History:

During the summer of 1976, Rev. William P. Elias began a Gospel Crusade in Culpeper, Virginia. Out of this Gospel Crusade grew a "new fundamental independent Baptist church" - Open Door Baptist Church. The first service of Open Door Baptist Church was held in the Dominion Skating Center on August 8, 1976. Sunday school had attendance of 37, morning service attendance was 42, and the first evening crowd was made up of 44 people.

Jesus Christ said, over two thousand years ago, "...I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:18). No where in scripture are we told to build His church for Him. Thus, all the glory goes to Almighty God for any success that has been achieved through Open Door's ministry these last thirty years. However, God in a mysterious and wonderful way has chosen to use people to accomplish His Kingdom work.

There are scores of people that have shared in this ministry the past thirty years. The shepherds/pastors; Bill Elias, 1976-78; Pat Fortner, 1978; Jerry Hughes 1979-86; Mark Jarvis, 1986-2003; and Bernie Jernigan, 2004-present. Pastor Jernigan received his Bachelor's degree in Religious Education from Nashville Bible College, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is presently completing his Doctoral work at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. All of our pastors have been used in a unique way to lead this local church ministry.

Today, Open Door's leadership consists of the senior pastor, Bernie Jernigan, and seven deacons, Pete Benson, Todd Cole, Jerry Currier, Perry Faria, CJ Gross, Bobby Thornhill, and Benji York.

Open Door's congregation has been greatly blessed with outstanding lay leadership. Joice Curtis, the church's office manager since 1977, continues to faithfully minister through the church office daily. Becky Miller, our Financial Administrator, has worked in the church's financial office for several years. There are many others who give of themselves and their resources to be the hands and feet of Jesus through the Open Door Ministry.

If the past and present are any indicators, the greatest days are still in the future for Open Door. Our church was founded in the bicentennial year, 200 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join us as we celebrate our 30th year!