Sterling, Va., is home to a small but energetic non-denominational church, launched in September 2010. Open the Book (OTB) Ministries, led by founding pastor Dr. Randy M. Haynes, is focused on sharing the transformative power of the Word of God, as well as developing relationships within the congregation and with others in the community. According to his biography, Pastor Haynes is a gifted orator with extensive biblical knowledge and training, and he "believes in bridging the words on the page with the existence of humanity, making the Gospel real to its readers and empowering them to live the Word with joy."
Dr. Joan Hoskins, the director of education and a church board member, believes OTB has a unique calling, led by Pastor Haynes' vision. She explains that although Pastor Haynes had been involved with a denominational ministry, he believed that "God was calling him to begin a new work that wasn't restricted with the traditions of (that) ... church."
Hoskins, a professor of education with Regent University, became involved with OTB's education ministry as a result of her work with Pastor Haynes at a previous church, in which she was his assistant for several Bible classes. She explains, "The core values of the church include relationships and the Word, and using the Word to impregnate and empower people." She adds that Pastor Haynes has an interest in the diversity of the body of Christ, as is seen in the "early church" model. "We are all created in God's likeness, and we're trying to follow what the Lord says about relationships," Hoskins explains, going on to say that they want to see a "lack of barriers that we have created for ourselves, really."
In light of this, OTB is strategically forming connections with other DC area churches through initiatives such as the pulpit exchange. Their first pulpit exchange, held on March 13, 2011, was a profound success. The joint services with Sterling Park Hispanic Ministry combined English and Spanish prayer, scripture and worship, with interpreters and PowerPoint slides to bridge the language barrier. Dr. Hoskins, one of the event coordinators, says she was moved by how the two churches worked together in setting up for the services. "This picture of members of two congregations and various cultures working together to prepare for the worship experience set the tone for the day in my heart and mind. God had already orchestrated the day and brought our two ministries together for this season."
Visitors to OTB can expect a small-sized congregation of about 40-60 for Sunday church services, followed by "Back Talk," a time when people can ask the pastor Bible questions directly. There are two youth ministries: "Revolution," for teenagers; and "Generation Future" for toddlers through elementary-school-aged children. "Revolution," as the name suggests, focuses on teaching teens how to defy the conventions of the culture around them, teaching them what is "the Divine Norm" and how to resist all alternatives.
Further information about the church and its ministries can be found at their website.
Open the Book Ministries, 400 West Laurel Ave., Sterling, VA. Meeting at Park View High School
Contact at haynes@open-thebook.org
Sunday services at 10:00 a.m.; Tuesday Bible study "Teach it to me Tuesdays" at 7:30 p.m., with concurrent youth study.
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