Open Bible Churches

Open Bible Churches

2020 Bell Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50315
United States

Attesting Officer
Teresa A. Beyer
Secretary-Treasurer


Media Contact
Exec. Dir., Communications & Resources, Jeff Farmer

41.5622639, -93.6443022


Open Bible Churches (formerly, Open Bible Standard Churches) originated from two revival movements, Bible Standard Conference, founded in Eugene, Oregon, under the leadership of Fred L. Hornshuh in 1919, and Open Bible Evangelistic Association, founded in Des Moines, Iowa, under the leadership of John R. Richey in 1932.
Similar in doctrine and government, the two groups amalgamated on July 26, 1935 as "Open Bible Standard Churches, Inc." with headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.
The original group of 210 ministers has enlarged to incorporate over 2,500 ministers and 1,509 churches in 40 countries. The first missionary left for India in 1926. The church now ministers in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.
Historical 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 groups were organized under the impetus of pentecostal revival. Simple faith, freedom from fanaticism, emphasis on evangelism and missions and free fellowship with other groups were characteristics of the growing organizations.
The highest governing body of Open Bible Churches meets biennially and is composed of all ministers and one voting delegate per 100 members from each church. A National Board of Directors, elected by the national and regional conferences, conducts the business of the organization. Official Bible College is New Hope Christian College in Oregon.
Open Bible Churches is a charter member of the National Association of Evangelicals and of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America. It is a member of the Pentecostal World Conference.


Full Communicants Average Attendance Other Members Total Inclusive Members Total Churches Membership Calculation Method
2010
45,000
26,132
45,000
275
2009
45,000
20,783
45,000
379
2007
45,000
6,000
45,000
302
2006
40,000
121
40,000
330
2000
38,000
38,000
314
1999
0
28,560
0
35,700
357
1998
386
1997
0
0
374
1996
35,375
45,988
359
1993
35,375
45,988
361
1992
33,000
40,000
368
1990
33,000
41,000
335
1989
42,000
46,000
325
1986
0
46,000
281
1985
40,003
46,351
290
1984
40,003
46,351
290
1983
40,003
46,651
277
1981
29,679
46,907
277
1980
30,000
60,000
283
1979
30,000
60,000
280
1975
0
2,500
275
1974
25,000
25,000
275
1973
25,000
25,000
275
1972
25,000
25,000
275
1971
25,000
25,000
275
Serving Churches Retired Other Service to the Church Total Clergy
2010
361
268
343
972
2009
379
236
363
978
2007
400
245
381
1,026
2006
410
234
399
1,043
2000
500
208
320
1,028
1999
477
192
392
1,061
1998
1,074
1997
0
1,057
1996
584
1,046
1993
584
1,010
1992
535
1,004
1990
525
994
1989
587
937
1986
559
883
1985
452
748
1984
514
863
1983
507
878
1981
529
865
1980
503
797
1979
496
781
1975
425
755
1973
425
730
1972
425
730
1971
420
725
1970
425
530
Total Schools Staff Pupils Total Individuals
1996
325
12,996
1993
325
12,996
1992
350
0
1990
0
0
1989
285
25,000
1986
0
0
1985
265
24,225
1984
265
24,225
1983
265
24,225
1974
275
30,000
1973
275
25,000
1972
275
25,000
1971
275
24,000
1970
275
27,000
1969
275
36,000
1968
260
25,800
1967
259
0
1965
287
0
0
0
1963
265
0
0
0
1962
265
0
0
0
1961
275
0
0
0
1960
278
0
0
0
1959
265
2,000
20,000
22,000
1957
265
2,000
20,000
22,000
1956
267
2,000
20,000
22,000
Total Benevolences Total Financials Total Giving Local Expenses Method
2010
$5,226,565
$5,226,565
2009
$3,921,249
$3,921,249
2007
$5,321,403
2006
$5,649,654
2002
$3,963,758
$3,963,758
$0
1999
$4,088,672
$4,088,672
$0