The elders at Omaha Bible Church met for their monthly meeting on June 21. Let me pause for a moment. What does that mean? OBC is an elder-led church, with a plurality of elders, one of whom is the Senior Pastor.

Why does this matter? It matters because scripture shows that elders (plural) were appointed to the churches, as the apostles established the first churches. OBC has five elders, and the decisions we make are done unanimously (all in agreement). The elders are listed on the back of the bulletin, and are: Dallas Focht, Dan Perina, Todd Swift, Dave Guthrie, and Pat Abendroth.

Collectively, we work with the staff pastors (Mike Holloway, Chris Peterson, Mike Grimes, and Andrew Meyer) to oversee and lead the church. Scripture also says the leaders of the church keep watch over the souls of those entrusted to them (Heb 13:17).

So when we gather together, we have a lot to discuss and consider. It's a privilege and a weighty responsibility. We covet your prayers, and we welcome your thoughts and input.

When we met for our June meeting, we prayed and worked through a portion of the London Baptist Confession of 1689. We examined the finances and year-to-date giving.

Our fiscal year ends on August 31. We are in the process of setting the new budget for next year. Last week, staff pastors met with ministry leaders to get their budgets and input on the ministries they lead.

For the first nine months ending May 31, we are about $60,000 under budget on giving. Please pray for the elders for wisdom and guidance to set the budget, including giving for next year.

We praise God that we were able to pay off the church loan in the amount of $341,942 last week. Our building is now debt-free. Your sacrificial giving over the years has allowed us to pay off the bank loan.

We interviewed three men as deacon candidates and are excited to complete that process and add to our deacon board. We also approved a bid to replace the noisy and deteriorating air vent socks in the auditorium. The cost is $24,000 but needed as we are running out of duct tape to seal all the tears and rips in the air socks.

Plans are under way for the Pactum Conference (Oct 6-7, 2023). Please be in prayer for the speakers, for those in attendance, and for the Lord to be honored and the fruit be bountiful!

We already have around 100 people registered, many of whom are from out of state. It should be a great time of fellowship and time together considering “All Things New.”

For His Glory, Dave Guthrie Treasurer and Elder