Pastor Exonerated As Misconduct Claims Fall Apart
John Kliewer, who had been serving as the interim senior pastor of Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota, has been cleared of misconduct claims after undergoing an independent review. These claims, initially raised by Vineyard USA, accused Kliewer of authoritarian leadership and inappropriate use of authority. However, the investigation, which relied on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard, found no misconduct. While some of his leadership choices were seen as areas for potential improvement through coaching, they were not deemed abusive or disqualifying.
The timing of these accusations came shortly after Kliewer openly criticized Vineyard USA’s response to reports of sexual abuse within the church network. This included legal cases involving Jackson Gatlin, a former pastor convicted of sexual offenses against minors. Gatlin’s parents, who were also leaders within the church organization, resigned after opting not to participate in the internal investigation. These events have drawn significant attention to how Vineyard USA handles abuse allegations and internal accountability.
In light of the investigation’s findings, the Duluth Vineyard Church Council expressed both gratitude for the outcome and regret for the harm caused by the allegations. The council acknowledged past oversights in dealing with abuse and commended Kliewer’s dedication to reform and transparency. They affirmed his efforts to change the culture surrounding abuse response both locally and across the broader church network.
Although officially exonerated, Kliewer has chosen to take extended leave to recover from the emotional strain of the investigation. In personal reflections shared with the community, he described the process as deeply difficult and more draining than expected. He also noted that the conflict with Vineyard USA may have influenced the way the accusations developed and were perceived. Nevertheless, he welcomed the independent review and its conclusions.
This situation underscores wider issues facing the Vineyard community, particularly regarding leadership integrity and how allegations are handled. Kliewer’s experience illustrates the importance of objective investigations and the need for continued reform in addressing institutional challenges.