About Our Church

 

SHARING THE HOPE AND

LOVE OF CHRIST

Our Mission

Our Story

Leaders of the Congregation

Our Mission and Purpose

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Our Vision

We are a spiritually alive church, living what we believe, bringing the hope and love of Christ to broken people in a broken world

Core Values

Grounded in Prayer

We anchor everything we do in heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength to navigate life’s joys and challenges together.

Growing in Christ

We are committed to lifelong spiritual growth, helping one another deepen our faith through study, worship, and discipleship.

Genuine and Caring

With authentic hearts, we offer compassionate care and support, building real relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

Open and Inviting

Our doors and hearts are always open, welcoming everyone to experience God’s grace in a judgment-free community.

Involved in Our Community

We actively serve Bolivar and beyond, partnering in local missions to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Giving God Our Best

In worship, service, and daily life, we strive to offer our talents and resources excellently, honoring God with excellence.

Positive and Joyful in Our Witness

We share the hope of Christ with joyful enthusiasm, shining as a positive light in a world that needs encouragement.

Our Story

For over 175 years, Open Hearts United Methodist Church has been a beacon of faith and community in Bolivar, Missouri, gracefully sustained by God’s enduring presence. Grounded in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, we strive to be spiritually alive, bringing the hope and love of Christ to a broken world through prayer, growth, genuine care, and joyful service. Whether you’re seeking connection, growth, or a place to make a difference, we welcome you to join our family and continue this timeless story together.

Our Team & Leadership

David Collum, Lead Pastor: david@openheartsumc.org
Michael Cole, Associate Pastor: michael@openheartsumc.org
Frank Mulligan, Director of Technology: bolivartechteam@gmail.com
Corey Siegfried, Student Ministries Director & Worship Tech: corey@openheartsumc.org
Natalie Holt, B.U.M. Kids Director: natalie@openheartsumc.org
Bethany Sherry, Music Ministries Director: bethany@openheartsumc.org
Mark & Kira Barb, Special Needs Directors: night2shinebolivar@gmail.com
Adelyn, Childcare Worker
Ashley Lasiter, Office Administrator: ashley@openheartsumc.org
Elizabeth Schuber, Financial Administrator: liz@openheartsumc.org
Linda Beeghly, Facilities Administrator: linda@openheartsumc.org

David Collum, Lead Pastor

Meet David, our pastor at Open Hearts.  Pastor David and wife Beth have two sons. The boys and their spouses have gifted them with two grandchildren that they love with all their hearts. David enjoys spending days off with short trips either to Kansas City or St. Louis areas to see those grandchildren. David is passionate in encouraging others in their walk with Christ, equipping them to be their best in serving the Lord. As for favorite things, Andy’s frozen custard tops the list. Relaxation comes in the form of getting lost in a good book, especially one that is suspenseful.  You may catch sight of him biking around town, his favorite form of exercise. And yes, you will hear him echoing “Go Chiefs” with the other fans.

Michael Cole, Associate Pastor

Meet Michael, the associate pastor at Open Hearts. Michael is responsible for Saturday evening services at The Connection, where he delivers the messages God has placed on his heart. Michael, along with his wife Victoria, is quite musically talented. They take the time to learn the new praise and worship songs for The Connection services. Victoria’s guitar accompanies Michael as he leads the singing. Michael enjoys living in a humble cabin on the lake on his grandfather’s farm, and finds wandering the woods helps him to relax, re-center, and focus on his spiritual life. As for hobbies, Michael is a retired carpenter and continues to do wood-working projects, such as chess sets.

Frank Mulligan, Tech Director

Meet Frank, Director of Technology at Open Hearts. You will find Frank behind the sound board and computer every Sunday morning. Frank and wife Sarah are parents to two active children. They stay busy with school activities, 4-H projects, a huge dog and lots of chickens. Frank’s happy place is getting to play board games with his children. When asked about favorite food…Indian food wins – hands down! If that’s not available, Mexican food is the next best.

Corey Siegfried, Student/Youth Director

Meet Corey, our Student/Youth Director. Corey loves working with the youth on Wednesday nights, along with special events for youth. You will also find Corey in the Open Hearts tech booth on Sunday mornings, working the sound board and handing out microphones, helping make our service run smoothly. Corey graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a degree in computer information science in December 2023. He is continuing his studies, working towards a Master’s degree in this field. Corey also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Some of Corey’s favorite things include a plate of Asian style dumplings, a good golf game, followed by a Starwars movie, all in the company of good friends and family.

Natalie Holt, B.U.M. Kids Director

Meet Natalie, the director of B.U.M. Kids, our Parents’ Morning Out program. Natalie and her husband are parents of two active children. Outside of work, these two children keep Natalie busy with school events and sports. Natalie and family enjoy outdoor activities and spending time together. Natalie also strongly supports outside organizations that encourage children to be active and to live a Christian life.

Bethany Sherry, Music Director

Meet Bethany, the face of the music department at Open Hearts. Under her skillful direction, the Open Hearts choir performs beautiful songs every Sunday as well as special songs for the season. Bethany plays guitar and harp as well as piano and a number of other instruments. She has been gifted with a beautiful singing voice. Outside of “work”, Bethany enjoys jam sessions with her very musically talented family. One little known fact is that Bethany’s mom, who is also a talented musician, taught her how to play the harp. Some of Bethany’s favorite things are brownies, books, crocheting, and relaxing at the lake.

Mark & Kira Barb, Special Needs Directors

Mark and Kira Barb are the face of the Bolivar/Polk County Night to Shine annual event. Mark and Kira each bring unique talents and gifts to this ministry for people with special needs, ages 14 and up, and their caregivers. Mark is a software engineer, and Kira is owner of a pet retreat and grooming service. Preparation for Night to Shine begins months before the event, and Kira is hard at work planning and coordinating all the myriad details of this special prom. She works with local and area volunteers, sponsors, and host facilities to ensure a night to remember for all who attend, in other words – all the details. Mark focuses on safety and security, working with local EMS and law enforcement.

When asked what this ministry means to you, the reply was, “The fun and fulfillment of this night makes all the months of planning and preparation worthwhile. Seeing the love and joy, not just on those with special needs, but watching the parents and caregivers relax and have a good time with smiles on their faces, as well as all who took part in planning, preparation, and serving, is a blessing…there’s a ripple effect in place. The joy spreads from one to another.” Kira also said, “Night to Shine is the one night of the year I most look forward to.”

Ashley Lasiter, Office Administrator

Meet Ashley, Office Administrator for Open Hearts United Methodist Church. She’s great at keeping the office organized and getting multiple projects completed on time. When not working, Ashley and husband Mathew enjoy camping and water sports with their twin daughters, Abby and Izzy. They have one beautiful beagle named Hershey that also keeps them on their toes. Movies are a favorite form of entertainment, along with some ice cream or frozen custard as special treats. Throw in school activities for two active girls, along with sports such as volleyball, horseback riding, and whatever two young girls dream about, Ashley is one busy momma.

Liz Schuber, Financial Administrator

Meet Liz Schuber, Financial Administrator at Open Hearts.

Some interesting personal details about Liz are her non-work interests. She enjoys a variety of activities and hobbies, along with helping on the family farm, a Century Farm located on Hwy 83. She can herd cattle and feed the animals with the best of farm hands. Liz is also interested in trying new recipes, loves the feel of kneading bread dough and enjoying the finished product. Her idea of relaxation is reading or needlework. When asked about her dream vacation, Liz admitted to preferring a day at the lake, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, returning home at the end of the day.

Liz is married to Sam Schuber, an electrician, and they have two wonderful children, Jackson and Jacob. Jackson has begun his college years, with a goal of working in a field that relates to animal husbandry. Jacob is a student at Polk County Christian School, active in 4-H and enjoys a variety of hobbies.

Linda Beeghly, Facilities Administrator

Meet Linda, Facilities Administrator at Open Hearts UMC. Linda is the friendly face, seen in the early morning hours, keeping our facility sparkling and ready for special events as well as Sunday mornings. Linda is energetic and will tackle any project within her skill set. Linda and husband David enjoy traveling the United States via tour bus, and adding miniature lighthouses to their collection. Linda loves Mexican food, reading, and sports….”Go, Chiefs!”

Adelyn, Childcare Worker

Adelyn is the Childcare Worker at Open Hearts. Adelyn is a Bolivar native, living with her parents as she attends Bolivar High School. She is active in many extracurricular activities at school, including school athletics. Adelyn is a member of the girls’ basketball team and runs cross country track. Adelyn has her eye on a career in the medical field, and plans to attend college after graduation from BHS.

On Sunday mornings, you will find Adelyn in the Wiggle Room with babies, toddlers, and restless children. Adelyn keeps your little one entertained, while keeping an eye on the child’s physical needs. She connects with the “littles”, and we see happy children in Adelyn’s care.