President's Perspective
Living A Sent Life: Seeing and Meeting the Needs Around Us
“. . .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!
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.
