Regional Executive Director
Randall & Barbara Bach |
What are characteristics of a healthy family? An important hallmark of a healthy family is loving relationships, as demonstrated by a belief in and support for one another. Another characteristic is that family members hold important values in common while also enjoying a freedom of individual expression.
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We believe that the ministers and churches of Eastern Region Open Bible are a healthy family. Barbara and I rejoice in the loving relationships that exist. It is a grace of the Lord. When we gather at conferences and retreats, it is like a reunion. There is a candid openness to visit about victories and challenges, without a need to impress, stroke, or curry favor. Family members recognize that they need to draw strength from one another and that it is safe to share about and pray with each other about their needs. In other words, to be real. Our prayer is that such openness always prevails among our ministers.
We are a Spirit-filled group. We believe that the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit that are documented in God's Word continue today. We are thankful for and rejoice in the baptism in the Holy Spirit. A distinctive Open Bible quality, for which I am so grateful, is that our ministers and churches are not mere clones of each other. We don't all look alike, talk alike, or worship alike. Expressions of worship vary from exuberant to conservative. And, it's OK. We celebrate that freedom and are committed to avoid the judgementalism that sometimes corrodes relationships between Spirit-filled believers. What is most important is that we worship in spirit and in truth.
I like to feel that Open Bible offers a balance that is right for our times. There is not the heavy-handed control that is sometimes associated with denominations. And, there is not the loneliness and disturbing lack of accountability that is sometimes associated with independence. Rather, Open Bible offers a forum for family-like, accountable relationships, Bible-based, Spirit-filled values, and an opportunity to be more effective for Christ together than we would be alone.
If you have struggled with over-control of your ministry by others or if you recognize that independence is not healthy and you need a loving covering, Open Bible Churches may be for you. We will be happy to visit with you. May the Lord guide and direct.
