Sundays at 10:00 AM

Teaching Our Families to Trust God – Even in the Hallway

Sat, 17 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What does it look like to raise a family that remembers the goodness of God—not just in theory, but in real-life stories?

In Deuteronomy 6:20–23, Moses gives Israel this charge:

“In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?’ tell him: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out... He brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised.’”

This wasn’t just theology. It was testimony.
God designed families to pass down faith not just through sermons—but through stories.

? Faith Starts at Home

At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we believe that the most powerful discipleship often happens at the dinner table, in the car, during bedtime, or on a random Saturday afternoon.

Your story matters. Not just for you... but for the next generation.
When we tell our kids (and our community) how God showed up in our wilderness, we anchor their future in His past faithfulness.

? My Family’s Story of Breakthrough

In 2018, when Alex and I moved here to Southern Indiana to plant this church, everything looked lined up. I had a job secured before we even arrived.
Then, on my second day, that job let me go.

We had no backup plan. No savings. No income.
But God.

Through the generosity of others, we were given places to stay. Food. Finances. People showed up in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We learned firsthand that God provides... not always on our timeline, but always on His.

Eventually, the Lord provided an even better job... with better pay and better benefits than the one I lost. I didn’t see it coming. But He did.

?️ Joseph Garland once said:

“People say when one door closes, another door opens. But while you’re waiting for the other door, it’s hell in the hallway. Make sure you wait on God to show up—and don’t mistake a window for a door in your distress.”

There is such wisdom in the waiting. And that waiting—those “hallway” seasons—become part of our testimony to our families and church community.

✨ Your Story is the Next Generation’s Anchor

Parents, tell your kids about the times God showed up.
Grandparents, talk about miracles your kids have never seen.
Small group leaders, share how God carried you when life fell apart.
Everyone, don’t keep your breakthrough quiet.

Because we don’t just learn faith—we inherit it.

?️ Let’s Be a Church That Remembers

This weekend, take time to reflect and share your story. Over dinner. In the car. Or maybe in the lobby before church on Sunday. Your breakthrough might be the very thing someone else needs to hear in their hallway season.

Meet Tony Portel – This Sunday at 10:00 AM

Fri, 16 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Tony Portel is the author of No Longer Stuck and the founder of Helping Others Heal, a powerful ministry dedicated to helping people walk in freedom and healing. He serves as a Vineyard area leader, sits on our church board, and has been an incredible mentor and friend to Alex and me since the beginning of our church plant.
More than all of that, Tony is one of the most gifted communicators I’ve ever heard. You will walk away encouraged, challenged, and filled with hope.
Whether you're new to faith, visiting from out of town, or just looking for a Spirit-filled, family-focused church in New Albany—this is a Sunday you won’t want to miss.

Join Us This Sunday

Sunday, 10:00 AM
Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
Kids Ministry available!
If you’ve been looking for a church near you where the presence of God is real, the people are welcoming, and the messages speak to real life—come this weekend. You’ll experience community, worship, and an unforgettable word from Tony Portel.
? Can’t join us in person? Watch the livestream here: www.WeAreVineyard.com

? Who Should Come?

Anyone looking for a non-denominational church in New Albany, IN

Families who want a safe, engaging place for their kids

People seeking freedom, healing, and biblical teaching

Those who love the Vineyard movement or are curious about it

? Final Word

Tony Portel has impacted our lives and our church more than he knows. We’re honored to host him this Sunday, and I personally can’t wait to hear what God speaks through him.
Invite a friend. Come expectant. God’s going to move.

Looking for a Church in New Albany, IN? Here’s What You’ll Find at Vineyard.

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:02:08 +0000

If you’ve been searching for a church in New Albany, Indiana where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and experience God’s presence—you’re not alone.
Whether you’re new to the area, new to faith, or just looking for something more real, we want you to know:
There’s a place for you at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana.

We’re a Spirit-Filled, Family-Focused Church in New Albany

At Vineyard, we keep things simple:
Love Jesus. Love people. Live with purpose.
Every Sunday at 10:00 AM, we gather at 727 Rolling Creek Dr. right here in New Albany, IN to worship, grow, and encourage one another.
We’re not about hype or pretending—just real people meeting a real God together.

What You’ll Experience at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana:

Spirit-filled worship that welcomes the presence of God
Biblical teaching that’s relatable and rooted in the Kingdom
Kids and youth ministry that your family will love
A casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere
Opportunities to grow through small groups, outreach, and community events

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is there a church near me that feels like home?”—we’d love to invite you to visit.

Real People. Real Faith. Right Here in New Albany.

One thing we hear a lot from first-time guests is this:

“This just feels like family.”
"It feels like I am hanging out in someone's living room."

We’re not perfect, but we’re passionate about helping people experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus. And we believe New Albany deserves a thriving, Spirit-led church where everyone is welcome and empowered to grow.

Join us this Sunday!

Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
Sundays at 10:00 AM
Kids ministry available!
Not ready to visit in person yet?
Watch live online at www.WeAreVineyard.com
We’re here for you—whether you’re church shopping, spiritually curious, or just ready for something real.

Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor: Why Being With Jesus Must Come Before Doing for Him

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:33:10 +0000

There’s a myth in the Church—and especially in leadership—that the more you do, the more faithful you are. But what if that’s not biblical faithfulness… it’s just burnout with a Bible verse slapped on it?

In The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Pete Scazzero writes:
"You cannot give what you do not possess."

When the deposit of Jesus in your life is outpaced by the demands on your time, burnout isn’t just likely—it’s inevitable.

We Are Human Beings, Not Human Doings
So many of us live like spiritual vending machines. People press the button, and we deliver—prayers, advice, encouragement, leadership, energy, solutions.
But underneath that drive to serve is a hard truth:
We’re doing more for Jesus than we are being with Him.

Jesus never rushed. He withdrew to pray. He filled up before He poured out.
Signs You’re Outpacing Your Soul:

You feel constantly drained but can’t stop.
Time in prayer feels like another task, not a joy.
You’re physically present, but mentally checked out.
You’re quick to respond to people, but slow to respond to God.

If that’s you—you're not broken, you’re just empty. And the fix isn’t to push through. It’s to pause and get filled again.
Reordering Your Life Around Being, Not Just Doing
Burnout isn’t solved by adding margin. It’s healed by returning to the Source—Jesus.

Here’s how you start:

Prioritize presence over performance.
Schedule time with Jesus like your life depends on it—because it does.
Let the Word read you.
Don’t just study Scripture for content; let it confront and comfort you.
Say no to stay full.
You can’t run on empty. Jesus didn’t say, “Do everything.” He said, “Abide in me.”

At Vineyard, We’re Learning to Live with Purpose
At Vineyard Church Southern Indiana, we’re learning that faithfulness isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what Jesus actually asks of us.
We don’t want to live reactive, overloaded lives. We want to live with clarity and conviction, shaped by time with God and aligned with His direction.

Before we say yes to every opportunity, we ask:

Is this something God has called me to?
Am I leading from a place of connection with Jesus?
Is what I’m doing producing spiritual fruit—or just busywork?

We’re learning that the most powerful ministry flows from intimacy, not hustle.
Because when our lives are centered on Jesus, what we do actually matters.

Join Us This Sunday
If you're weary, burned out, or just hungry for something real—come worship with us.
? 10:00 AM
? Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN

You were never meant to carry the weight of life alone.
Let Jesus fill you again.

Recap: “Eshet Chayil – A Different Kind of Proverbs 31 Woman” | Mother’s Day at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:20:07 +0000

This past Mother’s Day, Vineyard Church Southern Indiana gathered to honor, encourage, and bless the women in our lives—and Pastor Tess Brunmeier delivered a message that was bold, refreshing, and deeply rooted in Scripture.

If you missed it, here’s a recap of “Eshet Chayil – A Different Kind of Proverbs 31 Woman,” a message that helped us reframe how we see God’s definition of a woman of valor.

? What Is Eshet Chayil? Not What You Think.
We often hear Proverbs 31 taught as a checklist—cook like Martha Stewart, work like a CEO, parent like Mary Poppins, and look fabulous while doing it. But Pastor Tess turned that idea upside down and invited us to see the truth:

“Eshet Chayil” isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing.

In traditional Jewish culture, Eshet Chayil (Hebrew for “Woman of Valor”) is not a list of expectations for women. It’s a song of praise, spoken by husbands, fathers, and sons every Sabbath to bless the women in their homes.

It’s not about performance. It’s about recognizing strength, resilience, and the God-given courage women already carry.

? Ruth: The Unexpected Proverbs 31 Woman
Pastor Tess drew a powerful parallel from the story of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner, a widow, and someone with no social power—yet she was called an Eshet Chayil because of her brave choice to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and care for her.
Her story shows us that:

Valor isn’t loud. It’s loyal.
Courage isn’t always big. Sometimes it’s staying when it’s hard.
God sees faithfulness as greatness—even when the world doesn’t.

Boaz himself says to Ruth, “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character (Eshet Chayil).” (Ruth 3:11)

? Main Takeaways from Pastor Tess’s Message

? You don’t have to live up to the Proverbs 31 checklist—you already are an Eshet Chayil because God sees you.
? Eshet Chayil is not a job description. It’s a spoken blessing, meant to call out what’s already true.
? Ruth’s story reminds us that quiet acts of love, loyalty, and sacrifice are heroic in God’s eyes.
? As a church, we’re called to speak this blessing over the women around us, every week—not just on Mother’s Day.

? A Day of Honor: Cookies, Photos & Community
Every woman who walked through the doors this past Sunday received:

A beautiful box of cookies (because blessings are better with sugar ?)
A chance to get family photos taken at our gorgeous Mother’s Day backdrops

We saw laughter, hugs, and generations standing together. It was more than a service—it was a celebration of womanhood, faith, and identity.

✨ What’s Next? You’re Invited.
If you felt encouraged by Pastor Tess Brunmeier’s Mother’s Day message or are looking for a church that speaks life into women, families, and real-world faith—you belong here.
? Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM
Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
]
Whether you’re new to church or have been walking with Jesus for years, come as you are and let’s pursue His Kingdom together.