In his book titled The Challenge of the Great Commission, J.D. Payne writes, “Biblical church planting follows the way modeled by Jesus and imitated by the Apostolic Church for global disciple-making. It is a methodology and strategy for bringing in the harvest, raising up leaders from the harvest, and sending leaders to work in the harvest fields.”
In fact, Christ never commanded His disciples to plant churches. Why? Because it was not what He wanted them to focus on. Focusing on the church to be planted leads to church starting, whereas focusing on the Great Commission itself, leads to church planting. Jesus modeled five things for His church to focus on:
- Make disciples
- Baptize them in the name of the triune God
- Teach them to obey Christ’s commands
- Go to all nations
- Preach
Church planting is what inevitably happens when the focus is on these things. Did you know that Open Bible Central Region currently has 7 active church plants? All 7 churches are working with a focus on the things that Jesus laid out as our model in His Great Commission command.
One of those church plants is The Refinery, pastored by Josh and Lindsey Ramirez. They launched a little over 3 years ago, meeting above the Blue Door Coffee Co. located in Campbellsport, WI. There the Word of God was taught, disciples were being made, and a community was established. After about a year, they moved to a beautiful older church building where they continued their ministry for the next couple of years. At the end of August, they were blessed to be able to purchase a new church building in nearby Fond du Lac, WI. Not coincidentally, Fond du Lac is where they originally wanted to plant a church but could not find a place to rent. The first service in their new building was September 8th with an official grand opening tentatively scheduled for October 13th. God has truly blessed their faithfulness and work over these last several years. Congratulations to Pastors Josh and Lindsey, and The Refinery!
Please continue to pray for all of our church planters as they strive to bring in the harvest, raise up leaders from the harvest, and send out leaders to work in the harvest fields.
Terry Dreyer
Church Planting Director
Open Bible Central Region
The Refinery's new sign outside of their new location!
The Refinery's new building!
Pastors Josh & Lindsey Ramirez
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.
CONGRATULATIONS
Pastor Eric and Helene Holdeman, were honored for their 17 ½ years of service on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Spirit Life Fellowship in Spirit Lake, IA. PastorEric and Helene pastored for a total of 28 years with Open Bible Churches in Iowa and Illinois. They are retiring in Heber Springs, AR. Congratulations!
Pastor Richard (Becky) Wilson, newly credentialed pastor with Open Bible, was voted in as pastor in Winfield, IA on Sunday, August 25, 2024 and will begin serving September 29, 2024.
COMFORT
Donna “Joan” Pope, mother of Pastor Dan (Miriam) Pope, Belvidere, IL; passed away Friday, September 6, 2024. Joan and her husband Harold pastored Open Bible Churches in Janesville, WI; Waterloo, IA; Jefferson, IA; Rockford, IL; and Atlanta, GA; as well as serving as missionaries in Liberia, Africa.
Articles
September
Guests Return to Worship Services Because of These 9 Surprises
Preaching & Evangelism: 20 Sermon and Worship Resources
Seven Strategies in a New Leadership Position
August
4 Temptations that Leaders Face
July
A Quick Overview of the Triple Nones
3 Big Mistakes in Making Church Policies
