Our Story

Where it all began…

Every church begins with a burden—a holy longing that refuses to be ignored. For us, that longing took root in 2018, when eight adults and three children gathered around kitchen tables and living room couches in Appleton, sensing the need for something deeper. We longed for a church community that took the Word of God seriously, that didn’t shy away from the deep things of God, and that believed spiritual maturity is both possible and necessary for the Lord’s people. Out of that conviction, Olivet Bible Church was born.

From the beginning, our desire was simple: to build a gospel-centered community devoted to Christ and His Word. We believed that the local church should not be shaped by trends or convenience, but by the timeless truth of Scripture and the transforming power of grace. After we launched, week after week, we gathered to open our Bibles and our hearts—to study, to pray, to sing, and to break bread together. It was small, simple, and sacred. God was planting something real.

As we grew, we sensed the Lord calling us to establish roots in both theology and fellowship. The early church in Acts 2:42 was a pattern for us: “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” These were not optional accessories to the Christian life; they were the very lifeblood of it. We desired a church that was not merely a Sunday gathering, but a family—bound by truth, shaped by holiness, and united in mission.

In 2020, the Lord confirmed His faithfulness in remarkable ways. That year, we joined the Evangelical Free Church of America, aligning with the Forest Lakes District—a partnership that provided both accountability and encouragement in our shared gospel mission. That same March, as the world was entering an uncertain season, God opened the door for us to purchase our current building. While many doors around the world were closing, the Lord was opening one for us—a tangible reminder that His purposes are never hindered. Through trial and uncertainty, He was still building His church.

At Olivet, we’ve sought from the beginning to remain anchored in what truly matters. Our worship reflects both reverence and joy, blending the richness of traditional hymns with the encouragement of contemporary theological praise. We gather weekly around the Lord’s Table, remembering that our unity and hope flow from Christ’s finished work. Every service, every prayer, every song centers on the glory of God revealed in the gospel.

Our mission is summed up in three simple words: Pursue Holiness Together. We believe holiness is not isolation from the world, but transformation by the Word. It is the lifelong pursuit of being conformed to the image of Christ—in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our community. And we do this together, as a people redeemed by grace and strengthened by fellowship.

Our vision flows from that same conviction: We exist to make the real Jesus known in the Fox Valley and among the nations. The “real Jesus” is not a cultural construct or sentimental figure, but the risen Lord revealed in Scripture—the One who calls sinners to repentance, restores the broken, and reigns as King over all. We long to see His truth proclaimed, His name cherished, and His gospel spread from our neighborhoods to the ends of the earth.

Looking back, we see the unmistakable hand of God in every chapter of our story. What began with a handful of people and a deep desire for biblical faithfulness has grown into a vibrant fellowship marked by truth, grace, and love. Yet, we do not measure success by numbers or noise, but by faithfulness—by how deeply we know Christ and how faithfully we follow Him.

The story of Olivet Bible Church is still being written. Every Sunday, as we open our Bibles, lift our voices, and break bread, we remember that we are part of something older and greater than ourselves—the unshakable Kingdom of God. And by His grace, we will continue to stand firm in that Kingdom truth, proclaiming the real Jesus, and pursuing holiness together until He comes again.

“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)