Jeri co-pastors Vineyard Altoona in Altoona, PA with her husband, Derek. Jeri and Derek, along with their 2 kids, planted their church nearly 10 years ago in Jeri's hometown. She is passionate about helping people find deep and meaningful life in Jesus. Jeri also serves on the leadership teams for the Vineyard Women's Association, the Black Pastors and Leaders Association, and Vineyard Coaching Network.

Charissa serves as the Executive Pastor at Elm City Vineyard Church, working diligently to shape the church's vision and make it a reality. In her role, she offers guidance to the staff, streamlines operational processes, and creates an environment where the team can thrive. With over 15 years of experience in various roles, including HR, communications, operations, and event planning, she is committed to empowering and equipping leaders within the church.

Charissa's recognition of the challenges that exist in today's world drives her deep desire to help individuals live out their divine calling and rise up to those challenges, embodying God's teachings and love in ways that transcend our complex cultural climate. She is committed to creating spaces where people can encounter God, build a strong sense of community, and connect with each other and with the Lord.

Outside of her role, Charissa enjoys exploring the world of cuisine as a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the lookout for the next culinary delight. She's also an avid waterfall enthusiast, never passing up the opportunity to take a refreshing dive and swim. And, with a heartfelt love for her home state, Charissa proudly declares her bias, considering California the epitome of beauty and greatness.

James Payne is a highly experienced leader with a rich background in ministry and diverse professional ventures. With a passion for serving others, James has dedicated the past 20 years to ministry, almost decade of which has been concurrent with leading markets and teams for an international specialty retailer. James is a 2013 graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary where he was the only African-American awarded the Kern Family Foundation Scholarship - Master of Divinity. Also, he a a proud 2009 HBCU graduate of American Baptist College of Nashville, TN - Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.

James’ Vineyard roots are growing. From 2021 - 2022, he served as the Pastor of Mission and Justice for a Vineyard plant in New York City. James was also invited to participate as a church planting fellow and incubator with Redeemer City to City and served as the administrative assistant for VUSA’s Black Pastors and Leaders Association. Today, James is a project manager with VUSA’s Evangelism and Justice and a research assistant with a local Vineyard Church.

James lives in Harlem, NYC with his bride (Kristina) and has three sons. In NYC, James and his wife are the founders of a small business pursuing a redemptive entrepreneurship venture where they seek to curate spaces for new and young families and enable them to thrive in NYC.

Avi is the La Viña Pastor / Worship Pastor at the State Fair site of The Syracuse Vineyard in NY. Avi is married to Damaris, and they have two young daughters.