BENEFITS OF AFFILIATION
Opportunity- Open Bible provides opportunities to participate in a worldwide movement
that was born out of the Azusa Street Revival and dedicated to carrying out the call of
God (Great Commission). Each local Open Bible Church comes under the corporate/group
501(c)(3) of the Open Bible Churches which is recognized by the IRS.
Strong Biblical Base- Open Bible is more than a name; the Bible is our foundation and
guide. We refuse to waiver from His word.
Strong Credentialing Process- Ministerial Credential Applicants are thoroughly vetted
and interviewed, so they can be trusted. We will assist you and your leaders through the
credentialing process.
Relational- Open Bible Churches is big enough to have important structures but small
enough to be family. Open Bible is a family and is intentionally relational. Each member
and pastor is a part of something bigger than their local church, but we still care for and
love the individual.
Our Diversity- Ethnicity, locations, leadership ideas and style, governance styles, etc... We
value each member and leader. We also desire and WANT influence from younger
leaders that think outside of the box. We value input and want to lock arms with one
another. We can be versatile in carrying out the mission, but we are iron clad on our
purpose and vision. We embrace our diversity but are committed to lock arms together in
carrying out the call of God.
Accountability Without Undue Control- This is a core value of Open Bible Churches... “A
balance of affiliation and freedom, providing accountability without undue control" Open
Bible does NOT want to run churches from the top, but we are here to assist, for
accountability, to empower and help equip, and to help in times of crises. We simply want
to come alongside you to help equip and edify you and your church to maintain health
and spur vitality and growth! Local churches are self governed and own their own
properties. We will even assist you in setting up structures and bylaws that fit your desires
and needs. Open Bible provides the necessary oversight to help churches maintain
integrity with the local, state, and federal government requirements without trying to
control the local church or local vision. In essence, we want to come along aside and
assist you in doing local ministry right where you are at more effectively.
Prayer Support- A dedicated team of people are praying for you and your church. We are
also available to help lead ministers and churches through crisis.
Generous Resources For Pastors And Churches- We are committed to helping you stay
healthy. Our purpose is to help MAKE DISCIPLES, DEVELOP LEADERS, FOSTER HEALTHY
CHURCHES & MINISTERS, PLANT NEW CHURCHES, AND SEND AND SUPPORT
MISSIONARIES. We are here to help you! Open Bible East is working to develop a strong
mentoring and coaching culture to assist in facilitating the vision God has given you.
Retreats, Camps, And Conferences- We have great regional and district events that help
facilitate unity, spiritual maturity, and assist in carrying out your vision! Our range of
events serve the youth, young adults, women, men, and ministers of Open Bible. We keep
the prices at cost and below in order to invest in you and your church!
There Are Training And Coaching Opportunities Both Local And Regional- We have a
world-renowned discipleship program that can bring a "Bible College" to your local
church at a very affordable price, INSTE (Institute of Theology by Extension). We also have
schools of higher learning available to train your leaders, future pastors, and
missionaries. (Toledo School of Ministry, Discover Ministry School, INSTE Global Bible
College, New Hope Christian College, School of Global Leadership, & more). We also have
resources, training and coaching for Church Financial Teams & Church Boards.
Well Established And Growing Global Ministries- Open Bible has well established and
flourishing Global Ministries in 48 countries (including the USA & Canada), with
opportunities for mission trips, opportunities to join in and serve, and opportunities to
support what inspires the vision of your church and people! (Global Missions & MVP)
Church Planting And Church Growth Opportunities- Everything that has life… has
offspring and grows! The great commission requires us to expand the Kingdom of God.
Therefore, we offer training, coaching, grants, partnerships with mother churches....etc to
help churches carry out the great commission. Simply stated… “We want to assist you in
carrying out the great commission!” With that, you can have access to individualized
church health and church planting consultations. We also provide access for church
planter assessments and training.
Better Together- We understand that we are better together than we could ever be
alone. (Ecc 4:9-12, Ps 133:1). In Open Bible East, you do not have to do it alone. We want to
stand with you.
Access To Other Benefits- Pastoral search assistance and interim pastor placement,
access to a national chaplaincy program, assistance in salary and benefits assessment (to
make sure you and your family are taken care of), and crisis counseling for pastors and
ministers.
Retirement Plan Opportunities- Open Bible has a very beneficial 403(b) retirement plan
that provides the opportunity to deduct pre-tax contributions from your salary, tax
deferred growth potential, and multiple investment options. Also, under current tax law,
those who maintain Open Bible credentials can take qualifying distributions (retirement
payments) as Minister’s Housing Allowance (subject to IRS guidelines) which provides
great tax benefits.
Relocation Opportunities- Ministry opportunities worldwide.
These are just a few of the many benefits of affiliation with Open Bible Churches through
Open Bible East. We unite with you in prayerfully considering joining the family!