OHC's History
The folks at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ozark saw a need for a church on the south side of town. So In 1976, ground was broken for a new work to begin. The congregation was named Eastern Gate Baptist Church. The church began to grow but experienced several pastoral changes. By 1995, the church had 100 people in Sunday School and around 130 in worship. Again the church experienced pastoral changes, and a decline began. By late 2003, the doors were closed and locked! The building sat empty!
Ridgecrest Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Hosea Bilyeu, believed God had a plan for this facility. On Easter 2004, 165 people filled the building to launch Ozark Highlands Church. Things got off to a great start. Over the next 16 months, 17 people were baptized!
Again a pastoral change took place, and OHC fell to about 35 in attendance. Yet God was still building this new work. In November 2005, God brought together two church families. The Village Church, another mission of Ridgecrest Baptist located in Nixa, needed a building. OHC needed a pastor. The vision was cast, and God moved and merged the groups in an amazing way!
Today OHC is vibrant and strong! Average attendance is now 140. There have been salvations and baptisms. God's timing is always right! Once the doors were locked, and now they are swinging off the hinges! There is a clear vision and great leadership. OHC believes in God. OHC has faith in Jesus Christ and that He will build his church! This church is exactly where God has planned it to be! Join in this exciting adventure.