Pray for Olive Branch Community Church in Sandy Spring, Maryland

Olive Branch Community Church, located in Sandy Spring, Maryland, was planted in 2006. Their mission is to change lives by creating a community of committed, compassionate believers and disciples for Christ. Donald R. Kelly is the senior pastor and church planter who felt the Lord had placed upon him a vision to start a church.

Donald R. Kelly, a native of Keithville, Louisiana, began his ministry in 1984, serving in various pastoral roles in New Jersey, Washington, DC, California, and Maryland. Pastor Kelly earned degrees from Idaho State University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Newburgh Theological Seminary. In 1974, Reverend Kelly married the former Brenda S. Washington and they were blessed with four daughters. Their family has expanded to include two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. He plans to retire this year and so the church asks for prayer in this transition.

On the evening of September 13th, 2006 a small group met at Rev. Kelly’s home and moved forward with the vision to plant Olive Branch Community Church (OBCC). Through his relationship with a local rabbi, Pastor Kelly secured a synagogue for a Wednesday night Bible Study and a Sunday morning worship service. Their first Sunday morning worship service was held on October 1, 2006. Twenty-five people attended. Two years later, OBCC purchased the historic Lansdale’s home (built in 1870 in Montgomery County, Maryland). The property first served as the pastor’s home. This three-plus acre site, nestled in the Quaker village of Sandy Spring, Maryland, is believed by some historians to be part of the legacy trail of Harriett Tubman’s Underground Railroad. OBCC recently built a worship center in 2021, expanding as needed in accordance with the growing membership. 

 Join us as we pray for these specific prayer needs:

• • Pray for the church and the pastor search committee as they seek a new senior pastor.
  • Pray for Pastor Kelly and his family as he retires this year and transitions away from full-time ministry.
  • Pray that OBCC will continue to grow numerically and spiritually. 
  • Pray for a vigilant focus among the membership for outreach to the community.
  • Pray for the inactive membership, that they will once again engage in kingdom service at OBCC.
  • Pray for the current staff as they lead the church during the search for a new lead pastor.