About

What We Believe

The Bible is true, authoritative, and sufficient. There is one true God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All humanity is sinful and the penalty for that sin is death. Jesus Christ was Born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and was crucified on the cross as a substitution for our sin.

Jesus rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will one day return. Only through Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin can one experience salvation.

Why Do We Translate our Services into Spanish?

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28, ESV

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” Revelation 7:9a, ESV

We believe that all people are equal in God’s sight, regardless of their background, language, ethnicity, or social status. We want our church to reflect the Kingdom of God - full of diversity. In order to serve and build relationships with our Spanish-speaking neighbors, we translate all our services and publications into Spanish. We offer Spanish Bible studies, ESL classes, and even sing worship songs in Spanish. Don’t let a language barrier keep you from the wonderful love of God at our church!

God allows us to serve Him by ministering among the Hispanic Community through Evangelism, Discipleship, Bible Studies, Worship, Fellowship, and Special Events in different Programs.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Every Sunday Service

Sunday School

Sundays from 9:30-10:30 am.. at OBBC

Wednesday Bible Study

Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm. at OBBC

Church History

October 1991

Open Bible Baptist Church (OBBC) was started with a prayer list of non-believers by Rev. Jefferson Martin, Sr. and Billie Martin. A bible study was started in the Martin’s home.

Rev. Martin was led by the Lord to the Pikes Peak Baptist Association (PPBA). Upon encouraging Rev. Martin to start a mission, Dr. Charles Aiken made arrangements with Southeast Baptist Mission to share their facilities.

November 4, 1991

The first service was held with 13 members.

October 1992

The church moved to the storefront at 4393 Airport Road. OBBC grew and acquired more space at the storefront. Our first baptisms were at Skyway Baptist Church. We were also baptized at Circle Drive Baptist Church (CDBC) and at CDBC’s Church on Wheels.

1994

Garden Ranch Baptist Church became the sponsoring church. They assisted with emotional, spiritual, and financial support.

May 1998

A constituting service was held in May 1998 with 92 charter members.

August 1998

Our present location at 824 South Union was acquired

What We Practice

1: Bible As Our Sole Authority

“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” † 2 Tim. 3:15 Since God’s word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

2: Autonomy Of Each Local Church

“Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life.” † Col. 1:18 Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. In relating to our “daughter churches” that we sponsor, we encourage each congregation to determine its own strategy, structure, and style.

3: Priesthood Of Every Believer

“Christ loves us and by His death, He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...” † Rev. 1:6 “You are ...the King’s priests... God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” † 1 Pet. 2:9 The Bible teaches that every Christian to serve God in their daily lives. Each person is given talents and gifts from God that they can use to advance His Kingdom. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.

4: Tithing

“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” † Lev. 26:30 At Open Bible we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body—the church—as God commands. We encourage our members to give whatever they can with a joyful heart, instead of demanding a specific amount. God sees their individual lives and rewards their faithfulness in tithing.

5: Immersion

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ…” † Col. 2:12 Baptism represents dying to the sinful flesh and being born again in Christ. It is a public acknowledgment that a person has repented of their sins, accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and dedicated the rest of their life to serving Him. We practice baptism by immersion under water—the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

6: Spirit-Led Living

(Jesus said), “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, but apart from me you can do nothing.” † John 15:5 We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we work to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)

7: Telling Others About Christ

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.” † 1 Peter 3:15 It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

Staff

Jeff Martin

SENIOR PASTOR

Jeff has been serving as a Pastor of OBBC since 2001 and his primary ministry is preaching and teaching while equipping and encouraging the members to serve God by serving others. He has been married to his incredible wife Frieda for over 19 years and they have two adult children. Frieda serves in the children's ministry as well as leading as the pharmacy manager for our free clinic and pharmacy ministry for the community. For most of Jeff's ministry time he served in a bi-vocational model working in the Fire Service where he recently retired after 32 years. In additon to his role of Senior Pastor he serves as the Executive Director of Open Bible Medical Clinic and Pharmacy.

Garret Naufel

Discipleship Pastor

Garrett and Brenna Naufel are committed to bringing the gospel to generations of men, women, and children as they serve the lost and hurting in Colorado Springs.

They love hosting people in their homes and seek to welcome them into a safe, warm, family environment that fosters real relationships and love. Garrett and Brenna both love to include kids and young people in their daily family life for the sake of loving them with the heart of Christ.

As they labor in Open Bible Baptist Church, Garrett, Brenna, and their kids are looking forward to seeing Jesus move in beautiful, life-altering ways!

Cesar Augusto Rios

FAMILY PASTOR & VBS LEADER

Cesar Rios was born in Colombia, but he spent the last 21 years living in Aruba with his family. He has been married to his wife Carolina for 18 years and they have 3 children. In September 2014, Cesar met Pastor Jeff and his wife Frieda in Aruba and became connected with OBBC. In December 2020, God gave him the opportunity to join OBBC and he and his family relocated to Colorado Springs.

KT Onukwuli

WORSHIP LEADER

KT has been a member of Open Bible Baptist Church since 2013. She married Francis Onukwuli in 2015. In addition to being a gifted musician, she has incredible administrative and leadership skills. She has served in a wide variety of roles in the church, but her talents really shine in worship ministry. Serving in a bi-vocational model, KT works as a full-time reservist in the United States Air Force.

Lisalee Ibañez

YOUTH LEADER

Lisalee has been a member of Open Bible Baptist Church since 2021. She and her husband, Christian Merino, are native New Yorkers and are in Colorado Springs by way of the United States Air Force. Lisalee has worked in a variety of capacities in the field of youth development and has 6 years experience serving in youth ministry in New York and Texas. She has a passion for working with youth and helping them grow in Christ. Serving in a bi-vocational model, Lisalee works full time for a mental health consulting firm.

Pamela Dixon

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY LEADER

Pamela Dixon joined Open Bible Baptist Church in 2022 and volunteered in the Children's Ministry as a teacher. A few months later, she was led to answer the call to ministry leadership when the position was vacated and has been serving in this capacity since then. Pamela has a genuine love for children and is passionate about helping them foster a real and personal relationship with God through the teaching of his word.