Recent developments involving Rick Olmstead have raised understandable questions and concerns within our church community. This FAQ is intended to provide clear, consistent, and pastoral communication, reduce speculation, and help our community move forward with care, unity, and trust.

Rick and Becky Olmstead have resigned from their roles at Arise Vineyard Church. The Board of Directors has accepted their resignations.

Five years ago, Rick exercised poor judgment when he took unsolicited photographs of young women while waiting in line outside a local store. This was addressed at the time through confession, counseling, accountability, and a restoration process with the Board, that was completed by Rick. Recently, this situation resurfaced through an anonymous report made to Vineyard USA’s Guidepost Solutions hotline. Vineyard USA followed up with the current Arise Board and the board has been engaging with the situation since. Rick and Becky determined—together with the Board—that stepping back now was the wisest course of action for the wellbeing of the church and themselves.

No. While there had already been discussions about a pastoral transition in 2026, Rick and Becky’s decision to resign was a personal one, made in consultation with the Board. There was mutual agreement that the situation was affecting the Olmstead’s wellbeing and the church's ability to focus on the future. The Board accepted their resignation as a voluntary step toward health for all parties involved.

This has been an ongoing situation that the current Arise Board has been actively engaging since they were made aware of allegations that came from the anonymous report that was made to Guidepost Solutions in August 2025. The current board has been attempting to get more clarity of some of these claims over the past months.

The congregation was informed of the facts as they were known via an email on 12/26/2025, including a link to this FAQ prior to the media reporting on this publicly. Please let us know if you did not receive the email and we’ll make sure you get future communications. 

Some of the allegations and information uncovered in the SLO Tribune article were new to the Arise Board. For example, the current board has no record of reports regarding inappropriate touching or intoxication that predate the publication of the article.

The current board’s understanding is that the 2020 Arise Board didn't share the 2020 matter because they believed every personnel matter requires deep discernment to determine the right balance of accountability, restoration, and public disclosure. Based on a thorough review of the facts that were known at the time and in consultation with an independent professional counselor, the 2020 Arise Board determined that this matter could be effectively resolved through an internal process emphasizing accountability and restoration.

Yes. The 2020 Arise Board was informed of the incident shortly after it occurred and responded appropriately within its scope of responsibility. Broader leadership, including Vineyard USA, was not informed at that time. While the response was deemed sufficient at the time by the Board, in hindsight, this lack of broader disclosure to Vineyard USA leadership contributed to the current situation, and responsibility for that has been acknowledged.

The current Arise Board’s understanding is that the 2020 Arise Board didn't share the 2020 matter because they believed every personnel matter requires deep discernment to determine the right balance of accountability, restoration, and public disclosure. Based on a thorough review of the facts that were known at the time and in consultation with an independent professional counselor, the 2020 Arise Board determined that this matter could be effectively resolved through an internal process emphasizing accountability and restoration.

We understand there is confusion regarding what the board knew in 2020 versus the stories currently being shared. It is important to clarify that a board’s actions are limited to the information presented to it, and in this case, the 2020 Arise Board acted on the facts available at that time. The 2020 Arise Board received one anonymous note regarding this incident from a store employee. A good faith effort was made to get more clarity, but the Board was informed that this employee did not want to discuss the matter. The 2020 Board was also not aware of the other allegations being discussed in the media today, including specific content of the photos, claims of physical contact, intoxication, and contacting the police; no such reports were received through any channel. At that time, there was no other documented history of inappropriate conduct related to Rick. The current board is following up on the new allegations. 

While such matters are often unique with their own nuance and context the current board is working on strengthening protocols to provide more guidance for any future situations.

In 2020, our church operated with a high degree of local autonomy, which was standard for the organization at that time. While a report was considered, there were no established protocols or formal requirements for reporting internal personnel matters to national leadership. Given the decentralized nature of the network and the specific internal focus of the restoration process, the Board acted within its authority to resolve the matter locally. 

Since then, both our local church and the national organization have evolved significantly, implementing much clearer reporting structures and standardized protocols that simply weren't in place five years ago. 

We see in retrospect that we could have better thought through the ramifications of not involving wider leadership earlier. We have since implemented much more robust reporting structures to ensure greater transparency.

Most members of the board that brought Rick back on staff knew that a past event occurred at varying levels of detail and disclosure. More importantly, they relied on respected predecessors, prior pastoral leadership, and (as some members were aware) a professional counselor, believing that the matter had been thoroughly resolved via a formal restoration process. While no board member was informed about the full details of the original board investigation, they trusted that the process was complete and that the level of disclosure chosen was appropriate, especially as no new information or allegations had come forward at that time.

Yes. Arise Vineyard Church remains a safe place for worship, discipleship, children, youth, and families. Safeguarding policies, accountability structures, and oversight remain firmly in place.

The Board is actively leading the church in close partnership with Vineyard USA and Regional Leader Mike Safford.

Protocols and policies are being developed by the board to offer clearer guidance for addressing staff and volunteer misconduct. All staff and volunteers should be trained and familiar with reporting channels and feel safe and equipped to handle inappropriate conduct that they observe. In addition, board members need a better rubric to guide how conduct is addressed and how and when others should be informed. Let us know if you would like a copy of this document when it becomes available.

Rick has never been paid by Arise Vineyard and has served as a volunteer in this pastoral role.

Yes. The Arise Board is developing a care plan to support Rick and Becky during this season. This may include counseling, pastoral support, and other forms of care to help them navigate the personal, emotional, and spiritual challenges they are facing.

We ask that you respect their privacy during this time. They have made this decision to attend to their wellbeing. There will be opportunities in the future to more directly connect with and support them. While they will be doing some traveling over the next month or so we anticipate that they will be back as congregants at Arise.

We recognize that people may have a wide range of reactions. Questions and emotions are understandable. We ask that concerns be directed to appropriate church leadership rather than discussed publicly or through speculation. Pastoral care is available for those who need support. If you have questions, please reach to the board at board@arisevineyard.com.

If you have any concerns, questions, or wish to report an issue related to church safety, misconduct, or any other serious matter that is not being addressed satisfactorily by current leadership, you are encouraged to contact Vineyard USA’s Guidepost Solutions hotline directly. This is an independent, confidential channel available for all church members, staff, and volunteers.

Guidepost Solutions Hotline:https://vineyardusa.org/report/

Do not attempt to resolve such matters independently or discuss them publicly. Reaching out to Guidepost ensures that concerns are addressed appropriately, confidentially, and with oversight.

The Arise Board of Directors is actively engaged with the staff to provide oversight, stability, and care. Church services and programs including children and youth ministries are continuing as normal. We have a great team and all ministry responsibilities will be addressed. The Board is working closely with Vineyard USA and Regional Vineyard leadership  to create a plan for leadership in this transition season and a long term pastor for the church.  We will continue to communicate clearly at appropriate times.

Yes. Rick had already been planning to transition in 2026, and the Board has proactively begun planning for a pastoral transition. This includes evaluating the future needs of the church and preparing for a smooth and prayerful handoff to new pastoral leadership.

You can support the church by:

• Praying for everyone affected.

• Choosing grace over speculation.

• Staying engaged in church life and community.

• Trusting the leadership and processes in place.

• Caring well for one another.