We are five United Methodist communities in Salem-Keizer, Oregon, with unique identities and ministries in our neighborhoods.

We nourish and cultivate these communities while acknowledging there are a couple critical needles we can move forward when we work together.

Our Beginnings

Open Door Churches officially began in 2014 as a way to strengthen the United Methodist connection in Salem and Keizer. Ten years and several evolutions of leadership later, we’re entering into a new season of focused intention on creative stewardship and faith formation.

  • We want to share our resources as we come alongside efforts in Salem and Keizer around affordable housing.

  • We want to engage ministry with children, youth & young adults together. 

  • We want to deepen our discipleship in spaces together as adults.

  • We share a deep commitment to our LGBTQIA+ siblings as beloved children of God.

  • We want to engage ministry through a lens of equity, anti-racism, and cultural competency.  

  • We want to explore creative and sustainable ways to be the church together.

  • We want to share administrative support wherever it makes sense.

The Most Important Things

Mission: Open Door Churches exists to welcome home beloved siblings in Salem & Keizer through creative stewardship & faith formation.

Vision: We see a community where all beloved siblings feel safe and nourished both in their physical & spiritual home.

Ongoing Opportunities

  • 20s & 30s

    We meet for dinner, games & small group conversations at Pastor Jenny's home twice a month. Message 425-299-3049 for info.

  • Youth Ministry

    6-12th graders meet with awesome adults most Sundays for food, outings, and connection. Message pastorkift@opendoorchuches.org for info.

  • Lord's Cupboard

    Pack food on Wednesdays at 12:30, Fridays at 1:00 and/or deliver to beloved neighbors in their cars on Saturdays from 12:30-3:30. Contact Shirley at 503-580-0841 for info.

  • Children's Ministry

    We host a couple summer camp options for kids where they practice love of neighbor and self in creative and hands on ways.

  • Retreats & Workshops

    We love to gather to deepen our faith and connections with each other. We've recently explored generational intelligence and contemplative rhythms.

  • Potlucks & Picnics

    Let's be honest. We love to eat and play together! We gather several times each year to connect and enjoy each other's company!

  • Adult Groups

    We meet virtually and in-person to learn, study, and connect.

  • Affordable Housing

    We're committed to coming alongside brilliant people in Salem & Keizer who hard at work creating spaces that feel like home for our beloved neighbors. Message margaret.gandervo@gmail.com for info.

  • Family Promise

    We host four families in one of our churches several times a year for a week as a form of transitional housing. Message paulamama3@msn.com for info.

  • Equity Facilitation Team

    Six members of our ODC community went through a six month cohort exploring equity, anti-racism, and cultural competency. We embed this work in our evolving identities as children of God.

  • Special Combined Services

    We gather for special worship services together during Holy Week, Advent, and other times during the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s your leadership structure? Each church has it’s own leadership structure. There is a single board with representatives from each church that operates for the non-profit. Our board is responsible for tending our land stewardship, our financial well-being and a staff team as we engage our mission. There are currently four shared Open Door Church positions: AV Support, Administrator, Lead Pastor & Youth Pastor.

How does the pastors collaborate? Our five pastors are appointed to the collective community. Each pastor serves as a campus pastor of one specific community. We have a lead pastor who helps us move toward our goals. Our pastors meet together for support and collaboration. They fill in for each other and lead ministries together.