The OBC Elders met for their regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026. The meeting began with Pastor Pat leading the elders in a time of prayer. He prayed for the Lord to help us in our ministry to further the gospel, not only in our individual lives as Christians, but as leaders of a local church. He prayed for the Lord’s grace, wisdom, patience, kindness, and love as we continue to guide and lead through the preaching of God’s Word from the pulpit every Sunday, and for the fellowship of the saints to be rich with the aroma of Christ.

We are so thankful for the various ministries that go on daily, most recently Vacation Bible School, which culminated on the Lord’s Day with all the children singing to the congregation. Summer will be a time for many of our care groups that meet in homes to fellowship around a meal, enjoying the summer days.   

Mike Grimes read the London Baptist Confession of 1689, Article 13 – Of Sanctification. The Bible is so clear when it speaks to those who are regenerated and united to Christ, having a new heart and new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a renovative work that truly sanctifies a person personally.

The Bible states that the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and that lusts are continually weakened and mortified. Scripture also makes clear that the Christian’s sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life, and still there abides some remnants of corruption in every part. Finally, the confession concludes with the amazing reality that although the remaining corruption is for a time, the regenerate part does overcome. Through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after a heavenly life. 

Dan Perina discussed the Giving & Attendance Report from May. The monthly general offering totals were good, but there is still a slight shortfall between our actuals and our budget for the current year. Please pray for the continued sacrificial giving of our body and that the Lord will meet our needs as we continue to minister the gospel of Christ in this current year that is soon to end in August.

The Lord has been so faithful through the years regarding our finances, so we, as elders, are praising the Lord for our giving as we continue into the summer months, knowing that our Lord knows our needs and that He will meet them. Attendance remains strong with several new members being added soon. Please continue to pray for many to hear the great proclamation of the gospel, especially through Pastor Pat’s messages and our faithful follow-up. May God add many to His church body in these coming days.

Pastor Pat discussed the Strive Project Update. It was very positive. There is a meeting scheduled for June 23, where all those responsible for the design and construction will discuss the final details before the project begins. All the elders are very encouraged by the congregation's faithfulness in their giving and support of the building improvements.     

Finally, Mike Grimes presented the final draft of the 2026-2027 budget. He reviewed fiscal year 2026, including budgeted income and expenses, as well as fiscal year 2027 projected income and expenses. The elders voted on the 2027 budget, which was set at $1,014,158. Please pray as the Lord continues to guide and lead us through the upcoming year.

The meeting closed at 10:16 p.m. The next regularly scheduled elder meeting is planned for July 15, 2026.