Investigation Updates
Our Response To Misconduct
As a church community, we face a heartbreaking and very serious situation. Our former pastoral assistant (Jackson Gatlin) has pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct. Five criminal complaints were filed against him. We have also received an independent investigation report from Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) finding extensive abuse by both Jackson Gatlin and our former senior pastors (Michael and Brenda Gatlin). These findings include sexual misconduct, cover up, abuse of pastoral or spiritual power, and emotional abuse. Civil lawsuits have also been filed against Jackson, Michael, Brenda, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA.
Key principles guiding the Special Committee leading our response:Â
- We will continually seek Jesus’ mind and will, through His Spirit and the Word of God, in all actions and decisions related to the allegations of misconduct.
- As Jesus said the truth will set us free, we will diligently seek the truth related to the allegations of misconduct.
- As Jesus was always on the side of the vulnerable and the wounded, in our response to the allegations of misconduct the safety and care of the alleged victims must always come first
We want to say to all survivors of abuse that we hear you and believe you. It is never your fault. And, you are not alone. We are praying for you and we call our community to a time of prayer and lament. As Jesus was always on the side of the vulnerable and the wounded, in our response to abuse the safety and care of survivors must always come first.
We strongly encourage REPORTING criminal activities to law enforcement. Please do so by calling 911.
If you have experienced, seen or heard of any actions or behaviors you believe are potentially illegal or unethical related to the Duluth Vineyard, our staff and/or volunteers, please let us know.
Call: (877) 817-9145
Online Reporting: Click Here
What can you do to help? Keep praying. Please. We need God and his will to be done. Remain open-minded. Resist the desire to speculate and gossip. Try to remain patient. Also, let yourself feel whatever emotions arise. Allegations of wrongdoing can stir up all kinds of feelings within us, including past hurts. Let yourself feel whatever emotions arise. Stay connected with the community and reach out for support.
Victim Assistance
If you are a reporting victim, we want to help. We understand and respect that you may be hesitant and you can engage with us as much or as little as you choose. If it would help you to talk or pray with us, please let us know. If you would benefit from working with a professional counselor in the community, we would like to help with that. For more information, please contact Becca Eastvold at (218) 389-7684 or [email protected].
Available local resources
- Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is a nonprofit rape crisis center in southern St. Louis County that helps area residents cope with the aftermath of sexual violence – 24/7 hotline 218-726-1931
- First Witness Child Advocacy Center is a child-focused non-profit agency offering hope, healing, and justice for alleged victims of child abuse and their families
- Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is a nonprofit agency that provides supportive services to individuals hurt by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Duluth, Superior and Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas counties; 24/7 hotline 800-649-2921
- National Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 hotline 800-656-4673
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Resources we have found helpful
- Responding with Excellence to an Allegation of Sexual Abuse within the Church
- Responding to an Allegation
- When Your Pastor is Accused
- GRACE Independent Investigations FAQ
- The Biblical Principles Behind Reporting Sexual Abuse
- When Pastors Fall: Why Full and Public Repentance Matters
- The Meeting Place
- A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight, Laura Barringer
- Pivot by Scot McKnight, Laura Barringer
- Bully Pulpit by Michael Kruger
- Something’s Not Right by Wade Mullen
- Churches Cooperating in Discipline
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Important documents
- Victim Advocacy Response Statement – February 8, 2023
- Council Meeting Minutes from when Special Committee created – December 14, 2022Â
- Criminal Complaints against Jackson Gatlin (contains graphic depictions of alleged sexual abuse) – October 3, 2023
- GRACE’s Independent Investigation of Duluth Vineyard Church – Final Report & Recommendations – November 20, 2023
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Church Discipline
- Church Discipline Q&A
- Church Discipline Letter sent to Michael and Brenda Gatlin – May 15, 2023
- Church Discipline Letter sent to Michael and Brenda Gatlin – December 14, 2023
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Minnesota Court Records Online
- For records related to the criminal case against Jackson Gatlin, in Case Search select “Case Number” and search for the following case numbers:Â
69DU-CR-23-2646;Â 69DU-CR-23-2647; 69DU-CR-23-2648;
69DU-CR-23-2650; and 69DU-CR-23-2651 - For records related to the civil cases against Jackson, Michael & Brenda Gatlin, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA, in Case Search select Case Number and search for the following case numbers: 69DU-CV-24-2712; 69DU-CV-24-2713;Â 69DU-CV-24-2714; 69DU-CV-24-2718; 69DU-CV-24-2719; 69DU-CV-24-2722; 69DU-CV-24-2738; 69DU-CV-24-2740; and 69DU-CV-24-2741
- St. Louis County Jail Roster Report