In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Super Regional Leader John Elmer talks with Chris Schlotterbeck about hearing from the Lord before he had a relationship with God, being delivered from addiction, and being asked to preach on a missions trip before he had ever read the Bible. Chris talks about finding the Vineyard through Vineyard Worship and his journey from youth ministry to planting a church. Finally, John and Chris talk about prioritizing outreach in the community, and how the Hub City Vineyard became known as the “Hippie Church.” 

Chris grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and had a radical encounter with Jesus in 1995 that totally changed the direction of his life. After graduating from Shepherd College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary education, Chris was hired at a local church as their youth & children’s pastor where he served for 3 years. Chris came into the Vineyard under the guidance of John Elmer in Syracuse, NY. While at the Syracuse Vineyard, he learned everything about “church”, from cleaning toilets to pastoring kids, teens, & young adults. After earning his degree from VLI & serving several years in Syracuse, Chris planted the Hub City Vineyard in Hagerstown, Maryland in 2006. After 18 years the small living room gatherings have grown into a vibrant tie-dyed community of faith. Chris is the lead pastor and enjoys Baltimore Ravens football, baseball, and the Maryland Terrapins. He has a passion for the Vineyard and seeing all people in the Tri-State Area accepted and shown the unconditional love of Jesus. Chris loves to spend time with his wife Jessica, and their six children: Isaac, Trinity, Zoe, Lily, Nolan & Phoenix. 

Show Notes: 

Register for the 2024 Vineyard USA National Conference: Seed & Soil

Power Evangelism by John Wimber  

Steve Sjogren’s books 

Chris’ email: [email protected]

Social Account Links for Church 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HCV.church

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hubcityvineyard/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@HCVHubCityVineyard

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@hcvhubcityvineyard

Messages – https://linktr.ee/hcvpodcast 

Vineyard History and Identity Resources: 

The Way It Was by Carol Wimber 

The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson 

Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson

“I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony