Our Story, Mission & Vision

Where We Began

Open Arms was birthed out of a group of believers committed to praying and fasting about planting a church. The original thought was to plant a church in Bloomington/Normal, IL. Or West Georgia, however the Lord spoke clearly to plant it in Lincoln, Illinois. Two couples, Kevin & Charlene Wolf and Larry & Wendy Crawford planted the church together in the Wolf’s home in Chestervale holding the first service April 8, 2007 (Easter Sunday)

The church grew to an average of over 50 and moved into her second location – 311 Broadway (formerly Gossetts Dry Cleaners) in downtown Lincoln June 1, 2008. The church continued to grow there over the next 7 years.

We moved to 813 Woodlawn (formerly the Family Dollar) with our first service July 19, 2015.

We moved into our current location of 6 buildings & 60 acres on May 15, 2022 and entered a 10 Year Lease to purchase on June 1, 2022. We closed on the property on February 10, 2023. We were then able to purchase the second half of the campus 5 buildings and additional 40 acres on May 31, 2024. Open Arms continues to grow and now resides on a 100 acre campus and 11 buildings. Positioning us to fulfill the vision God has given us from the beginning.

Mission

A Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, praying church, committed to living the Greatest Commandments and fulfilling the Great Commission.

Vision

We are a transforming community transforming our community.

A Church being built by Jesus, providing a Presence in the community and a safe place for people to experience a personal encounter with Jesus Christ resulting in:

  • the Truth in love being proclaimed to every individual.

  • the Transformation of the city of Lincoln, Central Illinois and the world with the Gospel.

  • the Training of disciples of Jesus who will be sent throughout the world to advance the Kingdom of God.