MADE TO MULTIPLY was the theme of The GATHERING24 in Branson, MO. Open Bible Churches President Michael and Julie Nortune imparted a word for each of us to shape ourselves, our ministries, and our movement with multiplication in this season. God has prepared a “wide-open door” (1 Corinthians 16:9) for us and we need to discern what doors God is opening and what doors He is closing (Revelation 3:8). God has divinely designed us to reproduce. It was His plan from the beginning and remains so today. May God multiply our disciples, leaders, and churches in the coming days.
We had a record turnout at The GATHERING and we were encouraged to have so many of our new senior pastors in the region in attendance. It was also great to see people making connections with others – both old and new friends. We had the joy of presenting three RICHEY awards to three dynamic duos. See pictures below.
Blessings on you and yours,
Bruce A. Pfadenhauer, Regional Director
Dave & Mary Grandon
Finishing Well
Derrick & Michele Strickland
Next - Level Leaders
Harris & Sarah Holsapple
Excellence in Leadership
CAN OUR CHURCH GET POLITICAL?
The political season is upon us and I want our pastors and churches to stay focused on our ultimate mission of making disciples, developing leaders, and planting churches. You will likely be pressured to make public statements or endorsements, so I share this FREE quick-reference guide from Church Law & Tax that gives you excellent advice. Our nation is troubled and our hope is found in Jesus! You can download the guide here.
OCTOBER – PASTOR APPRECIATION
When Robin and I were introduced to the last congregation we served, the Open Bible leader introduced us as gifts specially sent from God. I had never quite viewed ourselves that way, but it is Biblically sound. God gave pastors as gifts to local congregations to equip, encourage, and excel in our giftings and skills. We remember so many of the ways that people expressed their appreciation over the years and each expression was a gift from God back to us. We have a number of elders and ministry leaders from our local churches on our mailing list and we want to encourage you to raise up a team who will lead the charge in expressing appreciation to your pastors. Let’s richly bless these special gifts sent from God.
COMFORT
Edmund J. Wanat, father of Rev. David (Michelle) Wanat of Journey Church in Urbandale, IA, passed away after a short illness on September 19, 2024 in Barrington, IL. Here is the link to his obituary.
