Ozark Bethel Chapel
Michael and Marty Kohlbaker
Though Pastor Mike grew up as a preacher’s kid, he had no intention of following his father into the ministry. In fact, Pastor Mike went to college at the University Missouri- olla (UMR) where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. But while in college, the Lord turned his heart more passionately toward ministry than engineering and began to open doors toward opportunities of teaching and preaching. Pastor Mike began full time ministry as a Campus Pastor at UMR, then served as Youth Pastor in Rolla for nearly 10 years. Since that time he has pastored several churches over the last 35 years as lead pastor. He has a passion for accurate presentation of scriptural truth, and leading worship is an integral part of his ministry.
Pastor Mike and Marty were married in 1982 and are still fervently in love, and enjoy spending their lives together in ministry and with family. They have three sons, two daughters and three grandchildren (another one due in April 2024) that they love to spoil.
Marty has served the church in many areas over the years, especially in the areas of teaching children and women's ministry. She is an avid crafter and loves sewing, knitting, scrapbooking and making decorations.
Pastor Mike’s great love, apart from his family and the church, is construction. When spending time with his kids, more often than not, you will find him working on a project in one of their homes.
What we believe
We believe the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our everyday lives.
We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy. The Lord Jesus Christ is both God and man and is the only one who can reconcile us to God. Each time we partake of communion we remember Jesus lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.
We believe sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. In order to receive forgiveness we must repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ and submit to His will for our lives. God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and powerful lives in order to help others more effectively. In order to live the holy, fruitful, and power-filled lives God intends for us, we need to be baptized in water, set our mind on Him and His purpose, and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe God has individually equipped us and corporately gathered us as His living body so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives, which is to worship God, strengthen the Church, and share the Gospel with the community in which we live.
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised and will rule and reign on this earth. History will conclude as the wicked are judged and the righteous enter a new heaven and a new earth.
Click here to learn more about hour fundamental beliefs.
Our Facility
Our church is comprised of the main sanctuary with an adjoining multipurpose room that can be used as a gymnasium or for events. The church also has a separate building that hosts a weekly homeschool co-op.
If you have need of event or ministry space please contact us and we would be glad to talk with you to see if we can meet your needs.
