About Us
Open Door is a church for all ages and backgrounds, located in Lörrach, Southwest Germany.
Our Story
God writes the best stories. Even ours. The journey began in 1972 when our Founding Pastors Al and Gloria Veer came to Germany as missionaries with the Janz Team. From regular meetings and fellowship with people, to the first worship services in various gymnasiums in the tri-country area, finally, at the end of 1994, Open Door Church was officially established.
In March 2016, the position of lead pastors was passed on from Al and Gloria to Pastors Wil and Melanie (son-in-law and daughter of Pastors Al and Gloria), who have led the congregation ever since.
Open Door Church has evolved into a thriving and growing multi-generational congregation that has set out to become a multi-site church to reach its region with the message of God’s love – in word and deed. We believe that the power of God through the local church is touching and changing our region and we invite you to get to know our church.
Our Mission & Vision
Open Door Church exists to help people get to know God, find freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference.
As a Church we are a part of the Bund Freikirchlicher Pfingstgemeinden (BFP) as well as we are a part of the Evangelical Alliance here in Lörrach where we are partnering on a local basis with other Christian Organizations and Churches to seek the best for our city.
Our Pastors
Wil & Melanie Williford
Lead Pastors
Since 2016, Wil and Melanie Williford have been senior pastors of Open Door Church. It is their desire and goal to build a strong, influential church in this region. A church full of life, passion, leaders and songs. They have three children: Luke, Jaedon & Madisyn.
Alex & Sara Entz
Associate Pastors
Alex and Sara Entz met in our youth ministry. They have two kids. Noa and David. Their hearts burn to reach people in this area with the love of God.
Al & Gloria Veer
Founding Pastors
Al and Gloria Veer are the founding pastors of Open Door Church. In 1994, they founded the church with the desire to build a church after God’s heart. They have three children: Darcy, Melanie and Nathan and altogether 8 grandchildren.
We see a church…
That cannot be ignored! Not because of the size of its buildings but the size of its heart! May people not be impressed by huge crowds but by crowds of people selflessly serving! May we not be known to be the cool and relevant church but may we known for our high character and zeal for God.
A church that is not just relevant but a church that is prophetic! That means we are always one step ahead because the Spirit of God always sees what’s coming!
A church that is not marked by the number of likes or prominence on social platforms but a church that is marked by the presence of God because He actually likes being in its midst!
A church full of people that are so gracious, forgiving and unconditionally loving because they have experienced the grace, forgiveness and unconditional love of Jesus!
A church that is marked by its spirit of generosity always willing to be sacrificial in its giving, as well as able and equipped to give to every good work!
This is the church I want to pastor this is the church with an open door, an open heart, and this is the church with an open heaven over it pouring out blessing where there is not enough room to contain it.
Our Values
1 · Jesus is our passion
We believe that Jesus was and is really the Son of God. His love and His sacrifice have changed our lives. He was passionate about us and so we also want to be passionate about him. To know Jesus means to love him… even if our eyes have not yet seen him, our heart knows him very well!
2 · People are at the center
To love God has the automatic side effect of loving that which he loves. God loves people passionately… so much so that He gave his life for us all. Our biggest concern is to love people and to tend to their needs the way He has done for us.
3 · Generosity is our privilege
We want to be selfless givers because He has given so generously. We believe that generosity is one of the biggest powers in the universe. Those who decide to live a generous life will become free of self, live “lighter” and they can influence an egoistic society in a powerful way. A generous church is a blessed church.
4 · To be uncomplicated is our motto
In a world that gets more complicated by the minute we decide to be authentic and keep the essentials of life at the forefront… God first, others first, prayer first. We strive for believing the best in others and to treat them in such a way as we would like to be treated. We are quick to forgive when we have been mistreated.
5 · We want to model serving leadership
In a world of pushing and fighting to get to the top we want to follow the example of Jesus and serve. We recognize that God has given each of us gifts and talents. With these talents we can collectively make a big difference when we use them for His purpose. To bow a knee and humbly serve others is by far the highest and most noble way to live.
6 · Joy is our decision
We love life because it was God’s original plan for us. Religion and a religious spirit have always tried to take the drive out of life. A “God filled” life is marked by blessing, thriving and walking in God’s favor. Yes, we will meet trials and challenges along the way, but joy is always our decision…. those who walk in joy will walk in strength.
7 · We fight for justice
The injustice around us moves us and certainly does not leave us cold. We will not tolerate the things in our society which make God’s heart angry and sad. With God’s word and His principles as our standard we strive to bring light into the darkest corners of poverty, abuse and injustice in a practical way.