We believe in the Bible as the inspired, holy Word of God. We believe in the life, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that every person must accept Jesus and ask forgiveness of their sins to enter the Kingdom of God.

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9 (NIV).

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I Peter 1:9 (NIV).

​We believe in following the Bible and studying scriptures to answer every question and to settle every dispute. We believe in being more than just a church building or a group of Christians sitting in our four walls. We believe God has called us to serve everyone with dignity and respect regardless of their past or their present. We believe we are to take the Gospel to all who will hear, and we are to provide the ministry of Jesus in all respects. We are here to pray, teach, encourage, feed the hungry, clothe the needy, visit those in prisons and hospitals, and allow God's love to shine through us. Period. We believe in ministering to every age group and addressing various life issues. We do not believe in church politics. We believe those in leadership should be living Godly, committed lives which should be evident in their walk with God, their conduct with their families, their church, and those they serve. We believe God is first, family is second, and serving the world around us is third. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to know God and serve Him regardless of their past. We are not affiliated with any denomination. Open Arms is a ministry committed to following the truth of God's Word and being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Open Arms Fellowship is a non-denominational ministry served by Senior Pastors Randy & Kathy Barnes as well as Associate Pastor/Children's Director Cheryl Jackson. We minister to the entire family in a variety of ways. We are ordinary everyday people reaching out to ordinary people who need direction and guidance from a Biblical perspective. We've had our ups and downs in life just like everyone has, however, with God's help, we've made it through all life has thrown at us and learned from our past mistakes. We feel God compelling us to share the knowledge He has given us with others who might be headed down some of those same paths in their lives. We share love, experience, and God's truth to those who will listen and have the desire to live a life with Him at the very core of their being. Our ministry is more than a church service. We care about you, we want to know your name, we want to celebrate your joys, and provide various forms of help when you are in need. We are real people ministering to real people!

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!"(Isaiah 6:8)

Randy was born and raised in Ohio on a small farm. As a toddler, he was just a little country boy who would stand on a stool and sing his heart out for anyone who would listen. He grew up in church and gave his life to the Lord as a young boy, but as the years would pass, insecurities and shyness would take root. As a teen, it would be like pulling eyeteeth for him to speak to a girl or involve himself in anything, let alone to sing for any kind of audience voluntarily. He felt the undeniable call of God on his life as a teen but refused to pursue the call at that time. After all, how could God call Randy to preach when everyone knew he was a singer...and a shy one at that! Refusing to follow God's call can take a toll on your life. It's a long story but, over the next 30 years or so, he tried to follow God but never gave in completely. Therefore, unable to find true happiness, he made many mistakes and followed many wrong paths for his life. Failed relationships and bad decisions ruled for many years. Finally, at the age of about 45, he realized that without God as the true center of his life, the true number one, he could never be the man who God had called him to be. It took the next several years to begin breaking all the bad habits that were formed over all those years of denial. With God's help and a lot of hard work on Randy's part, he has now finally come full circle to accept the call that had been there for all those years, willing now to sing and preach as God leads. Moving to Tulsa at the age of 50 after meeting a God-fearing woman who also has the call to ministry, he now feels more at home here than any other time or any other place in his life. God has begun to open doors of ministry in many different areas. Now you will hear him say definitively that life can only work the way it should when God is in full control. This is a NEW beginning and yes, many lessons were learned as a result of all those bad choices, but now with God's help, he is anxious to share with others what he's learned so that they might have the opportunity to live their lives without making the same mistakes.

​"The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed."(Luke 4:18)

Kathy was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 11, 1965. Although born in complicated circumstances, God called her into the ministry, through Word and song, from the very beginning. She began singing solos at the age of two, playing the piano at the age of nine, and playing and leading worship for the church at the age of 13. At the age of 16, she began evangelizing, speaking at many churches, especially to the youth. At the age of 23, she assumed the pastorate of the church she grew up in, after her aunt and founder of the church passed away, and continued there for 15 years. Unfortunately, marriage was going to be a problem, and, for 20 years, she found herself divorced twice. The pain was unbearable, especially after the first divorce. She hoped to be married for more than 50 years as her grandparents had been. Problems in her personal life led to a time out. The calling was still there, however, and always will be. She continued ministry via the Internet and personal contact, home Bible studies, occasional speaking engagements, and leading worship for various churches. Due to extreme emotional hurt from the marriages and other wounds from abusive people, she knew it would be a long time before she could commit to a full ministry again. Her son, Joshua, was the light in the darkness and she spent several years concentrating on raising him. God continued to encourage her through various people and situations, always assuring her that the call remained. In 2007, she met Randy. Since both of them had been around the block and knew the pain of failed relationships, they understood each other completely. God knew what He was doing. Randy had the same heartbeat for ministry, and together they knew they could accomplish everything God had called them to do, including helping others avoid the same mistakes they made regarding relationships. In May 2008, they married and continue to serve God with an emphasis on relationships and ministering to others through worship, prayer, counsel, and meeting tangible needs whenever possible. Kathy desires to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting needs and helping all who cross her path.

Cheryl is our Children’s Pastor and Associate Pastor, wearing many hats! Her gift with children is remarkable. Children love her and follow her lead so naturally. Having adopted five children and leading several ministries, Cheryl was undoubtedly the best choice for the job. She welcomes your children with classes available from nursery to 12 years old. Your child will be in great hands!

Wayne is a great teacher using relatable life stories to illustrate the truth of the Word. The studies are interactive and involve everyone who wishes to participate. Wayne drives many miles to help those who desire to grow spiritually and obtain a deeper understanding of the Word which results in a deeper relationship with God. His love for God and people is evident.

Colleen has the gift of teaching and understanding young adults. She not only shows up and teaches on Sundays, but she follows up with her students throughout the week when they need support or someone to cheer them on. Colleen understands where they are in life and she is a great sounding block and wisdom giver. Our young adults learn and grow spiritually and in life.

Marilyn loves children and has a heart for teaching them through various avenues. She is always thinking of ways to teach the children which will help them understand the most. Marilyn has a heart of gold and is continually reaching out to those in the hospital and those sick or in need of a visit at home. She believes God has called her to do these things, and she does them in His Name and in His love.

I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:36, 40)
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Don and Sara White have had a Jail and Prison Ministry for more than 25 years. The services have been very anointed, with the teachings of the Word of God going forth, healing and miracles happening, hope is being restored, lives being changed and transformed. They expect to continue to minister to the inmates until Christ returns.