Oakbrook’s History
Oakbrook Evangelical Free Church was born out of numerical growth and spiritual need in the Oshkosh area. Church planting efforts were built on a foundation of prayer. Many people were involved. Rev. Art Volkmann, Pastor of Trinity Ev. Free Church in Ripon and that congregation saw the need for a Ev. Free Church in Oshkosh and for years committed this need to the Lord.
In the summer of 1993 Pastor Ed Riddick and his wife, Lois surveyed the area and its churches. Believing that Oshkosh was a growing area with a need for the type of ministry that characterizes the Evangelical Free Church, the Riddicks moved to Oshkosh as pioneer missionaries. In September, 2001 a future building site was purchased. On Labor Day weekend 2007 the Oakbrook Church family and its network of friends and other churches began building its first church facility. Through the help of some 30 churches and hundreds of people serving Christ with 40-50,000 plus donated hours the building was completed in October, 2008 In his sermon, “A Mind-Expanding Faith” John Ortberg reflects on the incident of Peter walking on water. He says, “All of us are ‘would-be water walkers.’ ” The boat was safe, secure and comfortable. The water high, the waves rough, the wind strong. Yet Peter ventured out. He adds that there is something, Someone, inside us that tells us to leave the routine of comfortable existence and abandon ourselves in this adventure of following Christ. This vision has captured our attention. If it capture yours, be assured we would love to have you join us in reaching people and helping them become committed followers of Christ.