Our History

People often think Church of the Open Door is a fairly new church. But it's been over 60 years since God brought together a group of believers and began to write our story. A story that is part of His bigger story, His Kingdom here on Earth. It's a story with many moves, seasons, and people. We are grateful for this journey and hopeful for the history yet to be written.

1946 Rev. John Swanson was called to minister to a group of people who met in homes and in the local hall in Robbinsdale, MN

1946 Rev. Don Kenyon called to serve as pastor

1947 40 attendees moved services to a community room in Robbinsdale High School, Robbinsdale, MN

1948 Rev. Kenyon moved to New York and Rev. David Hustad was called as the first resident pastor

1948 Joined Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) denomination

1954 First church built at Hwy 100 and 39th St, Robbinsdale, MN

1977 A larger church space was purchased in Crystal, MN

1980 150 attendees welcomed Pastor David Johnson

1980-1985 Teachings on Ephesians, Hebrews, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, “No longer a slave” (Gal 4), “Gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor 12)

1986 700 attendees met at Cooper High School, New Hope, MN

1986-1990 “Beatitudes” (Matt 5), “Spiritual Abuse” (Matt 23), “Foundations for Ministry”, “Women in Ministry”

1988 Leased space in Robbinsdale High School for services and Wednesday night training center, Robbinsdale, MN

1990-1994 “Pain of Pornea”, “Wounded by Shame, Healed by Grace”

1994-1996 Philippians, “For those who pay the price”, “The way out is through”

1996 Begin “Calling on Heaven for a Home” through prayer and saving funds

1996-1997 Book of James

1997 4000 attendees met in the Robbinsdale High School. The Crystal building used as office space

1998 Joy Comes in the Mourning book release, “Esther: More than just a Pretty Face”

1998 Move to affiliated status with C&MA denomination

1998-1999 “Moses: A Journey toward God” (Exodus), “Not Adultery” (Exodus 20), “Ten Great Words for Life” (Exodus 20), “Lessons in Leadership” (Exodus 32), “People of the Presence” (Exodus 32), “Ways of God” (Exodus 33)

1999-2000 Book of Revelation

2000 Purchase land in Maple Grove, MN

2000-2001 Book of 1 John

2001-2002 “Rightly Ordered Finances, Power, and Sexuality ”

2002 Move into new homebase in Maple Grove, MN

2002 “Locker Room Talks, Open Door Values"

2002-2003 “Lord, Teach Us How to Pray”

2003 Move to Independent status

2003-2004 “David: A Journey of the Heart ”

2004 “Open Door Vision Talks”

2004-2006 “A Journey with the Holy Spirit”

2005 One Kingdom celebration with Woodland Hills and Sanctuary Covenant Church

2005 Celebrate Sr. Pastor David Johnson & his wife, Bonnie, 25 years of ministry at Open Door

2007 Begin "The Way of the Rabbi" series