Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is an investigative podcast exploring the rise of the Vineyard movement - from a humble network of churches to a sprawling global empire. Through in-depth research and firsthand accounts, this series examines how power, influence, and ambition shaped the movement's evolution, often at the expense of those who trusted it most. From its early days under John Wimber to its modern-day scandals, Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power uncovers the hidden costs of empire-building within evangelical Christianity and the well-meaning individuals caught in the crossfire.
Latest episodes
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35 min
Accountability on Trial | A Spoiled Fruit Update
When allegations of abuse reach the courts, what responsibility do the institutions involved accept—and what happens when their legal defenses prevent claims from reaching trial?In…
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4 min
An Update on Spoiled Fruit - and What Comes Next
A quick update on the future of Spoiled Fruit.John shares what’s currently in development, including a new episode revisiting the events and stories covered in Season One and bring…
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1 h 02
Full Interview: Doug Warburton
While production continues on Season Two of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power — which takes a broader look at evangelical movements beyond the Vineyard — John shares a full, uncut conve…
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59 min
Full Interview: Brian Metzger
While Season Two of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is in production, John shares one of his full, uncut interviews — this time with Pastor Brian Metzger, one of the most outspoken cr…
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1 h 18
Full Interview: Melody Winderweedle
Episode Summary:In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, former Vineyard pastor Melody Winderweedle shares her story of being quietly removed from leadership—not for misconduc…
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1 h 31
BONUS: Q&A
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you have additional questions not answered in this episode please send them to [email protected] or via our contact fo…
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59 min
Full Interview: Ken Wilson
In this full-length interview, Spoiled Fruit sits down with Ken Wilson, founding pastor of Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor and one of the movement's earliest and most respected leader…
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60 min
Full Interview: JT Meyer pt. 2
In Part 2, JT Meyer recounts the aftermath of his decision to speak out. Despite his loyalty to the movement and attempts to engage in good-faith dialogue, JT was met with silence,…
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45 min
Full Interview: JT Meyer pt. 1
In Part 1 of this two-part interview, former Vineyard pastor JT Meyer shares his journey into the Vineyard movement - from his early pastoral calling to his commitment to creating…
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1 h 04
Full Interview - The Anderson Family
In this emotional and unfiltered interview, we hear from Heidi Anderson and her children - former members of Mile High Vineyard, led by current Vineyard USA National Director Jay P…
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1 h 06
Full Interview - The Heidi Anderson Family
In this emotional and unfiltered interview, we hear from Heidi Anderson and her children - former members of Mile High Vineyard, led by current Vineyard USA National Director Jay P…
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58 min
Full Interview: Dr. Paula Swindle
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Paula Swindle helps us put words to the pain many have experienced but struggled to name. A scholar, psychologist, and trauma-inf…
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35 min
Chapter 8: The God Card - Power, Control, and the Death of Accountability
In the season finale of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, we examine the final stage of Vineyard USA's transformation from grassroots revival to centralized authority. This chapter tra…
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1 h 05
Full Interview: Mandy Cavoto
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 sp…
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52 min
Full Interview: Reagan Waggoner
In this extended interview, former Vineyard pastor Reagan Waggoner shares his deeply personal journey from trusted leader to outspoken critic of Vineyard USA's handling of spiritua…
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52 min
Chapter 7: Crisis as Currency
Chapter 7: Crisis as Currency — How Vineyard Leveraged Collapse to Consolidate PowerContent Warning: This episode includes references to spiritual abuse, institutional manipulation…
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1 h 29
Full Interview: Adey & Tom Wassink
📄 Show Notes:In this episode of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, John sits down with Tom and Adey Wassink—former Vineyard pastors who led a thriving congregation in Iowa until their d…
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27 min
Chapter 6: Love the Sinner, Silence the Pastor
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…
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38 min
Chapter 5: The Fine Print of Obedience
🎙️ 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…
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40 min
Full Interview: Rebecca Hopkins
📍 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 an…