Stephen Van Dop grew up in the small town of Fremont, Michigan. He received a B.A. from Hope College in Psychology. He went on get an MDIV with Western Theological Seminary and a D.Min with Asbury Theological Seminary. Stephen has served as a medical center chaplain in Chicago and a pastor for two Reformed Church congregations.
Since 2000 he has been on staff at Vineyard Columbus as the Pastor of Connect Ministry. In that role he is directly responsible for welcoming and connecting new visitors and believers, all church outreaches, Evangelism training, Church Planting, Singles and Men’s ministries. As part of the Senior Pastoral Team he supervises Worship and Children’s Ministries and Vineyard Columbus’ Sawmill Campus. Internationally, Stephen leads the US Vineyard Partnership in Zambia. He enjoys outdoor activities (scuba diving, wilderness canoeing and hiking) jazz, reading and writing. Stephen and his wife Susan have been married 30 years. They continue to enjoy three children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, three grandchildren, two canoes and one grand piano.
Rich Mendola was born in Buffalo, NY, the grandson of immigrants from Italy who settled in Western, NY. Rich attended Colgate University in New York State where he majored in Biology and minored in Education and Philosophy and Religion. After his graduation with a B.A., he had the first opportunity to pastor and was called to serve a rural congregation . At the same time he served on the Dean’s staff at Colgate University as the Director of Housing. In addition, he studied for a Master’s degree in counseling.
In 1991, Rich and his wife Janet moved to Columbus, Ohio to work with International Friendships. Since 1998 he has served as the Executive Director. He also leads Bible studies and does 1-1 discipleship with students. He has written several Bible studies for internationals. He has served as the Chairperson for the Association of Christians Ministering to Internationals. Rich has also helped to plant two churches. He currently serves as the apostolic pastor for All Nations Christian Fellowship.
During Rich’s 30 years of service among internationals hundreds have come to know Jesus and many have returned as effective witnesses of Jesus among their own people. The kingdom of God is advancing among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists because of the ministry to internationals.