The GATHERING, our fall event for pastors and leaders in Central Region, will be held September 28-30, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville, IA. Our theme is Mobilized to Multiply. Be watching for your postcard with registration information. It’s coming soon!
REGIONAL BOARD CHANGES
Doug Harris, Lead Pastor at Church of the Open Bible in Pella, IA, will begin serving as the Central Region Geographic Appointee to the National Board. This places Doug on both the national and regional boards for a period of two years, June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2028. Doug and Rachelle, his marriage and ministry partner, have led the Pella church since 2012.
Ryan Smith, Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Albia, IA, will begin serving as District Director for Southeast Iowa for the remainder of Doug Harris’ unexpired term, June 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027. Ryan and Danielle, his marriage and ministry partner, have been leading our Albia church since 2022.
GLOBAL MISSIONS BOARD
Mark Hornback, Lead Pastor at First Church in Ottumwa, IA, has been reappointed to serve as Central Region’s representative on the Global Missions board June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2028. Mark and Jennifer, his marriage and ministry partner, have been leading First Church in Ottumwa since 2017. Mark is beginning his third two-year term on the Global Missions board.
A word from Mark Hornback on our 2026 Global Harvest Offering:
I am excited to share that for the 2026 Global Harvest Offering we are partnering with our ministries in Africa to help “Build Hope in Africa”. There are 13 different ministries in need of our support, and through Global Harvest your church can help meet those needs. This link gives you access to all the digital resources you will need to join the efforts in Africa. You will see there is a cheat sheet on the first page to help you navigate all the new resources we have available!
2026 Global Harvest Offering – Build Hope in Africa Resource Link
CONGRATULATIONS
Brian Ehlers was honored at a luncheon on Friday, May 29, 2026, for his time of service as Secretary-Treasurer for Open Bible Churches. Darcy, Brian’s wife, and their two daughters were present as various staff expressed appreciation for who Brian is and how he has served Open Bible Churches well. The Ehlers family will be moving in the near future to Xenia, Ohio. Thank you, Brian for your leadership and service!
Jake Ditsworth, was elected to serve as the Lead Pastor of Faith United Church in Rockwell, IA, beginning July 1, 2026. Pastors Jake and Jamie, his wife, have been mentored by Pastors Will and Joyce Hunsaker soon after this church affiliated with Open Bible Churches in 2024. Thank you Pastors Will and Joyce and congratulations Pastors Jake and Jamie!
Bruce Pfadenhauer, Regional Executive Director, was reappointed by President Michael Nortune in consultation with the regional board and ratified by the Central Region ministers to serve another four-year term July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030.
Newly Credentialed Ministers in the Region
Timothy Bachleitner, Ripon, WI – Ministerial License
Worship Leader/church planter at The Refinery in Fond du Lac, WI
Benjamin Boeck, Ottumwa, IA – Ministerial License
Youth Staff at First Church
Douglas Bryce, Hopkinton, IA – Certified License
Serving at First Open Bible Cedar Rapids
Jose Diaz, Granite City, IL – Ministerial License
Church Planter
Benton Ganske, Waverly, IA – Ministerial License
Serving at Waverly Life Church
Emily Ganske, Waverly, IA – Ministerial License
Serving at Waverly Life Church
Daniel Martol, Des Moines, IA – Ministerial License
Pastor at Living Word Ministries Int.
Arika McGallian, Clear Lake, IA – Ministerial License
Serving at Clear Lake OB Church
Darla Salas, Houston, TX – Certified License
Serving at non-Open Bible/ LifePoint Church
Timothy J. Vasquez, Des Moines, IA – Ministerial License
Youth Pastor at First Church
COMFORT
Naomi Lightfoot, sister to Nadine (Ken) Groen – retired regional executive directors, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Services were held on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Burlington, IA. Here is the obituary link.
