While production continues on Season Two of Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power — which takes a broader look at evangelical movements beyond the Vineyard — John shares a full, uncut conversation with Pastor Doug Warburton, his own pastor and a leader within the ELCA Lutheran Church.

In this episode, Pastor Doug offers valuable perspective from a tradition that’s been refining its systems of governance, accountability, and pastoral care for centuries. Together, John and Doug explore how institutional structure can be both protective and redemptive when it’s rooted in transparency, shared authority, and a deep respect for congregational voice.

Doug also helps frame what healthy oversight looks like in contrast to the failures uncovered throughout Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, showing how lessons learned from long-standing denominations might guide newer movements toward maturity and integrity.

Pastor Doug Warburton serves within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and brings decades of experience in congregational leadership, pastoral care, and denominational governance. His insight offers a grounded, practical contrast to the free-church structures explored throughout Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power, highlighting what institutional wisdom can offer to movements still finding their way.

About the Series

Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power is an investigative series examining how good intentions within church movements can curdle into systems of power and silence. Season Two expands beyond the Vineyard to explore how these same dynamics appear across evangelicalism — and how faith communities can build healthier, more accountable futures.

Follow & Support

Stay connected for updates on Season Two:

• Website: spoiledfruitpodcast.com
• Instagram: @spoiledfruitpodcast
• X / Twitter: @spoiledfruitpod

If you found this conversation meaningful, please rate, review, and share the episode — your support helps keep these stories alive and heard.