President's Perspective
The Fragility of Unity
Most people have times when they feel and perhaps even act cranky. Those were the days that started with burnt toast and kept going that way. You have probably had a day or two like that, right? Mature believers recognize when that is going on inside even if they don’t understand why. They ask forgiveness from the Lord and anyone else who may have felt the brunt of their crankiness, forgive themselves, and move forward. Possible damage to relationships is either avoided or repaired. Loving, respecting, and honoring people in such a way is a reflection of God’s grace. And in God’s family of believers, unity is preserved and nourished when people interact in a way that pleases the Lord and heals others. Unity is not just a good idea. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:1-2, NASB). Surely Paul is not telling us to be robots who all think in identical ways, denying us our individuality, is he? The same mind?
What Do We Allow to Divide Us?
In the early church believers were beginning to sue each other in public courts. Paul preached a strong message against that in 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. There were quarrels that caused Paul to bring correction (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). At times they became so contentious that Paul said their meetings did more harm than good (1 Corinthians 11:17)! That is a strong condemnation. Disunity can become ugly! The same affliction can affect the twenty-first century church, when Christians seem to be unaware of or forget about their responsibility to build unity with other believers, including with people who hold slightly different views on various subjects. Unity can never be prioritized at the expense of sacrificing biblical truth. Foundational truths of the Bible are not negotiable. But how someone else interprets the application of a truth which you both uphold should not be allowed to fracture unity. In other words, we can be of the same mind with someone because we are in accord about biblical truth while we still have views that differ about lesser matters. For example, you and I may hold similar views regarding our interpretation about the baptism in the Holy Spirit while someone else maintains a different view. That difference should not be allowed to divide us as believers and undermine our unity in Christ. However, we would not be in unity with a person who denies the person and work of the Holy Spirit as the third part of a triune God. There cannot be unity over anything that clearly conflicts with Scripture.
Is It Essential or Non-Essential?
A seventeenth century theologian espoused the following guide regarding unity: In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity. He wrote that guideline in response to the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) during which religious tensions were a primary contributing cause. (Few people remember or know anything about that eventful war, but it cost more than eight million casualties, caused famine and disease, and is considered one of the most brutal wars in history.) The Moravian Church of North America and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church have adopted that guide as their motto. Perhaps it would be well for the rest of us to do the same. Hold to, do not dilute or compromise on essential truth. Allow for differences regarding non-essentials. At all times we should conduct ourselves in a loving, God-honoring manner when interacting about both essentials and non-essentials. The Apostle Paul wrote, Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made (Philippians 3:15-16, NLT). Paul acknowledged that there will be differences between believers. In the early church there were disagreements about diet (vegetarian or not), whether to observe Jewish holy days, and circumcision. People did not always agree! I believe Paul is saying to the early church and to us today, You may not agree about a matter. When that happens, ask God to convince the other person, as long as you are open to allowing the Lord to convince you about a change in your view. Remember, we believers have made significant headway in building unity among us – don’t mess that up!
Matters That Can Splinter Unity
We can grievously damage unity in our churches because of callous insensitivity to people who hold different views about non-essentials. Someone may be on the other political side from you. You may passionately believe your side is correct, but the other person passionately believes their side is. Are you sacrificing your political convictions by choosing to remain united with the other person through and in Christ? Absolutely not. The matter, although important, is a non-essential regarding what the Word of God declares about unity. In eternity, our political differences will be left behind. Paul the Apostle wrote, I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT). It defies God’s exhortation and heart to allow differences about such matters as political parties, vaccinations, cultural variations of expression, styles of worship, racial distinctives, age-based perspectives and so on to corrupt Christian unity. Frankly, it happens too often, and it grieves the heart of God. Although we are not this public about it some Christians might be comfortable renaming their church “First Church of the Vaccinated,” “No Jab Worship Center,” “Conservative Right Church,” or “Progressive Left Church.” People would know and be welcomed at the appropriate church where non-essentials (in relation to non-negotiable truths in the Word) have taken precedence over essentials. Extreme? Or not far from reality? Are we not allowed to have differences in order to have the same mind? We can’t help but hold different views about many subjects because of differences in background, upbringing, culture, and personalities. However, those differences are not more important than maintaining unity which is built on a foundation of faithfulness to God’s Word and embracing the grace of Jesus. Paul addressed our differences by describing us like parts of the human body: The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, NLT).
Unity is Fragile
Unity is fragile, so much so that without determined intentionality to build and nourish it, disunity springs up like weeds in a garden. Unity is holy whereas disunity is sinful. Unity is uplifting whereas disunity is upsetting. Unity is God-honoring whereas disunity is God-abhorring. Unity occurs when the grace of Jesus is rooted in our hearts and is exhibited in our outlook, speech, and conduct. Jesus prayed that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me (John 17:21, NLT). Jesus is informing you and me that the world is watching, and the believability of our message will be directly impacted by the degree to which we model unity.
The eyes of the world are upon us.
About the Author
Randall A. Bach
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, a doctrinal course for youth called We Believe for Kids, and Thriving in the Spirit, an instructional book about the Holy Spirit and how we should respond to Him. He also led the creation of ACQUIRE, Open Bible’s online leadership development site.
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.
“. . .As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20:21 NLT).
In this issue of Message of the Open Bible you will discover some wonderful stories of how God is using everyday people to touch and transform lives and communities. You’ll read how people are opening their eyes and hearts to show and share the love of Jesus by “living sent.”
In my early years of ministry, I heard a phrase from well-known pastor Tommy Barnett that I have never forgotten. He defined ministry simply yet profoundly: “Ministry is seeing a need and meeting it.”
While this may be a simplistic approach, it has stuck with me, perhaps because it encapsulates much of what we see Jesus doing in His ministry. The scriptures tell us that “Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38), and how He came “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Barnett’s quote also helps us see ministry as more relatable, practical, and attainable for every follower of Christ. It takes away the perception that ministry is something done only by pastors, or “super Christians,” or a few of the chosen. It expresses a biblical understanding of what every person can do to share the love of Christ with others.
Finally, the quote brings ministry outside the walls of the church. Ministry is not confined to a designated place or a specific group of people; it happens both inside and outside of the church.
“We see life-giving, disciple-making, Spirit-empowered churches [and people] . . . who possess a missional mindset, multiplying priority, and a mobilizing commitment.”
This idea of ministry is consistent with our vision for Open Bible: “We see life-giving, disciple-making, Spirit-empowered churches [and people] . . . who possess a missional mindset, multiplying priority, and a mobilizing commitment.” It embraces the same principle of “living sent” that we want to embody in our movement.
At the heart of our vision statement is a core value of being missional – reaching out to those who are disconnected from Christ, multiplying disciples who are growing, and building other disciples to be mobilized to serve and use their gifts both inside and outside the church walls.
I love the local church and have served and led through it for over thirty years. I agree it is the hope of the world. But our goal is not just to go to church but to be the church (as the saying goes). Our goal is to live our lives on mission for the Kingdom.
We tried to prioritize this at Life Church in Concord, California, where my wife Julie and I pastored for many years. We taught our church family to be missionaries in our communities and in the spaces where they had influence.
One of our favorite annual outreaches was called “Summerfest.” This day camp provided a free, full-day and week-long experience for local kids. In an area where dual-income families are working to make ends meet, we provided a place where kids would have a blast, be cared for by dozens of volunteers, and experience God’s love. This simple camp blessed hundreds of families each year. That act of service opened hearts to the Good News.
When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many
Outreach is not only about meeting physical and emotional needs but also addressing spiritual ones. It is about building relationships, creating trust, and opening avenues for people to experience the transformative power of God’s love. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
When we shift our focus from waiting for the next church-led outreach to personally engaging with those around us, we unlock the potential for exponential, “multiplied” kingdom growth.
For me as we planted our church, this looked like making a few very practical investments in our community. My daughters played soccer, so I volunteered to coach (I was the only dad to volunteer, so I got the job). Through that opportunity, I connected with families in our community. One of the soccer dads then asked if I would be interested in playing on his men’s city league softball team. By saying “yes” to his invitation, I was able to connect with even more people in our community, and long story short, that father surrendered his heart to Jesus and was one of the first people to be baptized at our church.
Serving people doesn’t always require a large-scale event or program. Sometimes, it is a simple conversation, a kind gesture, or a heartfelt prayer. As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of being His hands and feet in our own unique spheres of influence. When we shift our focus from waiting for the next church-led outreach to personally engaging with those around us, we unlock the potential for exponential, “multiplied” kingdom growth. One friend at a time, we can share the hope of Christ and watch as lives are transformed for His glory.
Remember these words of Jesus: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant” (Matt 20:26 MSG). Let us be intentional in our outreach, committed to serving, and faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Michael Nortune
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 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!
