RANGE COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH (RCBC)
CHURCH PROFILE
1. Mission
MISSION – Transforming the Range Community through the gospel.
2. Church History
The Range Community Bible Church started in 1986 as a home Bible study in the Hurley, WI and Ironwood, MI area led by Drs. Neal and LeaAnn Schroeter. As the group of believers met and prayed, the fellowship was led to invite the community to Bible study held at the Iron County Courthouse in 1988. The Lord moved the group from a fellowship to a church on September 25, 1988 when their first Sunday morning worship service was held with about 45 in attendance. The church began to expand in 1989 and moved to the Iron County Senior Center beginning multiple ministries including home women’s studies, men’s studies, yearly VBS ministries, banquets, teen and other ministries. After purchasing land and building at its current location in 1991, RCBC has continued to gradually grow under the leadership of Pastor Neal Schroeter. In 2011, Pastor Tyler Salvey started as Intern and is currently serving as Associate Pastor. In December 2015, with Pastor Neal wanting to decrease his role, the church called Pastor Dale Harris to be the new Lead Pastor. Pastor Schroeter did continue in an associate role with Pastor Harris and Pastor Salvey. Pastor Harris served RCBC in the Lead Pastor role for six years, leaving in June of 2021. Pastor Schroeter has felt God leading him to be involved in other ministries which has taken him out of the Associate Pastor role at RCBC. Currently serving RCBC is Pastor Salvey as Associate Pastor, and Pastor Bob Evans as Interim Lead Pastor until a new Lead Pastor is chosen.
3. Doctrine
RCBC began as a non-denominational Bible Church affiliated with the IFCA and continued as such until 2021, when the Pastors and Church Board led the church to become affiliated with the Evangelical Free Churches of America, EFCA. The church constitution contains a comprehensive statement of faith, to which all church members subscribe. For more information go to our church website at www.rangebible.org
4. Current Ministries*
Currently, we have one Sunday morning worship service (10:00 a.m.), with a children’s program as well as nursery service for infants and toddlers during the worship service. Currently we have no additional Sunday School Services. During the week we have multiple home groups that meet weekly and bi-weekly at various homes. These include adult, young marrieds, and young adult groups. Recently, we have seen resurgence in young families with children in attendance. We also have men’s and women’s bible studies that meet during the week, a Jr. High and Sr. High group that meet on Wednesday evenings. We have many different participants in our worship ministry blending contemporary style with traditional hymns. *Since Covid Pandemic in 2020, we are in the process of rebuilding our ministries as the Lord directs.
5. Size
Current church membership is approximately 100 members. Average Sunday morning attendance is 120-130. Our teen church attendance (7th-12th grades) during the school year ranges from 12-25 kids. During Worship Service, our Children’s ministries at 10:00 a.m. have in attendance approximately five toddlers ages 2-3, six children ages 4-5, and seven-fifteen children ages 6-11.
6. Missions
Missions have always been a big part of our ministry at RCBC. Our board has set a minimum missions budget of 10% of our total budget. We support 9 full-time missionaries serving with various mission organizations in our 2022 budget. We also support other ministries, which at this time are our local pregnancy support center/services and Radio Bible Class.
7. Finances
The 2022 RCBC budget is set at $209,500 with 10% designated as mission giving. The church has no debt, and has a substantial savings account.
8. Facilities
Approximately 10 acres of land was purchased next to the Iron County courthouse and the initial multipurpose sanctuary, bathrooms, kitchen and classrooms was completed in 1991. A second building phase was completed in 1996 which included a foyer with balcony and storage rooms on upper level, office, sound booth, library and larger multipurpose sanctuary. A third building phase in 2006 included more classrooms, a small kitchen, nursery, and toddler rooms along with upgrading insulation, fire protection, roof and carpet. The parking lot is blacktopped, well lit and a detached garage is used for storage. Up to 3 pastor/staff offices are available along with a congregational mail and copy room. Technology tools available include wireless internet, two overhead projectors and one large screen smart TV. The RCBC structure is functional and flexible allowing ministry needs to be met at present. Although no current plans are being pursued, past visionary discussions have highlighted a dedicated sanctuary, gymnasium and locker rooms, and larger kitchen as potential building priorities. No current mortgage is owed.
9. Current Staff
Associate Pastor, Tyler Salvey
Interim Lead Pastor, Bob Evans
Communication Director, Lindsey Averkamp
10. Community
The city of Hurley, WI and nearby communities of Montreal, Pence, Iron Belt & Upson, along with surrounding areas in Michigan of Ironwood, Bessemer and Wakefield, have approximately 13,000 year round residents. The median household income is approximately $27,000 per year. The primary economy is tourism, logging, and small businesses located in the Industrial Parks of Hurley and Ironwood. We have miles of ATV trails, along with hiking and biking trails in summer, and snowmobile trails in winter. There are a number of different ski hills located nearby. There are multiple public k-12 schools in the area, and one Christian School (Northwood’s Christian Academy). Gogebic Community College is a 2-year college located in Ironwood, Michigan. The weather of the Upper Peninsula is diverse, and includes all 4 seasons with winter being the longest. This provides ample opportunity for winter activities such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, XC-Skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and skating. The area has approximately 20 churches. There is a strong Catholic and Lutheran influence throughout our community.
11. School
Northwood’s Christian Academy is a separate entity from RCBC having their independent Board of Directors and by-laws. Although separate, NCA has met at the RCBC facility for the 31 years they’ve been in existence. RCBC, in supporting the school by allowing them a rent-free facility, has considered the school a mission of the church. It currently is a K4-8th grade school and draws students from the area including those not attending RCBC. The school size for the current year is approximately 12-13 students with 5 teachers.