Pastor Learning Communities are groups of 5-6 pastors (or pastor couples) who gather once a week for 6 weeks to discuss a book together. This is for lead pastors and staff pastors. The purpose is twofold:

1. To continue to develop in our ministry and spiritual life.
2. To build community with fellow Open Bible pastors for mutual encouragement, support and prayer. We will all be going through the same book at the same time!

stepbible.org - Step Bible is a free online bible with connected original language links, dictionaries, commentaries, and more. An excellent study resource, originally by Tyndale house. There is an app available, but at this time the online version - even from a phone - is more versatile than the app. 

Andy Stanley Resource Library - free resources on many issues such as organizational and personal leadership, vision, relationships, faith & culture, etc.

 iDisciple - Church resources, articles, videos, sermons from leaders such as Andy Stanley, Tony Evans, Louie Giglio. Accounts are free for pastors.

 Life Church Resources - Leadership Training from Craig Groeschel as well as unlimited access to 50,000 resources like sermons, graphics, transcripts, kids lessons, worship songs, videos, and the entire two-year Bible App for Kids Curriculum package.

 Preach2Engage - Free monthly sermon outlines with full media elements.

 The Arda (Association of Religious Data Archives): At your fingertips, a wealth of demographic information about church affiliation and more in your city.

American Values Atlas - Excellent Demographics information

Thrive Leadership Podcast - interviews with diverse leaders in the church, Christian and business world. Hosted by Ray Johnston of Bayside church. 

Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast - Carey is a pastor, a former attorney and church futurist with a passion to help church leaders excel. 

Thoughts on the Holy Spirit - an article from the hearts of Lisa and Chris Hansler

Resources, Sermons, Articles and a free Pastoral Care Line staffed with professional, trained counselors - all designed to support pastors and their families. Click the Icon to access the website.

If you are sensing the call to ministry and you would like to become a part of the Open Bible family, here are the steps to becoming credentialed:  (The full process can be found at the Open Bible website HERE)

1. Click the link below and complete the “Get Acquainted” form

            https://www.openbible.org/connect/credentials/get-acquainted

2. Once the “Get Acquainted” form has been submitted, you will receive an email with a link to the full application.  You will need the following information to upload with the application:

• Recent photo
• Transcripts
• Chronological Ministry Resume
• Contact Information for References (email addresses) – references should include your senior pastor, current or former employer, and denominational official if you are/or have been credentialed with another denomination
• Social Security Number for the beneficiary of the Life Benefit Plan
• INS documents for you and/or your spouse if either of you were born outside of the United States

4. Doctrine Exam: You will receive a link to access the Doctrine Exam.  The purpose of this exam is to verify your doctrinal alignment with Open Bible. The exam consists of 21 multiple choice questions and 8 short answer essay questions over 12 topics.  The Doctrine Exam is required for all applicants.

5. Interview:  An interview will be scheduled for you with the Credential Committee

6. Approval Process: If your application, references, exams and interview are favorable, the Pacific Region Board of Directors will recommend the approval of your credential to the National Board of Ordination.  

The IRS provides a tax break for credentialed ministers called the "Minister's Housing allowance." This tax benefit has the potential to save all credentialed pastors on federal, state and local taxes by designating an approved portion of your ministerial income as housing. Many tax-preparers are unfamiliar with the unique tax status of a licensed minister so we encourage you to explore this resource to see how it can benefit you. It also includes the sample text to be included in board minutes.

MINISTERS' HOUSING ALLOWANCE