National Director Succession Update

Over the past several months, Vineyard Canada has been engaged in a prayerful and intentional process of discerning the future leadership of our movement. Following a season of nominations and discernment, two candidates entered the National Director succession process. After a thorough evaluation and discernment process, neither candidate reached the 80% threshold of affirmation established by the National Team for appointment to the role.

While this was not the outcome many anticipated at the outset, there is a deep sense of confidence that the process was marked by careful discernment and a shared conviction that it "seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us." (Acts 15)

In light of this discernment, the National Team unanimously affirmed David Ruis to continue serving as National Director in a half-time capacity for up to an additional two years, through the end of 2028 if needed. This season will provide space to continue strengthening our leadership structures, investing in emerging leaders, and prayerfully preparing for the next chapter of Vineyard Canada.

As we continue to steward the implications of these decisions, we have also made several adjustments within the staff of the Foundations Team to best support the ongoing health and growth of our movement. Nathan Rousu will step into the role of Managing Director, providing operational leadership and oversight across Vineyard Canada. Joyce Rees will serve in a new role focused on Church Growth, helping to cultivate and strengthen our existing churches while encouraging healthy multiplication. Anita Ruis will continue to serve as Spiritual Life Director, and Tina-Marie Axenty will continue in her role as Administration and Communications Director.

We also want to let you know that David Ruis will be taking a well-deserved sabbatical during the months of June, July, and August. We invite you to join us in praying for David during this season, that he would experience deep refreshment, renewed vision, and the presence of God in meaningful ways. We are grateful for his faithful leadership and look forward to welcoming him back in the fall.

As we continue to steward these decisions over the coming months, we remain grateful for the faithfulness of the Lord and for the commitment of those who have invested significant time, wisdom, and prayer into this work. We are deeply grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and engagement of leaders across the movement throughout this process. We continue to trust that the Lord is faithfully guiding Vineyard Canada, and we look forward with hope and expectation to all that He has ahead for us.