Vineyard Church Eastside

I left a really great church to come to this one. While I really enjoyed my church-going experience before, I was seeking a deeper level of involvement and a more personal connection with other members. The Eastside Vineyard Church is a place that truly embodies what it means to be a "church." The teaching is bible-based. The teaching staff does an amazing job to present truth, no matter what. That can be a hard thing to do with all the bias in this world. Some truths may be very inconvenient but they should be brought out. If you are looking to be part of a welcoming church community, have your theology challenged, and have your eyes opened and heart filled, this is a church worth checking out.

I have had connection to this church for 8 years and have known pastors Dan and Kellie Kopp for longer. They are skilled pastors who combine a passionately serve Jesus, the church and the community with an admirable blend of head and heart. This is a church where members are empowered and equipped to serve. This is a church that engages the city beyond the four walls of the church and that gives generously to the kingdom cause of Jesus. This is a church that takes seriously preaching and prayer, mercy and mission, discipleship, fellowship and worship. I recommend this church to anyone seeking to know more of Jesus, live a life modeled after his, and to practice what is their motto: "The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself in love."

We were active core team members of this church for over 5 years until God opened our eyes to what we believe is false teaching. A major concern we had was a sermon promoting "holy laughter" from 7/2/17 which can be viewed on the website. "Holy laughter" was also physically manifested during the church service that day by members of the congregation. Although we feel the people of this church are truly trying to do the right thing, we do not agree with teachings based on the theology of Randy Clark (of the Toronto Blessing/Global Awakening), Bill Johnson (of Bethel), Heidi Baker, etc. So it is with sad regret that we cannot recommend this church, and we ask that you please pray and do your own research prior to attending. This is our own personal opinion and it has cost us greatly to take this position.

After several visits to The Eastside Vineyard Church (or TEVC) in Shelby, I DO NOT believe this organization is a cult. But it has a lot of cult like qualities. The lead pastor, Daniel Kopp, frequently reinforces that there is only one way to interpret the bible, his way. He often gives examples of how he has it all together and by being more like him, you'll be closer to God. EVERYTHING is either a miracle or a demon ranging from a stubbed toe to the changing of the weather. Almost everything that benefits his life, is a gift from God, even if it's at the expense of others. You can expect to be made to feel guilty for doing anything other than donating money to his church in order to pay for his and his wife's salaries. You'll also hear praises showered on people that volunteer their free time to do his house work and even babysit his kids! And finally if you pay close attention, you'll notice that in order to be in the "IN" crowd in this church, you'll need to eat, dress, drive, vacation and live your life the exact same way the pastor and his wife do. These things are subtle but definately there is you pay attention. That's why I don't think this organization is a Cult. But it has many cult like qualitites.