A brief history

In 1976 a Bible study began in the Port Washington area with the desire to start a Bible-teaching church. Open Door Bible Church's first service was held on January 2, 1977 in rented facilities in Port Washington. Pastor Sid Litke came in 1984. In 1985 the church purchased the original building at our present location which was formerly a liquor store! After renovation, Open Door held its first service here on Easter Sunday 1986. Open Door planted Grace Bible Church of Adell, WI in 1987. Our current Worship Center was occupied in March 1994. Through the decades, additional services have been added and various renovations made to accommodate growth. In 2019 we dedicated the large classroom and fellowship space we call the Discipleship Center.

Staffing history

Pastor Jim Engelman was added to the staff in 1999 as adult discipleship pastor. Pastor Seth Meeks became our first youth pastor in 2005. When Pastor Seth left in 2016 to serve in camping ministry at Fort Wilderness, his brother Pastor Nate Meeks came to serve in youth and family ministry. Pastor Seth Meeks returned to Open Door in 2018 as the adult discipleship pastor when Pastor Jim retired. After Pastor Seth passed away suddenly in December 2022, Pastor Nate transitioned to serve as the adult discipleship pastor, and Pastor Cecil Carlisle came to fill the youth and family pastor position in July 2024.

Affiliation

Open Door Bible Church is non-denominational, but we belong to the IFCA International, an organization of churches, individuals and organizations that share biblical beliefs and goals.