President's Perspective
Time to Look in the Rearview Mirror
Fifty-one years seem like a long time unless you are looking at them in the rearview mirror. For 51 years I have been honored to serve the Lord in a number of capacities through Open Bible Churches. This is the last article I will write for the Message with the title “President” in front of my name. As I contemplate the conclusion of my service as president at the end of this term, I cannot help but look with thanksgiving in the rearview mirror.
There have been so many experiences, so many opportunities to stretch and grow where I had no previous experience. There were many occasions to look deep inside myself when contemplating my circumstances with the Lord and declare to Him, “I know you placed me here. I need you to help me figure this out and lead where you want me to go.” And for 51 years He has faithfully done that, extending grace on which I was dependent, wisdom when my own was lacking, strength for what I understood would be a distance run, assurance that I would never be alone in doing so, and favor, which I have always known was a gift from Him. If I have accomplished anything, all glory goes to God. I own responsibility for anything else that might not have been as accomplished.
I am an Open Bible “lifer.” Although I don’t remember it, I am confident that I was in attendance at the Church of the Open Bible in Iowa Falls, Iowa, my first Sunday home after birth. My parents were the kind of people every pastor wants – always at church whenever the doors were open, faithful participants on workdays, tithers, loyal to the pastor and wife, and quality ambassadors for the church. The Open Bible church was the center of my family life. School, sports, and anything else was subordinate to church. If there were any schedule conflicts with church commitments, there was no question that church commitments would always reign supreme. Consequentially, my primary relationships were in the church. I looked up to my pastors and had tremendously supportive and affirming relationships with them. Years ago, while most of them were still alive, I wrote a personal letter of loving appreciation to each of them, describing their influence on me and affirming that to whatever degree the Lord was using me then, they contributed to that by believing and investing love, time, and care in me. I loved and respected my Sunday school teachers, including the ones that I quietly assessed as being terrible teachers. I noted the holiness of their lives and their belief in me, and I accepted them because of those attributes. One of those teachers could absolutely put me into a slumber, but I so respected who he was, his devotion to the Lord and the Bible, and his walk of consistency that I endured his teaching. I learned from his life and who he was more than what he taught in Sunday school. I learned to love Open Bible. Open Bible missionaries were our missionaries. Open Bible leaders from anywhere in the country, from east to west, were our leaders. There was no sense of regionalism or local isolation in our family’s love for Open Bible. We were not the only ones or the center of the known universe; we were joyful about being part of a worldwide Open Bible movement. That was so deeply instilled in me that for the rest of my days I have believed in and advocated for an Open Bible vision as primary rather than segments of our group as primary. My loyalty was cemented, even when later tested by major disappointments in people and institution.
The Open Bible church was the center of my family life. School, sports, and anything else was subordinate to church. If there were any schedule conflicts with church commitments, there was no question that church commitments would always reign supreme. Consequentially, my primary relationships were in the church. I looked up to my pastors and had tremendously supportive and affirming relationships with them.“
I was nine years old when the Spirit of God supernaturally apprehended me. I was not looking for Him. He found, filled, called, empowered, and led me from that day forward. I was to never be the same. Although I still had to transition from a boy to a man, I had an assurance from Him that it was all under His control. My life would belong to and be dedicated to Him. All of this transcended my understanding. I did not know where it would lead, but I was aware that because of that life-defining encounter, I was special in God’s sight. I must hasten to add, that did not mean more special or better than other people. There was absolutely nothing comparative with others when I say that I knew I was special. It was not a horizontally applied description; it was strictly vertical, founded in a loving embrace of God that defied both explanation and understanding.
There was an intriguing footnote to my self-discovery when I was in ninth grade. I was in the process of building a campaign, only because others had nominated me, to be elected student body president of my junior high. (I was elected.) Thelma Cave, my pastor’s wife who was gifted artistically and delighted to help with designing my posters, told my mother, “He is going to be president (then called general superintendent) of Open Bible Churches someday.” Why my mother told me about that is one of life’s mysteries because one of Mom’s missions in life was to make sure I would never think too highly of myself. However, as soon as she shared Thelma’s comment with me, I immediately knew in my spirit that I was to lock those words in a side room, never to play with or think about them, only to be unlocked and opened by God, if ever. I would never seek to make what turned out to be a prophetic declaration come to pass. Anyway, I had no thoughts about entering pastoral ministry, which I knew closed that door. Nice affirmation, but it was not going to happen. It was only after it did happen that I reflected on Thelma’s words. She saw what I did not.
However, I never felt called to be a pastor. Isn’t that the only way God calls and can use you? My pastor while I was in high school virtually peppered me about going to Bible college. I felt no such inclination and resisted what felt like pressure from him. I attended a local community college for two years while living at home. (I was frugal and wanted no debt!) I then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in history and political science. Although I selected a teacher training track, I was most intrigued by government. My secret desire was to be a born-again senator for the state of Iowa or a United States ambassador. However, through a sequence of events I realized those dreams would not be fulfilled. I would stay with the education track and earn my certification to teach high school. I did my student teaching in the Cedar Falls, Iowa, high school and applied for teaching jobs in social studies as graduation from college approached.
I discovered that a pursuit of excellence can be misunderstood by many people! Pursuing excellence is not the same as perfectionism. To a perfectionist, no pleasure can be obtained by doing a good work. Perfectionism continually haunts with the threat of failure if one would fall short in any way. Nothing can ever be good enough for a perfectionist. By contrast, a pursuit of excellence is a God-honoring resolve to give one’s absolute best at all times, not settling for or accepting mediocrity as a standard. Excellence may not be perfect, but excellence represents the best that can be done, and excellence will always go higher and farther than failure to pursue it.
The teaching market dried up at that time! There were no jobs available, even in the most remote and isolated outposts of civilization. God has His way of working in every situation. I learned that Open Bible College was looking for part-time teachers, so Barbara and I met with the dean. She was hired to be the college bookkeeper and I was hired to teach part-time, at the exorbitant salary of $40 per week. We were thankful! God was good to us, giving us favor and opportunity to serve in many ways. I could never have paid for such a rich education! When I was 24 years of age, I was appointed executive vice president and, at 29, was named president of the college. I will always say I owe Open Bible College more than it ever paid me. That era of service was followed by years of service in several capacities at the national office followed by service as the regional executive director for East Region Open Bible Churches before being called to the presidency.
I have embraced every place of service as the will of God for my life and resolved to give every ounce of my fiber to it. God would ultimately have to do the work, but perish the thought if a lack of energy, will, or work ethic on my part would hinder what He wanted to do! I discovered that inextricably linked to the call of God on my life was a commitment to pursue excellence. They are welded together for me.
I discovered that a pursuit of excellence can be misunderstood by many people! Pursuing excellence is not the same as perfectionism. To a perfectionist, no pleasure can be obtained by doing a good work. Perfectionism continually haunts with the threat of failure if one would fall short in any way. Nothing can ever be good enough for a perfectionist. By contrast, a pursuit of excellence is a God-honoring resolve to give one’s absolute best at all times, not settling for or accepting mediocrity as a standard. Excellence may not be perfect, but excellence represents the best that can be done, and excellence will always go higher and farther than failure to pursue it.
My heart is filled with humble appreciation and thanksgiving for the opportunities both He and Open Bible Churches have given me to serve. I trust I have made a positive difference during my season. Barbara, my lovingly faithful, loyal wife and fellow sojourner, and I have traveled thousands of miles and met for countless hours with pastors and spouses, offering a safe place for personal sharing of burdens and challenges, and providing opportunity to visit about ministry. What an honor that has been, to be invited into the lives and journeys of such dedicated servants of the Lord. It has been much more than strategizing about ministry nuts and bolts; it has been walking together in sharing about life, family, and calling. Barbara and I have been touched by the unrelenting determination of people to follow God’s calling despite health challenges, limitations caused by age, and life-altering circumstances. What a privilege it has been to learn about and pray with them about their journeys. We love all our ministry associates who, over many years, became our friends. How we will miss the opportunities to interact with them during travels.
It is time to pass the baton to my successor (identity unknown at the time of this writing). Please give to him and his wife the love and support with which you have blessed Barbara and me. I look forward to great days of fresh anointing, vision, and fruitfulness throughout Open Bible Churches. Thank you, Open Bible, for your love, for believing in us, and for providing so many opportunities to serve. We will always cherish what we have been privileged to do over 51 years and our hearts are filled with gratitude for God’s never-ending faithfulness.
About the Author
Randall 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.
As we approach another election season, we find ourselves once again in an environment bringing tension, division, and uncertainty to people, including those within the Church. It is during times like this, however, that we as the Church can shine brightly. In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.
The apostle Paul instructs us that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20 NIV), and as followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to God and His kingdom. While politics does have its importance and influence, it is reassuring to know our hope is not based upon human leaders or systems but in the Lord who reigns over all.
In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.
There is no question that, as followers of Christ, we should engage in our civic duties with a kingdom-minded perspective and a biblical worldview. We vote, we pray for our leaders, we seek the welfare of our communities (Jer. 29:7), and we engage others with love. And as we do all of this, we hold to the truth that God’s sovereignty transcends the outcomes of elections.
In times that seem unstable or fragile, God’s Word tells us “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb.12:28). We serve an “unshakable kingdom.” Governments change, leaders come and go, and through it all, God’s kingdom remains. It is unshakable, eternal, and built upon His righteousness and justice. No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority. It is His church that holds the keys to unlock heaven on earth and bring light to the darkness.
Here is the reality we stand upon: It is God who “controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings” (Dan. 2:21 NLT), and “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Prov. 21:1 KJV).
Because of this truth, we can embrace Paul’s word to the Philippians: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7 NLT). Based on this passage, if we are a people of prayer who walk in faith, seek God’s wisdom, and are grateful, THEN we know we will experience a peace that goes beyond natural understanding. I am reminded, comforted, and convinced of this truth, and it is an anchor to my soul.
No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority.
This November’s election will be followed in December by the celebration of Christ’s birth. What a perfect time to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. This name, given to Jesus, is more than just a title; it is a promise that no matter what happens around us, God’s presence is constant and unchanging.
Whether the outcome of the election brings joy or disappointment, whether policies align with your hopes or create concerns, remember Emmanuel – God is with us. He is present in our churches, in our communities, in our families, and in our lives. He is not distant or disconnected; He is personally and actively involved in the lives of His people. Whoever is elected and however people respond – God still sits on the throne, His Kingdom is unshakable, and His plans are unstoppable. GOD IS WITH US.
Some practical steps for consideration:
- Pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are: Pray for their wisdom, discernment, and a spirit of humility.
- Stay united as the body of Christ: Let a heart of unity, love, and the bond of peace be what others see.
- Keep an eternal perspective: Engage in the political process, but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
- Live out the things that will remain: faith, hope and love.
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!
A medida que nos acercarnos a otra temporada de elecciones, nos encontramos una vez más en un ambiente de tensión, división e incertidumbre entre la gente, incluyendo a los que están dentro de la Iglesia. Sin embargo, es en tiempos como éste cuando nosotros, como Iglesia, debemos brillar con intensidad. Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo.
El apóstol Pablo nos dice que «nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos» (Fil. 3:20, RVR1960), y como seguidores de Cristo, nuestra lealtad suprema es a Dios y a Su reino. Aunque la política tiene su importancia e influencia, es alentador saber que nuestra esperanza no se basa en líderes o sistemas humanos, sino en el Señor que reina, sobre todo.
Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo.
No hay duda de que, como seguidores de Cristo, debemos cumplir con nuestro deber cívico desde la perspectiva del Reino y con una cosmovisión bíblica. Votamos, oramos por nuestros líderes, procuramos el bienestar de nuestras comunidades (Jeremías 29:7) y nos relacionamos con los demás en amor. Y al hacer todo esto, nos aferramos a esta verdad: que la soberanía de Dios trasciende los resultados de las elecciones.
En tiempos que parecen inestables o frágiles, la Palabra de Dios nos dice que «recibimos un reino inconmovible» (Heb.12:28). Servimos a un «Reino Inconmovible». Los gobiernos cambian, los líderes van y vienen, y a pesar de todo, el reino de Dios permanece. Es inconmovible, eterno y está edificado sobre Su justicia y equidad. Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad. Es Su Iglesia la que tiene las llaves para abrir el cielo en la tierra y para llevar la luz a las tinieblas.
La realidad sobre la que nos apoyamos es la siguiente: Es Dios quien «controla el curso de los sucesos del mundo; él quita reyes y pone otros reyes» (Dan. 2:21, NTV), y «está el corazón del rey en la mano de Jehová» (Prov. 21:1, RVR1960).
A raíz de esta verdad, podemos hacer nuestras las palabras del Apóstol Pablo a los filipenses: «Por nada estéis afanosos, sino sean conocidas vuestras peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias. Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros pensamientos en Cristo Jesús» (Fil. 4:6-7). Según este pasaje, «si somos un pueblo de oración que camina en la fe, busca la sabiduría de Dios y es agradecido, ENTONCES tenemos la certeza de que experimentaremos una paz que va más allá de la comprensión natural». Este pasaje me recuerda, me consuela y me convence de esta verdad, y es un ancla para mi alma.
Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad.
En diciembre, tras las elecciones de noviembre, celebraremos el nacimiento de Jesús. Qué momento tan perfecto para recordar que Jesús es Emmanuel: Dios con nosotros. Este nombre, dado a Jesús, es más que un título; es una promesa de que, pase lo que pase a nuestro alrededor, la presencia de Dios es constante e inmutable.
No importa si el resultado de las elecciones nos traiga alegría o decepción, sea que las medidas políticas se alineen o no con nuestras expectativas, o nos generen más preocupación, recuerde Emmanuel: Dios está con nosotros. Está presente en nuestras iglesias, en nuestras comunidades, en nuestras familias y en nuestras vidas. No está distante ni desconectado; Él está involucrado de forma personal y activa en la vida de su pueblo. Cualquiera que sea elegido y comoquiera que la gente responda: Dios sigue sentado en el trono, Su Reino es inconmovible y Sus planes son imparables. DIOS ESTÁ CON NOSOTROS.
Algunas medidas prácticas para tener en cuenta:
- Oremos por nuestros líderes, sin importar quiénes sean: Pidamos para ellos sabiduría, discernimiento y un espíritu de humildad
- Permanezcamos unidos al cuerpo de Cristo: Que un corazón de unidad, amor y el vínculo de la paz sea lo que los demás vean en nosotros.
- Mantengamos una perspectiva eterna: Participemos en el proceso político, pero mantengamos los ojos fijos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de nuestra fe.
- Vivamos conforme a lo que permanecerá: la fe, la esperanza y el amor.
Sobre el Autor
Michael Nortune
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 comienzos como conserje y jardinero hasta ser pastor principal de Life Church en Concord, California. Michael ha tenido la oportunidad de adquirir experiencia en todas las funciones dentro de la iglesia a lo largo de su ministerio. 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.
When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “. . . I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” He was making a declaration that His Church was going to be an unstoppable force for the kingdom of God. His Church would expand and multiply, and nothing (not death, hell, or the grave) could keep it from its destiny.
We now are the people He uses, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His mission for such a time as this. A few months ago, I heard a quote by author Grant Skeldon that stuck with me. The quote went something like this: “The enemy wants to divide the Church. The Church is busy trying to add. But Jesus wants the Church to multiply.” God had already been speaking and stirring this passion for multiplying within me, and the quote resonated in my spirit.
It’s true, Satan does not want a united Church because he knows when we are united, we become the unstoppable force Jesus spoke of. Therefore, his plan is to try to divide people. He attempts to create jealousy, animosity, backbiting, and gossip in our pastors, churches, and cities, rendering God’s people powerless.
“The enemy wants to divide the Church. The Church is busy trying to add. But Jesus wants the Church to multiply.”
Here is what I would add to Skeldon’s mathematical quote: the world wants to subtract the Church. In culture today, we see many attempts to silence the voice and values of the Church. We see the world trying to erase our God-given assignment and impact, trying to remove our influence by portraying the Church as irrelevant and intolerant.
Too often, churches become distracted, focused on trying to add just a few more people, add a few more programs, add a few more outreaches, add a few more dollars, add a few more baptisms. We become trapped at times in a survival mentality, thinking, “Let’s just get through another Sunday.”
Jesus declared that His Church would not just survive but would thrive and multiply. You see this truth in both the Old and New Testaments, that God’s kingdom and His Church are intended, equipped, and empowered to multiply. From the beginning there is a command that carries a promise: God blesses humanity, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Those words are repeated and ripple throughout the pages of Scripture.
The mandate I sensed God speak to my spirit at National Convention in Dallas as Open Bible transitioned into a new season was a clarion call. Open Bible was to embrace and pursue what God has intended for us, to apprehend what we are apprehended for, to live what is in the DNA of our movement. We, as a fellowship and network of churches, could believe together that God wants to multiply His kingdom through every local church, every minister, all our districts and regions, nationally and globally. The leadership in Open Bible is resolute and passionate about serving our local churches and seeing your ministries multiply, understanding that as they do, we experience God’s promise of multiplication together.
We become trapped at times in a survival mentality, thinking, “Let’s just get through another Sunday.”
You will hear more in the coming weeks and months about how this word from God can be lived out in practical ways. Together in agreement and alignment, we are on a “Mission to Multiply.” We are believing that over the next few years we will see God multiply His kingdom in your churches and ministries. In addition, we will see Him multiply the number of leaders and ministers in Open Bible, the souls being saved, disciples being trained, churches being planted and adopted, and the next generation being raised up and stepping into their destiny. Will you blend your faith and prayers with ours, believing God’s call is for Open Bible to be “fruitful and multiply”?
“Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will LIVE and MULTIPLY, and you will ENTER and OCCUPY the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors” (Deut. 8:1 NLT, emphasis added).
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.
