DELAWARE — Two women have accused former Vineyard Church of Delaware County founder and pastor Daniel Meyer of grooming and sexually abusing them while serving as their pastor and counselor, according to a civil lawsuit filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
The May 26 lawsuit names Meyer, Vineyard Church of Delaware County, the church’s parent organization Vineyard USA, and Meyer’s Gospel of Wholeness LLC as defendants. Judge Marianne Hemmeter will preside.
The plaintiffs are identified in court records as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2 and John Doe 1, the husband of Jane Doe 1. John Doe 1 alleges the experiences described in the lawsuit negatively affected his marriage.
The plaintiffs are asking for punitive damages in excess of $25,000 as well as other fees.
Lawyers from Charles E. Boyk Law Offices identified factual allegations pertaining to Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and 10 total causes of action that apply to specific defendants or all defendants.
The complaint alleges Meyer used his position as a pastor and counselor to develop relationships with women who had experienced trauma or were in emotionally vulnerable situations before initiating and escalating unwanted physical and sexual contact.
Allegations span years of counseling relationships
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe 1 agreed to Meyer’s private counseling offer in 2017 after “experiencing distressing recollections of childhood sexual abuse.”
In 2009, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to Meyer that her father had abused her, to which Meyer then offered to privately counsel her, and she agreed.
Both of the women’s factual allegations described Meyer as a father-like figure to them.
Meyer allegedly told Jane Doe 1 she was “one of the special ones,” and told Jane Doe 2 he had “a father’s heart for her” and that she was one of his “spiritual kids,” the lawsuit states.
Meyer initiated and escalated unwanted physical and sexual contact with both women at his church offices and his home, according to the complaint.
“The unwanted sexual contact occurred in Meyer’s church office, where he deliberately ensured privacy by closing the blinds, and during sessions at his private residence after sessions began occurring there due to the global pandemic,” the lawsuit states.
Claims extend beyond Meyer
The lawsuit also alleges that Meyer communicated with both women via encrypted messaging platforms, secret email accounts and kept surveillance on them by using the location-tracking app Life360 for further emotional control.
In addition to claims against Meyer, the lawsuit alleges Vineyard Church of Delaware County (VCDC), Vineyard USA and Gospel of Wholeness LLC either knew or should have known Meyer was unfit to serve as a pastor or counselor.
“Vineyard USA, VCDC, and Gospel of Wholeness LLC knew or, through the exercise of
reasonable care, should have known that Meyer was unfit and/or unsuitable to serve as a pastor, pastoral counselor, or counselor at VCDC or elsewhere, including in light of prior inappropriate conduct, complaints, red flags, or other warning signs,” the complaint states.
The complaint alleges the organizations failed to adequately investigate warning signs, conduct appropriate screening or properly supervise Meyer.
“Alternatively, upon information and belief, Vineyard USA, VCDC, and/or Gospel of Wholeness LLC failed to conduct adequate background checks, screening, or inquiry into Meyer’s fitness to serve as a pastor or counselor,” the lawsuit states.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims the church did not properly supervise Meyer, as he was allowed access to church offices, congregants and counseling sessions after his retirement in 2018.
Vineyard USA launched investigation earlier this year
The lawsuit was filed in May 2026 following a public statement released by Vineyard USA on Jan. 29, 2026.
In that statement, the organization said it received what it described as “credible information from a victim’s advocate” on Jan. 13 regarding allegations of clergy sexual misconduct involving Meyer.
Upon receiving the victim advocate’s allegations, the church launched a formal investigation.
“Allegations of clergy sexual misconduct raise serious concerns regarding potential abuses of trust, power, and spiritual authority, and any report of such conduct is taken with the utmost seriousness,” the statement says.
Attorneys encourage others to come forward
One day after Charles E. Boyk Law Offices filed the lawsuit, the firm posted a statement to its website saying the firm believes there are other victims out there.
“According to the lawsuit, reports of clergy and pastoral abuse had been made within other Vineyard churches across the country, including in Ohio,” the statement reads. “Charles E. Boyk Law Offices believes Meyer may have groomed and harmed others over the course of several years.
“The firm is asking anyone with information about Meyer, these allegations, Vineyard Church of Delaware County, Gospel of Wholeness LLC, or similar conduct to come forward. Speaking up can help stop the cycle of abuse, protect others, and hold the people and institutions responsible accountable.”
When asked whether additional individuals had contacted the firm since the lawsuit was filed, media representative Jacqueline Nelson said several people have reached out.
“We’ve had several people since contact our office,” Nelson said. “We’re currently reviewing the information they’ve shared, and we still encourage anyone who believes they may have relevant information to reach out to our office.”
Nelson said the firm could not comment on any potential criminal investigation or law enforcement involvement because its representation is limited to the civil matter.
Additionally, Nelson said the firm is not “in a position to comment on any potential law enforcement involvement or investigative activity.”
