President's Perspective
On the Horns of a Dilemma
By President Randall A. Bach
What should we, particularly Christians, do about public schools? Do we stay in or move out to private schools or to homeschooling? I will be candid in my response to the question: I have been torn and conflicted for some time about what we should do. I have been on a painstaking journey regarding where to land regarding this question.
I have been a longtime advocate of Christians placing their kids in public schools and becoming active voices within their school systems, participating in parent-teacher conferences, and becoming members of school boards. My concern has been: if Christians abandon public schools, what influence will we have left regarding their direction? Will we merely abdicate and surrender by retreating? Does separation mean isolation, building cocooning walls of protection around our children? Do we not believe that the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4)?
However, the following observations are influencing my thinking about public schools today. Every parent must prayerfully sort through this matter. Again, these are my personal observations, and you have freedom to disagree:
- The public school never was (in the lifetimes of current readers) an ally of Christian values. However, the public school was for decades respectfully deferential to Christianity and to the role of churches in community life. Christians in public school leadership and Christian teachers had considerable latitude to shape instruction in ways that were at least compatible with Christian values. We have been witnessing the public school migrating from respectful deference for Christian values to hostility against them.
- Public schools are filled with dedicated teachers who truly love and care about students. However, they are under intense pressure to support politically motivated agendas that for Christian teachers are contrary to the Word of God, and for teachers who may not be Christians but are good and moral people, require them to abandon traditions of moral decency and respect.
- Teachers’ unions have largely been taken over by people for whom politics drives their quest to dominate and to make teachers knuckle under to their political agendas.
- Publishers of curriculum have been increasingly commandeered to produce curriculum that is written by or approved by LGBTQ+ elements, with the goal of normalizing and promoting sexual origin and identity stances that are in stark contrast to and in conflict with the Bible.
- While we Christians were asleep, many school boards across the nation were taken over by advocates of lifestyles that are offensive to Christians. Or the boards have become led by members who feel helpless to speak up about federally driven campaigns such as enforcing access to locker rooms and restrooms according to perceived sexual gender and allowing biological males to compete as females because of their claims to female gender identification. The pace of this takeover has been mind-boggling. How did we so quickly descend into this abyss?
- Because of the above, public schools can become an advocacy center for gender dysphoria, which is a recruiting pathway to convincing children their sexual identity is different from their biological gender. Children become targeted prey.
Wow! Here again are my opening questions: What should we, particularly Christians, do about public schools? Do we stay in or move out to private schools or to homeschooling? I do not claim to have the final answers; however, here is how I am processing the questions:
- If your child is too young to understand motivations behind instruction and to discern masked agendas, in other words to think independently, I believe you should consult with other parents who have had young children in the school system. How safe is the school in terms of protecting children from predators? What is the track record and reputation of the administration and faculty in terms of listening to and respecting concerns of parents? While you can’t seal your child in a pristine bubble away from all ungodly influences (could we come up with something like that until, say, age 25?), you are keenly aware of your responsibility to protect your child from harm. Schools are not automatically the safe zones that some of us experienced in a different era.
- If your child is spiritually mature with deeply held biblical convictions, not just timid extensions of what his or her parents believe, then the public school could be his or her mission field! Children will look into the face of the enemy when they are besieged with efforts to pull them away from Christ and will have opportunity to tell Satan, “Get thee behind me!” Children who successfully run that gauntlet while keeping their relationship with Jesus strong and their biblical foundation intact will be prepared to take on life after they leave school. However, many children are impressionable and simply could not stand strong against the wiles of the enemy. If I were their parent, I believe I would look for an alternative to today’s public school, but not an academically inferior alternative. Yes, some children can be masters of deception with their parents. May the Lord help parents with discernment and objectivity.
- If your child remains in the public school, become a student of curriculum. Know what comes next and preemptively cover values related to those subjects at home.
- Monitor school board policies and actions. Know where a parachute is packed if you must remove your child from the public school. Have Plan B ready.
- Do not turn your child into an embarrassed combat victim because of your angry tirades to the school. Model vigilance through respectful but unwavering communication concerning what is taught to your child. Keep your wits and emotions submitted to the Holy Spirit’s control instead of going ballistic in your interactions. You are a witness for Christ.
- Weigh the costs of educational alternatives and carefully assess their track records for effectiveness. Are students from those alternatives accepted by colleges and do students readily handle that progression? No, not all children will go to college, and many should not, but be cautious about embracing inferiority in education.
Yes, I have been conflicted and torn about what parents should do today about the public school. I have outlined my journey for you. I encourage you to pray about your choices. Ask for wisdom coupled with courage. Your child is absolutely worth it!
About the Author
Randall A. Bach delights in opportunities to serve the Lord, including his current assignment as president of Open Bible Churches. He earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regent University. Randall and Barbara, his wife, have been in ministry almost as long as they have been married. They are grateful to have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2021. Randall loves the church, pastors, and church leaders and is convinced that God loves to work through them to make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches. A voice for Evangelicals, his work has been featured in several publications, including Ethics: The Old Testament, The New Testament, and Contemporary Application. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the National Association of Evangelicals.Randall has produced and edited several publications and other resources, including the Message of the Open Bible, We Believe: Core Truths for Christian Living, and a doctrinal course for youth called We Believe for Kids! He also led the creation of Acquire, Open Bible’s online leadership development site.
Every January since my first year serving as president of Open Bible, I’ve invited our Open Bible family to set aside a week for focused prayer and fasting. We call it “Awakening”; it is a week to seek God together and align our hearts with His purposes for the year ahead.
Each year I’ve been encouraged by how many pastors, churches, and leaders have participated. I believe what began as a week of prayer and fasting is becoming something more—a movement of awakening across Open Bible.
… what began as a week of prayer and fasting is becoming something more—a movement of awakening across Open Bible.
As we approach Awakening 2026, I sense God calling us not simply to talk about prayer or to understand the priority, place, pattern, or even practice of prayer. All of these are biblical and essential, as we will see briefly. But what I also want us to embrace again is the promise of prayer.
As we commit ourselves to prayer and pray according to His will, we know He hears us. But I am also struck by this thought: if Jesus asks us to pray and shows us how to pray and what to pray, then surely He intends to answer those prayers. He would not instruct us to pray in a certain way only to respond, “I don’t think so,” or “That’s not something I would do.” When we pray according to His will, there is a promise attached. Let’s examine this thought in more detail.
The Priority of Prayer
In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “When you pray…” not if you pray, not “on your good days pray,” or “in desperation pray.” “When you pray” implies the expectation of regular and consistent time with Him. Prayer is essential for every one of us.
Jesus modeled this. We see that He frequently withdrew to places to pray and would rise early to spend time in prayer. Before performing miracles, making decisions, or facing challenges, He prayed. Prayer was His priority and His starting point. The disciples recognized this priority and eventually asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” They could have asked Him how to do anything, yet the one thing they understood they needed was this life of prayer and communion with the Father.
If prayer was Jesus’ priority, it must be ours as well.
The Place of Prayer
Matthew 6:6 tells us to go into our room and pray to the Father. Prayer is personal and relational.
Luke 11 adds another layer: “Jesus was praying in a certain place.” This was familiar, intentional, habitual. Jesus returned to a place because prayer was His rhythm.
We all need a “certain place,” a space where we meet with God. The location isn’t what matters; His presence does. In that place of prayer, clarity grows, peace settles, and the Holy Spirit aligns our hearts with God’s will.
The Pattern of Prayer
For generations, believers have studied the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern to follow—and rightfully so. It includes worship, surrender, dependence, repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual covering. It is powerful and worth using as a model. But it’s more than a pattern. It’s an invitation to relationship. Prayer is not simply reciting words; it’s drawing near to the Father. The pattern leads us to the Person.
The Practice of Prayer
Prayer is a discipline we cultivate. Acts 1:14 says the early church “joined together constantly in prayer.” Prayer wasn’t an event; it was a lifestyle.
Prayer wasn’t an event; it was a lifestyle.
This connects to our MULTIPLY values. The “I” stands for Intimacy with God and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Prayer is what produces that intimacy. The more we practice prayer, the more we recognize God’s voice and trust His leading.
The Promise of Prayer
Here is the point I want to drive home: Jesus didn’t just teach us how to pray; He promised God would hear our prayers, and His heart is to answer. If He told us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” then we can trust He desires to fulfill that prayer. He wants us to experience His Kingdom in our lives each and every day—a promise for us to possess.
Here are a few Scriptures that reinforce this idea:
- “Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7).
“I will do whatever you ask in my name…” (John 14:13).
“Call to me and I will answer you…” (Jeremiah 33).
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16).
“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us…” (1 John 5:14).
Prayer is more than a pattern or routine; it also has a promise. When we pray according to His will, heaven responds.
As we prepare to step into 2026, I believe God is calling Open Bible to pray first. Before we make our plans, before we act or react, and before we lead, we pray.
Not prayer as routine, but prayer as relationship. Not prayer as obligation, but prayer as awakening. So, I invite every pastor, leader, and church to pursue intimacy with God and the fellowship of the Spirit this year. Hold onto the promise that He hears and answers.
Join us for Awakening 2026, January 18–24, as we pray and fast together with churches around the world, seeking God for a move of His Spirit in the year ahead.
About the Author
Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for thirty-five years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to church planter and lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. Michael and his wife, Julie, currently reside in Colorado and love living near five of their six children and their spouses. They also treasure the time they spend with their other daughter who lives in Alabama with their first (but not the last) grandson!
Adapted from President Michael Nortune’s message at National Convention 2025
In 1990, during a game against the Cavaliers, Michael Jordan scored a career-high sixty-nine points. Rookie teammate Stacey King came in late and hit a single free throw. After the game, as reporters were clamoring around Michael Jordan for questions and quotes, King quipped, “I will always remember this as the night that Michael Jordan and I combined to score seventy points.”
It’s a humorous line — but also a profound picture of what it means to be part of something greater than yourself. In the Kingdom of God, it’s not about who scores the most; it’s about showing up, stepping in, and doing your part. Even one point matters when the mission is shared.
This is the heart behind The Power of We, the theme of our 2025 Open Bible National Convention. And I believe what we experienced together this year in Orlando was more than a gathering. It was truly a divine appointment!
President Michael Nortune unveils the new Open Bible logo.
Some arrived full of vision and faith while others came a bit weary from the weight of ministry. But what united us was not our circumstances or season; it was our shared faith, our shared mission, and our shared future.
From the first moment we worshiped together, it was clear: God was doing something deep among us. He reminded us that we were never meant to lead alone. The Church isn’t built by individuals — it’s built by people united in purpose, empowered by the Spirit, and connected in community.
It’s the Acts 2 model.
“All the believers were together…
Acts 2:1–4, 42–44
Each of them was filled…
All the believers devoted themselves…
All met together… they shared everything they had…”
Over and over, we see a Church that didn’t just meet — it moved together. The Holy Spirit didn’t fill a bunch of individuals scattered across the city. He filled a room full of believers who were unified in their pursuit of God and His mission.
We are in a defining moment, a time when God is inviting us to lift our eyes to the harvest and step boldly into what we call the Mission to Multiply. We believe in a future where there are life-giving, disciple-making, Spirit-empowered Open Bible churches in every state and in one hundred nations around the world who possess a missional mindset, a multiplying priority, and a mobilizing commitment.
Every church, every pastor, every nation represented globally in Open Bible is a result of that decision. And now it’s our turn.
In Luke 5 Jesus told Peter to cast his nets after a night of fruitless fishing. This time, the nets were so full they began to break. Scripture tells us “They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them…” (Luke 5:7). Later it says, “James and John… were partners with Simon” (5:10).
Both Acts 2 and Luke 5:10 use the root word koinonia, meaning spiritual partnership. We see evidence of the disciples’ shared mission, shared identity, and shared sacrifice. That’s what Jesus built His Church on, and that’s what this movement, Open Bible, is built on.
In 1935, two revivalist groups, the Bible Standard Conference and the Open Bible Evangelistic Association, prayed and believed that together they could do more. As they joined their two growing movements together, they chose unity over independence, believing the mission was too important to accomplish alone.
We are the fruit of that decision. Every church, every pastor, every nation represented globally in Open Bible is a result of that decision. And now it’s our turn.
That’s why this year’s convention marked something historic. Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) — The Regional Executive Directors, Global Missions Executive Directors and National President and Secretary/Treasurer — made a powerful decision: to lay down their individual logos and ministry-specific vision statements and embrace one unified identity.
We’re not just working near one another — we’re working with one another. We’re not separate voices, but one voice. We’re not serving competing visions, but one mission.
We’re not just working near one another — we’re working with one another. We’re not separate voices, but one voice. We’re not serving competing visions, but one mission: to globally make disciples, develop leaders, and multiply churches.
We even unveiled a new shared logo, not just as a design, but as a declaration: we are in this together. And it’s not just talk. It’s already happening.
Churches are being planted in creative ways. Ministries are being adopted and aligned. Schools of Ministry are raising up new leaders. INSTE is discipling new pastors. Open Bible Churches are being planted in new nations around the world.
As we look ahead, we need to continue to strengthen our existing churches, plant more churches nationally and globally, and develop younger leaders. We need to cultivate the next generation not just to inherit the work but to lead it forward.
The good news? We have everything we need.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1, “…Now you have every spiritual gift you need…. God has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And He is faithful” (vs 7,9).
That’s the Power of We.
That’s the heart of Open Bible.
And that’s the hope for the road ahead.
So, let’s keep signaling across the water, joining our boats (churches) on mission together, and casting our nets together for a great harvest.
Here are some highlights from the Power of We Convention. See more Here:
About the Author
Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for 35 years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to church planter and lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. Michael and his wife, Julie, currently reside in Colorado and love living near five of their six children and their spouses. They also treasure the time they spend with their other daughter who lives in Alabama with their first (but not the last) grandson!
Texto adaptado del mensaje del presidente Michael Nortune en la Convención Nacional de 2025
El año 1990, durante un partido contra los Cavaliers, Michael Jordan anotó sesenta y nueve puntos, el récord de su carrera. Su compañero novato Stacey King llegó tarde y lanzó un solo tiro libre. Después del partido, mientras los periodistas se agolpaban alrededor de Michael Jordan para hacerle preguntas y comentarios, King bromeó: «Siempre recordaré esta noche como la que Michael Jordan y yo nos combinamos para anotar setenta puntos».
Es una frase graciosa, pero también es una ilustración profunda de lo que significa formar parte de algo más grande que uno mismo. En el Reino de Dios, no se trata de quién anota más puntos; se trata de hacer acto de presencia, intervenir y poner de su parte. Cuando la misión es compartida, cada punto cuenta.
Esa es la esencia de: «El Poder de Nosotros», el lema de la Convención Nacional de la Biblia Abierta, 2025. Y creo que lo que experimentamos juntos este año en Orlando fue más que una reunión; ¡fue una verdadera cita divina!
El presidente Michael Nortune presenta el nuevo logotipo de la Biblia Abierta.
Algunos llegaron llenos de visión y fe, mientras que otros vinieron un poco cansados por el peso del ministerio. Pero lo que nos unía, más allá de nuestras circunstancias o fases de la vida, era nuestra fe común, así como nuestra misión y nuestro futuro, que compartíamos todos.
Estaba claro desde el primer momento en que adoramos a Dios juntos: Era evidente que Dios estaba haciendo algo profundo entre nosotros. Nos recordó que no estábamos destinados a liderar solos. La Iglesia no la construyen individuos, sino personas unidas bajo un mismo propósito, fortalecidas por el Espíritu Santo y conectadas en comunidad.
Ese es el modelo de Hechos 2.
«Todos los creyentes estaban unánimes juntos…
Hch. 2:1-4, 42-44, RVR-1960
Cada uno de ellos fue lleno…
Todos los creyentes perseveraban…
Todos estaban juntos… tenían en común todas las cosas…»
Una y otra vez vemos una Iglesia que no solo se reunía, sino que se movía unida. El Espíritu Santo no llenó a un grupo de personas dispersas por la ciudad. Llenó un cuarto repleto de creyentes que estaban unidos en la búsqueda de Dios y SU misión.
Estamos en un momento decisivo, un tiempo en el que Dios nos invita a alzar la vista hacia la mies y a dar un paso audaz hacia lo que llamamos la Misión de Multiplicar. Creemos en un futuro con iglesias de la Biblia Abierta en cada estado y en cien naciones de todo el mundo: iglesias que den vida, hagan discípulos y estén empoderadas por el Espíritu Santo con mentalidad misionera, prioridad multiplicadora y compromiso movilizador.
Cada iglesia, cada pastor y cada nación representados globalmente en la Biblia Abierta son fruto de esa decisión. Y ahora nos toca a nosotros.
En Lucas 5, Jesús le dijo a Pedro que echara las redes después de una noche de pesca en la que no habían obtenido ningún resultado. Esta vez, las redes estaban tan llenas que empezaron a romperse. La Escritura nos dice: «hicieron señas a los compañeros que estaban en la otra barca, para que viniesen a ayudarles…» (Lucas 5:7). Más adelante dice: «Jacobo y Juan… eran compañeros de Simón» (5:10, RVR-1960).
Tanto Hechos 2 como Lucas 5:10 utilizan la palabra koinonia, que significa compañerismo espiritual. Los discípulos muestran evidencias de que compartieron una misión, una identidad y un sacrificio. En eso edificó Jesús su Iglesia, y sobre lo mismo es edificado este movimiento de la Biblia Abierta.
En 1935, dos movimientos de avivamiento, la Bible Standard Conference (Conferencia del Estándar Bíblico), y la Open Bible Evangelistic Association (Asociación Evangelística de la Biblia Abierta), oraron y creyeron que juntos podían hacer más. Al unir sus dos crecientes movimientos, optaron por la unidad en lugar de la independencia, creyendo que la misión era demasiado importante para llevarla a cabo solos.
Somos fruto de esa decisión. Cada iglesia, cada pastor y cada nación representados globalmente en la Biblia Abierta son fruto de esa decisión. Y ahora nos toca a nosotros.
Por esa razón, la Convención Nacional de este año marcó un hito histórico. Nuestro Equipo de liderazgo ejecutivo (ELT, por sus siglas en inglés), los directores ejecutivos regionales, los directores ejecutivos de Misiones Globales, el presidente nacional y el secretario-tesorero, tomaron una decisión poderosa: renunciar a sus logotipos y declaraciones de visión individuales de cada ministerio y adoptar una identidad unificada.
No solo trabajamos codo con codo, sino que trabajamos juntos. No somos voces separadas, sino una sola voz. No servimos a visiones en competencia, sino a una misión
No solo trabajamos codo con codo, sino que trabajamos juntos. No somos voces separadas, sino una sola voz. No servimos a visiones en competencia, sino a una misión: hacer discípulos, desarrollar líderes y multiplicar iglesias en todo el mundo.
Hasta hemos presentado un nuevo logotipo común, no sólo como diseño, sino como declaración: estamos juntos en esto. Y no son sólo palabras. Ya está ocurriendo.
Se están plantando iglesias de forma creativa. Se están adoptando y alineando ministerios. Las Escuelas de Ministerio están capacitando a nuevos líderes. INSTE está haciendo discípulos y formando nuevos pastores. Se están plantando iglesias de la Biblia Abierta en nuevas naciones por todo el mundo.
Al mirar hacia adelante, tenemos que seguir fortaleciendo nuestras iglesias existentes, plantar más iglesias a nivel nacional y mundial, y desarrollar líderes más jóvenes. Debemos formar a la próxima generación no sólo para que herede la obra, sino para que la dirija.
¿Cuál es la buena noticia? Tenemos todo lo que necesitamos.
Tal y como nos recuerda Pablo en 1 Corintios 1, «…no les falta ningún don espiritual … Fiel es Dios quien los ha llamado a tener comunión con su Hijo Jesucristo, nuestro Señor.». (vv. 7,9. NVI)
Ese es el «Poder de Nosotros».
Ese es el corazón de la Biblia Abierta.
Y esa es la esperanza para el camino que tenemos por delante.
Así que sigamos haciendo señas a través de las aguas, uniendo nuestras barcas (iglesias) en misión conjunta y echando nuestras redes juntos para obtener una gran cosecha.
A continuación, se presentan algunos aspectos destacados de la Convención «El Poder de Nosotros». Ver más aquí:
Sobre el autor
Michael Nortune es presidente de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta. Ha servido fielmente en la iglesia local durante treinta y cinco años. Desde sus inicios como conserje y jardinero hasta ser el pastor principal de la Iglesia Life Church en Concord (California), Michael ha adquirido experiencia a lo largo de su ministerio en todas las funciones dentro de la iglesia. No sólo tiene experiencia práctica a nivel local, sino que también ha liderado a nivel distrital, regional y nacional dentro de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta. Michael y su esposa Julie residen actualmente en Colorado, donde les fascina vivir cerca de cinco de sus seis hijos y sus cónyuges. También disfrutan del tiempo que pasan con su otra hija, que vive en Alabama, y con su primer (pero no último) nieto.
