A new civil lawsuit in Delaware County accuses retired pastor Daniel Meyer of grooming and sexually abusing two women who turned to Vineyard Church of Delaware County for counseling. The complaint claims Meyer leveraged his pastoral authority and counselor role to create emotionally dependent, "father-daughter" style relationships that later escalated into sexual misconduct. The filing asks the court to hold Meyer and several related church entities responsible and to step in to prevent similar harm in the future.
What the lawsuit alleges
According to WSYX/ABC6, the complaint in Delaware County Common Pleas Court says Meyer used his position as both pastor and counselor to foster heavy emotional dependence, then moved into alleged sexual misconduct during counseling sessions held at church offices and at his home. The suit alleges he relied on encrypted messaging, secret email accounts, and location-sharing tools to monitor and control the women. It also cites passages in which one woman recounts Meyer calling her "one of the special ones" and saying, "God pointed you out to me." Attorneys for the plaintiffs told reporters the women spent years trying to understand and process what they say they experienced.
Vineyard USA launches independent review
Vineyard USA says it received a report in January and, working with the church board, opened a formal independent investigation led by Megan E. B. Kelly of Safeguarding By Design. In a public statement, the national network said the allegations "are taken with the utmost seriousness" and that it is prioritizing care for those affected while the inquiry is underway. Vineyard USA has said it plans to share additional details when appropriate and legally allowed.
Claims in the filing
Per WSYX/ABC6, the lawsuit names Daniel Meyer, Vineyard USA, Vineyard Church of Delaware County, and Gospel of Wholeness LLC as defendants. The claims include sexual battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent hiring, supervision, and training. The complaint further alleges that church leaders continued to give Meyer access to church offices and congregants after his 2018 retirement. The outlet reports that no criminal charges had been filed as of the time of publication.
What comes next
The case now moves through the civil docket in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, a process that can involve discovery, sworn depositions and a series of motions before any trial or settlement talks. Vineyard USA's independent investigator and the church board say their internal review will continue alongside the civil proceedings. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have said they are seeking accountability and measures to prevent future abuse, and note that people with relevant information could be asked to come forward to investigators or through the court record as the case develops.
