Who are we?
Open Bible Churches is an association of Evangelical Pentecostal/ Charismatic churches called to be a vital organ in the Body of Christ. Our mandate includes the development of healthy, loving relationships that produce support and accountability among our ministers and churches. God is giving us clearer vision, vibrant leadership, and comprehensive strategic planning that He might cause Open Bible to fulfill His purposes in this generation…and generations to come.
Affiliation
Open Bible Churches is a charter member of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, and the Pentecostal World Conference. Open Bible is also active in the Mission America Movement.
History
Open Bible Churches originated from two revival movements: Bible Standard Conference, founded in Eugene, Oregon, in 1919; and Open Bible Evangelistic Association, founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1932. Similar in doctrine and structure, the two groups amalgamated in 1935 as “Open Bible Standard Churches” with the national office located in Des Moines. In 1996 the movement began to officially do business as “Open Bible Churches,” though the legal name retains the word “Standard”…which the Bible is.
Roots of the parent groups reach back to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in 1906 at Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, and to the full gospel movement in the Midwest. Both were organized under the impetus of Pentecostal revival. Simple faith, emphasis on prayer, evangelism, international missions, and free fellowship with other groups were characteristics of the growing organization.
More information about Open Bible Churches
Their Web site may be visited at www.openbible.org. Open Bible‟s official publication is the award-winning Message of the Open Bible.
Heritage and Horizons is the official history book. Open Bible’s international missions‟ history is published in Heritage and Harvests.