This year, we’re thrilled to participate in GivingTuesday, a global movement of generosity that inspires millions to do good. GivingTuesday is more than just a day—it’s a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world, starting right here in Bradford.
At Open Arms Community Church, we’re working toward an incredible goal: building a Church for All. Our new building is designed to be a welcoming, accessible space for everyone in our community. To make this dream a reality, we’re raising $200,000 for essential accessibility features, including:
An elevator to access every level of our church.
A handicap-accessible bathroom to ensure dignity and convenience.
A front ramp and elevation for seamless entry into the building.
This GivingTuesday, December 3, we’re asking you to pray about how you can support this mission. Whether it’s through a financial gift, spreading the word, or lifting this campaign in prayer, every contribution helps us make a tangible difference.
Let’s come together as a community to show God’s love and build a church where everyone belongs.
We’ll send more details soon about how you can give on GivingTuesday, but in the meantime, check out the vision for our Church for All at OpenArmsCommunityChurch.org/ChurchForAll.
Thank you for your generosity and for being part of this incredible journey with us.
Mark your calendars for GivingTuesday on December 3! Together, we can create a space where everyone feels at home.
Bradford, PA – Open Arms Community Church, a Free Methodist congregation, is set to swap buildings with the First Baptist Church of Bradford in a unique and transformative partnership that will enhance their ability to serve the community. The move, scheduled for Spring 2025, will see Open Arms relocating from its current location at 1289 East Main Street in Foster Township to the First Baptist Church building at 71 Congress Street in downtown Bradford. This unprecedented swap began in September 2023, when Pastor Jeremy Childs of First Baptist approached Open Arms’ Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher about the possibility of exchanging properties. Both churches are debt-free and have seen an opportunity to better align their facilities with their growing ministry needs. Neither congregation is seeking financial gain from the transaction; rather, the swap aims to create a more effective environment for worship, outreach, and community engagement.
“We were excited to hear about the opportunity,” said Pastor Hatcher. “Their congregation was looking for a smaller space to maintain, and we were in need of more room for our growing congregation. After prayerful consideration and discussions with our Leadership Team, we agreed to explore the feasibility of the swap.” The leadership teams of both churches, along with denominational advisors and legal advisors, have worked together to assess the logistics of the move. Multiple building inspections and financial projections were conducted, and both congregations voted in favor of the swap. Open Arms members voted in favor in August, and First Baptist Church followed suit in September.
“We are thrilled to be moving into the heart of downtown Bradford,” said Pastor Hatcher. “Much of our outreach and ministry work already takes place downtown, and this move will allow us to expand our impact and serve even more effectively. Our goal is to use the new space as a ministry hub, partnering with local organizations to meet the needs of the community and share the transformative love of Jesus.”
Pastor Zoe Hatcher expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two congregations. “I’ve been deeply moved by the grace of God throughout this process. Pastor Jeremy and the leadership of First Baptist have been incredibly gracious. We both truly desire to see the community of Bradford reached with the Gospel, and if this is a way that both ministries can do this more effectively, then what a wonderful solution. My prayer is to see more churches work toward their goals across denominational lines in a way that blesses other churches as well. We all win in the end when God’s people release the hold we have over our “stuff” (or rather the hold that it can have on us) and seek to carry out His mission, whatever it takes!”
“The process of swapping buildings with Open Arms has reminded us in a fresh way that the church is the people, not the building where we meet,” says Jeremy Childs, Pastor of First Baptist Church. “Our building has been a useful ministry tool for us for 84 years, and we are grateful for it. But so much of our ministry happens outside those walls. It made sense for our church to give that building to someone who could better utilize it and maintain it, and move into something more sustainable for us. We believe the building on East Main Street will be the perfect space for First Baptist Church to continue her work of helping people take steps towards Jesus.” Both congregations are now focused on completing the legal and denominational steps required for the property transfer. The official move is scheduled for Spring 2025, and both churches are committed to ensuring a smooth transition, with no interruption to services during the move. Pastor Childs shares, “Open and honest communication between the two churches has made a challenging process much easier.”
In anticipation of their upcoming move in Spring 2025, Open Arms Community Church will soon announce the launch of a new capital campaign, Church for All. This initiative will focus on preparing the church for its new location and ensuring it is equipped to serve the community in even more impactful ways.
Details regarding the opening dates of both new locations will be announced closer to the move.
Discipleship is often misunderstood in today’s world. For many, it is viewed as a process of acquiring knowledge, learning about Jesus through study and reflection. While this is an important aspect of following Christ, there is a deeper level of discipleship that involves active participation—living out the teachings of Jesus, embodying His character, and following Him wherever He leads. This is where the concept of apprenticeship comes into play.
Discipleship vs. Apprenticeship
Discipleship, in the traditional sense, is often seen as a passive endeavor. It’s about learning from a teacher, studying their words and actions, and becoming familiar with their ways. However, apprenticeship goes a step further—it’s an active, hands-on process. An apprentice doesn’t just observe; they practice, learn by doing, and work closely with a mentor to become skilled in a trade or craft.
In the context of following Jesus, discipleship is not just about absorbing knowledge or information. It’s about learning to live as Jesus did. It’s about not just knowing His words, but also doing the things He did. It’s a continuous process of transformation and growth. The call to follow Jesus is a call to active apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship in Following Jesus
To be an apprentice of Jesus means more than attending church or reading the Bible. It’s about living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life—seeking to be with Him, becoming like Him, and doing the things He did. Discipleship is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but a lifestyle that is centered around Jesus.
In James 1:22-25, Scripture speaks directly to this active form of discipleship, urging believers to be doers of the Word:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” — James 1:22-25 (NIV)
This passage highlights the difference between passive discipleship and active apprenticeship. The call is clear: to truly follow Jesus, believers must not only listen to His words but live them out.
The Three Goals of Apprenticeship
To be effective apprentices of Jesus, there are three primary goals that should guide the process of discipleship:
Be with Jesus The first goal of apprenticeship is to be with Jesus. In John 15:4, Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Him:“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” — John 15:4 (NIV)Being an apprentice means spending time with Jesus—through prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. Only by remaining close to Him can one bear the fruit of a transformed life.
Become like Jesus The second goal is to become like Jesus. Discipleship involves a radical transformation of one’s life, where personal desires and ambitions give way to the will of God. In Matthew 16:24-27, Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship:“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” — Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV)To become like Jesus means denying oneself, surrendering personal ambitions, and embracing a life of self-sacrifice for the sake of others and the Kingdom of God.
Do what Jesus did The final goal of apprenticeship is to do what Jesus did. Jesus didn’t just teach—He demonstrated how to live. He healed the sick, showed mercy to the marginalized, and proclaimed the good news of God’s Kingdom. As apprentices of Jesus, believers are called to do the same. It’s not enough to learn about Jesus; they must follow His example and actively engage in His mission to bring restoration to the world.
Living Out the Call
The call to discipleship is not a passive invitation. It’s an active, lifelong journey of transformation. It requires more than just knowledge—it requires action. Apprentices of Jesus don’t just study His life, they live it out. The process of discipleship is one of continuous learning, growing, and doing.
For those who seek to follow Jesus more closely, the journey begins with a commitment to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. This is the heart of true discipleship, and it’s what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus. It’s a call to live out the Gospel every day, in every situation, and to be transformed by the power of Christ.
n life, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a routine. We may go through the motions, day after day, and sometimes wonder if anything is really happening. Pastor Rich shared how the Israelites must have felt as they marched around the walls of Jericho. For days, they followed God’s instructions, but nothing seemed to change—until, on the seventh day, the walls came down.
Marching Around Jericho
Pastor Rich reminded the congregation to put themselves in the shoes of the Israelites. God had commanded them to march around the city of Jericho for seven days. On the first six days, they walked in silence, blowing their horns but seeing no immediate change. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times, and then, when they blew their horns, the walls collapsed.
Joshua 6:15-16 “On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city.'”
Faithful Action Requires Patience
Pastor Rich pointed out that sometimes the journey of faith feels similar. People may feel like they are walking through the same struggles, day after day, without seeing any significant change. But the story of Jericho shows that it takes time for God’s plan to unfold. Even when there is no immediate progress, faithfulness is still required. Like the Israelites, people are reminded that even when nothing seems to change, they must continue trusting in God’s timing.
Despite their grumbling and frustrations, the Israelites remained faithful to God’s instructions. Pastor Rich emphasized that God did not give up on them, and He will not give up on His people today, no matter how long it takes.
From Passive Discipleship to Apprenticeship
In the message, Pastor Rich highlighted the danger of falling into passive discipleship—going through the motions of faith without truly engaging with it. The call of a disciple is to be an active apprentice of Jesus, to learn from Him, and to live out His teachings. Too often, people stop short of fully committing to the process, expecting things to be easy or immediate. However, true discipleship involves cost, sacrifice, and a willingness to be shaped by Jesus.
The most powerful examples of discipleship in the Bible, Pastor Rich noted, are those who committed themselves to apprenticeship, not just by listening to Jesus’ teachings but by living them out. They were open to correction, willing to fail, and determined to learn from their mistakes.
Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Pastor Rich explained that Jesus is clear: true discipleship is about putting His teachings into practice. It’s not enough to just hear the words; they must shape the way people live.
Apprenticeship in Action: A Personal Story
Pastor Rich shared a powerful example from within the church. Around 14 years ago, when Pastor Rich first walked into the church, the first person he met was a nursery worker. Today, that same person is the lead pastor of the church. Pastor Rich used this example to show how apprenticeship works—when someone steps out in faith, even in the small things, God can use them for great purposes.
This story also served as a reminder that no one is too small or insignificant to be used by God. Whether it’s a volunteer or a seasoned leader, God calls each person to apprentice under Him, to learn and grow in the faith. Pastor Rich acknowledged that he has been shaped by mentors who corrected him, guided him, and showed him what it means to truly follow Christ.
“You Can Do Hard Things”
In his message, Pastor Rich also shared how his mentor, Pastor Zoe—who serves as the lead pastor—encourages him with a simple yet powerful phrase: “You can do hard things.” Pastor Rich admitted that he often finds himself grumbling when faced with difficult challenges or when things don’t go as planned. But Pastor Zoe has been a constant source of encouragement, reminding him that even in the most challenging times, God equips His followers to face hard things with faith and perseverance.
Pastor Rich recalled that there were many times he wanted to give up, but Pastor Zoe’s words served as a timely reminder that discipleship, like apprenticeship, involves difficulty and growth. It’s not about avoiding hard things but embracing them with God’s help.
This message resonated with the congregation, as Pastor Rich challenged everyone to embrace the hard things in their lives—whether it’s the challenge of being a parent, the difficulty of personal growth, or the cost of following Jesus. Through it all, God’s grace is sufficient, and He strengthens His people to endure.
The Power of Community and Mentorship
Pastor Rich emphasized the importance of community and mentorship in the discipleship journey. No one is meant to walk alone. In our apprenticeship to Christ, we need people—teachers, mentors, and fellow apprentices—to guide and challenge us. The church community plays an essential role in this process, helping individuals grow and mature in their faith.
God equips each believer with the tools needed for spiritual growth. But Pastor Rich reminded the congregation that it is important to be intentional in finding wise teachers and mentors who can help them along the way.
The Call to Be Apprentices of Christ
The message ended with a challenge for everyone: How are they living out their discipleship? Are they simply going through the motions, or are they actively learning from Jesus and His Word? Pastor Rich called the congregation to move from passive discipleship to active apprenticeship. He encouraged them to follow Jesus’ example by becoming not just hearers of the Word, but doers of it. This call to action is not just for the individual, but for the whole community of believers.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Pastor Rich reminded the church that being an apprentice of Christ is about following Him, living out His teachings, and helping others do the same. As the body of Christ, believers are called to walk this path together and accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom.
Prayer for Apprenticeship in Christ
Pastor Rich closed the message with a prayer, inviting the congregation to join in:
Father, Thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect example of what it means to live out our faith. We acknowledge that we need You, and we need each other, to grow in our discipleship. Teach us to be active learners, apprentices of Christ, who not only hear Your Word but put it into practice. Help us to count the cost and embrace the challenges of apprenticeship, trusting that You are with us every step of the way. We thank You for the teachers and mentors You’ve placed in our lives, and we pray that You continue to guide us as we learn from You and from others. May we be faithful in our discipleship and live out the truth of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
