Introducing the Pastors Residency Cohort

September 3, 2020

In the spring of 2019, Vineyard Columbus engaged in a capital campaign that we called “The Story Continues”. The campaign was designed to accomplish four objectives:

1. To raise up new leaders

2. To launch new campuses

3. Purchase or renovate new spaces

4. Send out new missionaries

The church was extraordinarily generous. We’ve collected more than $4 million in the first year of the campaign. This year, that has been characterized by shutdowns and COVID, we’ve already launched an online campus which will be one of the five campuses we intend to start. We recently renovated our Cooper Road sanctuary. When we finally move in, I think you’ll love the changes! Parents of babies and toddlers will especially appreciate the new spaces for them! And from the campaign, we sent out three missionaries and two more will be sent out in the next several months. 

The project that I’m personally involved in is “raising up new leaders”. As all of you know by now, I’m transitioning from my present role as Senior Pastor at the end of this calendar year – December 2020. My new portfolio in the church will include preaching on the preaching team and being the Director of a Pastors Residency Program (PRP). The six “residents” will join our staff for 21 months for intensive ministry training as well as spiritual formation. 

What I hope to do with PRP is to raise up the next generation of Vineyard Columbus campus pastors and church planters. This cohort of six is our first cohort. They will begin in September 2020. The next cohort will begin in September 2022. 

The entire program is being funded with money raised through The Story Continues Campaign. All of you who pledged and contributed are making an eternal investment in God’s kingdom! This residency program will result in thousands upon thousands of people coming into the kingdom of God and becoming disciples through the future leadership of these young men and women. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your financial sacrifice is making an eternal difference!

Meet the 2020 Pastors Residency Program cohort.


Shareena Casey

Shareena Casey is an enthusiast, a creative, and a friend of adventure. Shareena survived years of church hurt, and it wasn’t until encountering Christ in her 20's that she fell in love with Jesus. Over the past decade, she has had the immense privilege of partnering with local churches and organizations as a worship pastor and speaker. Shareena has been married to her husband, John, for nearly 11 years. They have two energetic children, Adelyn and Aden. After many seasons of singing and touring the world, Shareena now enjoys the simple pleasures of writing music, nature, and family dance parties in the living room.

Daniel Hernandez

Daniel Hernandez was born and raised in Venezuela. He became part of the Vineyard movement at the young age of 13. Daniel was part of the first La Viña in Venezuela where he served as a Worship Leader and songwriter. Daniel sensed God was calling him to use his prior training in Venezuela for His Kingdom and His church by becoming a Pastor of the Pomona Vineyard in Southern California. Daniel has a degree in Material Science Engineering from the Universidad Simon Bolivar. He has been married to his wife, Nicole, for 12 years. They have two children, Jonah and Zoe.

John Ma

Prior to his role within the Pastors Residency Program at Vineyard Columbus, John served as a pastor and disciple for two years at Worthington United Methodist Church and twelve years at Global Community Church in Columbus, OH. John has a degree in Business Finance and Real Estate from The Ohio State University. John met his wife, Christine, while they were attending college at OSU. They have a daughter Anastasia and are expecting another baby this fall. He is deeply humbled by the opportunity to partner with what God is doing in the mission field. In his free time, John is a big sports fan both on and off the field. He also enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and learning about different cultures.

TJ Tillman

Thomas Tillman Jr., who goes by TJ, was born and raised in Steubenville, OH. In 2010, TJ moved with his wife, Krista, to Columbus, OH. In 2016, he joined the Vineyard Columbus Sawmill campus where he led a men’s summer series, volunteered teaching High School students, and was a member of the hospitality team. TJ has been married to his wife, Krista, for 8 years. They have two daughters, Tierra and Amauri. They are also enthusiastic grandparents to granddaughter Arabella who calls him "Baba". In his free time, TJ loves to watch his favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zach White

Zach White joined the Vineyard Columbus family in 2014. He started out as a small group leader and later worked as an international ministries intern. Zach recently served as the Student Ministry Coordinator for Sawmill campus students. Zach graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ohio University. Zach worked in long-term care facility as a marketing director. He also taught for five years in the Whitehall School District and has been a licensed Real Estate Agent for the past 6 years. Zach married his wife, Maressa, in 2016. They enjoy traveling the world and leading short-term international trips. They recently welcomed their first child, Isaac, in February of 2020.

Bryan Winbush

Bryan Winbush joins our Pastors Residency Program with 20 years’ experience in youth ministry and Christian education. In addition to his passion for youth ministry and education, Bryan also has professional experience in child welfare. He recently served as the Grants Manager at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Bryan has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is pursuing a master’s in professional counseling. He has been married to his lovely wife, Monique, since 2004. They have two boys, Bryson and Brayden. Bryan enjoys reading, attending bootcamp, running (participating in half-marathons), and spending time outdoors. Bryan considers himself an amateur foodie who loves to cook, with a special interest in international cuisine.