ABOUT EVC
At Eugene Vineyard Church, we’re a community shaped by the love of Jesus and committed to living out His mission in everyday life. Come discover who we are, what we believe, and how you can be part of the story.
OUR VISION
Love Jesus. Love others. That’s all.
It’s really that simple. Jesus taught that the greatest command is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself (Matt. 22:37-39). When we love Jesus (the same as loving God) with all that we are and love others the way Jesus taught us to, we fulfill all the expectations set by Scripture. It’s simple, but it’s not easy. Loving others can be risky…and let’s be honest, messy. That’s why we need Jesus. The Eugene Vineyard Church is a community committed to practicing the Way of Jesus, following the teachings of Jesus, and doing so in the power and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Come walk toward Jesus with us!
OUR TEAM
DAVID GERLACH
PASTOR
(You can call him Dave or David, he answers to both) is our lead shepherd (pastor). He does the bulk of the teaching and heads the EVC leadership team. David graduated from the University of Oregon in 1986, but also attended Biola University for the first two years of his undergrad degree in Telecommunications and Film. David completed 24+ years in the local television news business in Southern Oregon and Tennessee. He left television to start a second career as a Vineyard church planter and pastor, moving his family back to Oregon during the summer of 2012. David is nearly finished with a master’s degree from Western Seminary in theology and leadership. David and Jenifer have been married for 39 years, have five adult children (all married), 6 grandchildren and another grandson on the way. David enjoys reading, gardening, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, digital photography and taking his wife for motorcycle rides in the beautiful Oregon countryside.
Jenifer Gerlach
Worship Pastor/leader
(She goes by Jeni) is our associate pastor in charge of worship and is a member of the EVC leadership team. Jeni has been playing the piano since she was six, has accompanied choirs and worship services for years, and is now the elementary music teacher at a local school. Jeni completed a certificate degree from Multnomah School of the Bible in 1983 and a BS in Education from Western Oregon University. Jeni has been both a public school teacher and homeschool instructor (of her kids) for the past 30 years. She’s a songwriter, mother, grandmother, friend and ally. She finds much joy in leading people into the throneroom of God to hover in worship and adoration. She’s a strong advocate for the healing power of Spirit-inspired music. Jeni enjoys spending time with her grandkids, traveling, gardening, songwriting and hosting friends in her home.
John & Ruth Reagan
Pastoral Care
John T. Reagan was raised on a small farm in the mountains of Southern Idaho. After graduating high school he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and went on to teach school throughout the Pacific/Mountain Northwest. Ruth Reagan was born and raised in Butte, Montana. She graduated with a degree in elementary education and taught school in both Montana and Idaho. Married in 1981 they raised and homeschooled two awesome sons, JC and David. John, with Ruth’s help, pastored three small churches and they continue to seek ministry opportunities whenever and wherever God opens doors.
Susan Miller
Pastoral Care
Susan Miller serves as a care shepherd to the members of our community. She is a mom of two adult children, grandma to six grandchildren and great-grandma to four great-grandchildren. Her dog, Tink, goes to church and nearly everywhere else with her, bringing joy to those who encounter the small Pomeranian. Susan has been a part of various Vineyard churches for more than 50 years and has been a part of the Eugene Vineyard family for the past 12 years, getting involved when her grandson joined the youth group. Susan is a prayer warrior at heart and cares deeply for people who need the love and kindness of Papa God, helping EVC keep tabs on those who may not be able to attend regularly.
Estee Richter
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY LEADER
Estee coordinates our children’s ministry. Estee has two kids of her own, both are in grade school. Estee teaches middle school science and at City First School in Eugene. Estee graduated from Westmont College with a BS in Education in. Estee enjoys pickleball.
Greg Battle
Audio/visual Tech Coordinator
Greg serves as the head of our Sunday morning tech team. He’s an honorary native Oregonian, having moved from California to Springfield with his family at the age of eight. His life has been held together by God’s mercy and grace through a long road of trauma, trials, and transformation. A U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in technology and a degree in accounting, he currently serves as Senior Accountant at Bushnell University in Eugene, where he has worked for nearly 20 years. Greg enjoys learning, writing, and reflecting on the ways faith intersects with everyday life. He is a devoted father to five adult children and a proud grandfather. With eyes fixed on eternity, Greg earnestly seeks to grow in wisdom, compassion, and spiritual resilience.
RESOURCES
ONE MINUTE PAUSE APP
A simple way to connect with God in the middle of your busy day from John Eldredge. This app invites you into the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you. There are a number of pauses, each centered around a theme, aimed at helping you move closer to Jesus and make space for him each day. EVC has benefited greatly from this simple, daily reminder that the most important thing in life is a deep and abiding relationship with God.
THE BIBLE PROJECT
The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. The Bible Project, based in Portland, Oregon is a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that makes free resources like videos, podcasts, articles, and classes to help people experience the Bible in a way that is approachable and transformative. They do this by showcasing the literary art of the Scriptures and tracing key biblical themes from Genesis to Revelation. EVC relies on the Bible Project for sermon illustrations and summaries of various Bible books and themes.
WILD AT HEART
Wild at Heart exists to help people get their hearts back and grow in their love for Jesus and his Kingdom. They offer videos, podcasts, films and documentaries, in-person retreats, books and articles produced for men and women. John and Stasi Eldredge lead the Wild at Heart team, based in Colorado Springs. John has written a number of books that have been very influential in shaping Pastor Dave’s spiritual formation.
Lectio 365
Are you looking for a simple, accessible way to connect with God on a daily basis? Give Lectio 365 a try. Lectio 365 helps you build a daily prayer habit – anytime, anywhere, for whatever your day holds. Across morning, midday and night, daily devotionals are designed to help you deepen your prayer life and bring God into every part of your day. The day’s devotional are a part of a daily rhyme of prayer, available in multiple languages, connecting you with Christians all around the world. The contributors are from around the world as well. The Eugene Vineyard Church recommends this website and app for those who are looking for more of God. Pastors Dave and Jeni use this app daily. You can download the app onto your smartphone from the Apple App store and from Google Play.
VINEYARD USA
The Eugene Vineyard Church is affiliated with Vineyard USA and shares its values, its heritage as a spiritual renewal movement, and its doctrinal statement. Vineyard USA provides training, accountability, relationships and mentoring of Vineyard churches and pastors. Pastor Dave is an area leader with Vineyard USA, shepherding pastors from 8 other churches in NW Oregon and SW Washington.
OVERFLOW HOPE
Stories of how Jesus has rescued and redeemed people right here in Eugene!
MINISTRIES EVC SUPPORTS
Dove Medical
Dove Medical is a fully accredited medical clinic staffed by licensed Family Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses, that offers a variety of services, including pregnancy testing, STI testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, prenatal wellness and post-partum care, all free of charge.
EVC is and always has been a supporter of life at every stage of development.
Love for Lane County
Love for Lane County is a ministry that provides and connects families in need to services in the local area. They give furniture and household items. They also have transportation services and have access to a variety of services such as yard clean up and small repairs.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
EVC supports Emi Araki who works with international students on four college campuses in Eugene.
PNW Adult & Teen Challenge
Adult and Teen Challenge provides a comprehensive, residential addiction recovery program for men and women. EVC hosts the residents of the Eugene Women’s shelter at a church service every Fall where they share their stories and victories over addiction.
ONE HOPE
One Hope is a network of pastors, leaders, churches, businesses & individuals who unite to love God, love each other, and demonstrate His love in the greater Eugene/Springfield area. One Hope sponsors several city-wide initiatives including an end-of-summer backpack/school supply giveaway, worship nights, a pastor’s prayer retreat, strategic prayer, and Thanksgiving meal distribution. EVC has been a part of the One Hope network of churches since its beginning.