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global alliance

History: How OC Began

One Challenge has a rich history, dating back to 1952, when God called Dick Hillis to start the mission.

By God’s grace, the same ethos that birthed the mission continues to find expression today. Then, as now, we serve, equip, and connect the body of Christ and its leaders using research, motivation, and training to mobilize them to reach their nations and beyond.

From Our Founder Dick Hillis

In this video, OC founder Dick Hillis (seen here with Billy Graham) narrates some of OC’s history starting in the early 1950’s.

This Celebrating the Past video traces some of the roots of OC International in 1950s through the years.

Steel in His Soul: The Dick Hillis Story

Books About Dick Hillis

OC founder Dick Hillis is an adventurer. His is the story of a man who plunged with abandon into the will of God. It is the story of the ever-widening circles that have revolved around that dive into obedience. 

Want to learn more about us?

Our Story

FAQS

What Is the Common Vision of the Global Alliance?

Healthy churches working together to reach all nations.

What is the Common Mission of the Global Alliance?

To mobilize godly and effective church leaders to reach all nations.

What is the Common Strategy of the Global Alliance?

Using research, motivation, and training, we  mobilize church leaders to reach their nation and beyond.

What are the Common Values of the Global Alliance?

  • TEAM: We will seek to place mission workers in OC Alliance teams rather than alone or on other non-OC Alliance teams.
  • FAMILY: We will seek to keep family in a balanced and healthy position relative to our ministry.
  • PARTNERSHIP: We will seek to make effective partnerships a high value in all our strategies, planning, and activities.
  • MULTIPLICATION: We will seek to multiply our effectiveness by developing all our ministries so as to mobilize others to accomplish the basic mission and functions of the church rather than doing those ourselves.
  • SERVANTHOOD: We will seek to take the posture of a servant as we come alongside church leaders.
  • FREEDOM TO INNOVATE: We will seek to value a culture of creativity and innovation to accomplish our mission in a changing world.

What Do You Mean By Impact Country?

An impact country is where the OCGA does consistent ministry but there is no mission worker or team living in that country.

What Is A Sending Center?

A sending center recruits, trains, sends, and supports mission workers to other countries or other cultural/linguistic groups. Each sending center and country within the OCGA will have different requirements and structure under which it operates.

How Do Mobilization Centers Work?

Mobilization centers function independently from the other MCs and are accountable and responsible to their boards. As members of the OC Global Alliance, each MC commits to international partnerships, which can help people raise support in other countries, share resources, serve on thematic teams, open new ministries, and more effectively advance the gospel.

Who Can Be Part of the Guidance Team?

The OCGA team is made up of two representatives from each mobilization center. From those 30 individuals, nine are voted in to serve on the Guidance Team. Members can serve for a maximum of six years and then they must step away for at least one year.

How Does This Partnership Benefit the Kingdom?

Coming together as equal partners and contributors, the OCGA reflects the global church and that of the global mission context. By working together with a unity of mind, spirit, and purpose we maximize our capacity to develop leaders and multiply churches to disciple all nations. We learn from each other and have opportunities to help each other, therefore increasing kingdom impact.