Pastor Appreciation Month

Our hats are off to each of our Central Region pastors in this month of October! We salute every pastor and thank you for your service. If you are a board member, staff, or a member of your local church, please take this to heart and honor your pastor(s) this month.

Click Here for 30 Great Ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month

Hello friends,

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and I want to encourage every Open Bible church to take time this month to intentionally honor and bless your pastor and their family.

Scripture reminds us to” hold them in the highest regard and love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). Our pastor gives so much of themselves as they pray, lead, preach, care for people, and faithfully serve the local church. Sometimes a simple expression of appreciation can mean more than we realize.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Write a personal note. Take a special offer. Give them a night away or a gift card. Bless their family. Pray over them publicly. Whatever you choose, let’s make sure our pastors know they are seen, valued, loved, and appreciated.

One of our Open Bible core values is Minister’s Matter. This month gives us a wonderful opportunity to put that value into action.

Thank you for helping us honor those who faithfully serve and lead!

Blessings,

Michael & Julie Nortune, President of Open Bible Churches

Bruce & Robin Pfadenhauer, Open Bible Central Region Executive Director

2026 Gathering

Mobilized to Multiply was the theme of our 2026 GATHERING. We set a record attendance again this year with one of our vendors commenting that among all the denominations he serves, we were one of the most joy-filled and friendly groups he has met. That is such a kind compliment!

Dr. Larry Walkemeyer hit a homerun by sharing he and Deb’s story of multiplication as a River Church. He was transparent about his own struggles and feelings walking through the process and how God helped them to become a sending church. He gave some practical teaching on the fears and barriers to multiplication and then closed out with The Spirit of Barnabas. Dr. Larry’s message to us was personal, practical, and punctual! I believe it is strategic to our Mission to Multiply!

President Michael Nortune was also with us. We appreciate his leadership and his desire to personally connect with us. He brought a word of encouragement and updates on what God is doing in Open Bible globally and locally.

Congratulations

We presented credential upgrades to the following individuals at the GATHERING:

Casey Riedel, Kids & Family Pastor at Fort Des Moines Open Bible – Certified License

Skyler Sanford, Next Gen Director for Central Region – Ordination

KC Wright, Lead Pastor at Pleasant Valley Church in Springfield, MO – Ordination

We honored the following leaders at the GATHERING with RICHEY Awards:

Multiplying Disciples – Pastors Doug and Rachelle Harris, Pella, IA

Multiplying Leaders – Pastors Matt & Nicole Miller, Waverly, IA

Multiplying Churches – Pastors Shane & Amber Blackledge, St. Charles, MO

          Multiplying Churches – Pastors Lauro & Gina Reyna, Des Moines, IA

Comfort

Linda Hunsaker, mother of Pastor Will (Joyce) Hunsaker and grandmother to Travis (Heather) Hunsaker, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Linda’s visitation and memorial service was held last week. Here is the link to the obituary.