OPEN DOOR LEADERSHIP

STAFF

JOSHUA MERANDA

Lead Pastor

Joshua Meranda serves as the Lead Pastor of Open Door Church. Joshua is passionate about leading out from the Gospel in preaching and in the overall vision of the church as we seek to Love God, Love Each Other, and Reach the World. He gives direction to Open Door Church as we seek to accomplish all that God is calling us to do, and he encourages the church to grow as believers, both individually and as a church.

Joshua is currently in the process of earning his undergraduate degree online from Spurgeon College in Kansas City, MO. After serving in another church as Pastor, Joshua came to Open Door in 2019 as our Worship Pastor. In December 2021 he was voted to serve as the Lead Pastor. Joshua and his wife, Julie, have two sons, Carter and Benjamin.

NATHAN BIVENS

Associate Pastor

Nathan Bivens serves as the Associate Pastor of Open Door Church. He desires to see individuals grow in faith and see the Gospel transform lives. Nathan is passionate about preaching God’s Word and discipling individuals to find joy in serving a Holy God who is worthy of worship and praise.

Nathan has served Open Door as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for more than 10 years. He is a certified Transitional Pastor serving within the Resound Network in the Missouri Baptist Convention and has previously served as an interim pastor in a nearby church. He desires to see declining churches revitalized and restored for God’s glory. Nathan had a formal education and career in molecular biology before his call to pastoral ministry in 2020. Nathan is married to Cindy, and they have a grown daughter, Allison.

CHARLES GHOLSON

Executive Minster

Charles Gholson serves as the Executive Minister for Open Door Church. Charles is passionate about administration and systems that allow the church to function in a healthy and biblical manner. He has served on paid staff since July of 2016.

Charles earned his B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, and his M.A. in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He served in the United States Marine Corps and worked at MidwayUSA prior to surrendering to the call to ministry. Charles is married to Laura and they have two daughters, Hazel and Charlotte. He enjoys sports, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors in his free time.

DAVE BUCHNER

Worship Leader

Dave Buchner serves as the Worship Leader and a deacon of Open Door Church. Dave has been on the worship team for almost 10 years and is passionate about music and sharing the Gospel through song. Dave has also served as Treasurer of Open Door and volunteered in various other roles.

Dave has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s of Accounting and Financial Management. He is married to Tess Buchner and father to Brady Buchner and John Wilson. When not leading worship or working, Dave enjoys playing golf, spending time with family, and almost anything outdoors.