About Us
Want to know more about how we’re living out our mission, who we are, and what we believe? You’ve come to the right place!
Formerly First Baptist Church of Sterling, we are affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of the United States of America and are part of the Great Rivers Region.
What We Believe
Our church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region.
Our Leadership
Click “Learn More” to learn about the staff and volunteers who are an integral part of Open Door Community!
Our Mission
Our mission at Open Door Community Church is “Encouraging People to Reflect Jesus and Serve Others.” When put into practice, this means that we are enthusiastic about helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus (especially through life groups and discipleship), and we seek and provide opportunities for people to put their faith into practice with various service opportunities, both within the church and in the community.
What We Believe
Formerly First Baptist Church of Sterling, our church is part of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region. The beliefs outlined below come from our denomination.
We believe…
- That God is one Being expressed in Three Persons (the Trinity): Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- That God the Son was incarnated as Jesus Christ of Nazareth, being born of the virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day
- That the Bible is the final authority and trustworthy for faith and practice. It is to be interpreted responsibly under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit within the community of faith
- That the Church is a gathered fellowship of regenerated believers, a sign of the coming universal reign of God
- That the freedom to respond to the Lordship of Christ in all circumstances is fundamental to the Christian gospel and to human dignity
- That witness to Christ is the ongoing task of every Christian and of every church
- That believers follow the example and command of Christ by being baptized (immersed)
*Our belief statements are taken from the document We Are American Baptists, which can be found here.
Our Leadership
Our small staff could not do anything without the help of our volunteers! If you need to get in touch with one of our volunteer leaders, please contact the church office at office@opendoorcommunity.church or (815) 625-1288.
Staff
Senior Pastor: Daniel Swihart (Email Daniel →)
Associate Pastor: Jane Hamilton (Email Jane →)
Office Manager: Rachael Swihart (Email Rachael →)
Custodian: Tasha Miller
Volunteer Leaders
Facilities Manager: Bill Eberly
Volunteer Coordinator: Carol Eberly
Special Events: Debbie Hinrichs and Linda Borum
Youth Leader: Davie Carter
Sunday School Superintendent: Peggy Carter
Music Leaders: David Carter and Tim Kistler
