Hi there—we’re so glad you’re checking us out!
Rush City Baptist Church is located in Rush City, MN—a small town surrounded by fields and forests, about an hour north of the Twin Cities and just under two hours south of Duluth. It’s the kind of place where people wave at each other, and it doesn’t take long to feel like family. Honestly, that’s a pretty good way to describe our church too.
We’re a multigenerational church where people of all ages gather to learn about God, encourage one another, and serve together. One of the things that defines us is our heart for kids and teens. We believe young people matter to God right now—not just someday—and we invest time, care, and energy into helping them grow in faith and confidence.
That said, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you're 5 or 85, single or married, brand new to church or grew up in one—we’ve got a place for you. Most of our folks are involved in some way, whether that’s helping in the nursery, teaching kids, cooking meals, leading worship, or volunteering in the community. We're a church that values showing up for each other and showing up for our town.
Our story goes back to 1885, when a group of Swedish immigrants in the Rush City area began gathering to worship and support one another. In 1963, two local congregations—Rush City Baptist and East Rock Creek Baptist—joined together, and by 1971, they had built a new church building under the leadership of Pastor George Asp. In the early 1990s, the church experienced a difficult season of division, but through the guidance of Interim Pastor Roy Johnson, the congregation found healing and unity again.
In 1998, Pastor David Melin became the senior pastor and faithfully led the church for over 20 years. Pastor Jason Karlsson joined the team in 2006 to lead the youth ministry and continues to invest in the next generation today.
As a church, we’re growing in our desire to reach beyond our walls. You’ll find us caring for local families, supporting community events, and looking for practical ways to serve Rush City. But our mission doesn’t stop here—we also support missionaries around the world, including partnerships in Africa, Asia, and with the Windigo community in the Northwest Angle. We have a special connection with our Sister Church in Ukraine, whom we regularly pray for and support.
At the end of the day, we’re just a group of people learning to follow Jesus and love others well. If you’re looking for a place to ask questions, build friendships, and be part of something meaningful—we’d love to meet you.
Rush City Baptist Church is located in Rush City, MN—a small town surrounded by fields and forests, about an hour north of the Twin Cities and just under two hours south of Duluth. It’s the kind of place where people wave at each other, and it doesn’t take long to feel like family. Honestly, that’s a pretty good way to describe our church too.
We’re a multigenerational church where people of all ages gather to learn about God, encourage one another, and serve together. One of the things that defines us is our heart for kids and teens. We believe young people matter to God right now—not just someday—and we invest time, care, and energy into helping them grow in faith and confidence.
That said, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you're 5 or 85, single or married, brand new to church or grew up in one—we’ve got a place for you. Most of our folks are involved in some way, whether that’s helping in the nursery, teaching kids, cooking meals, leading worship, or volunteering in the community. We're a church that values showing up for each other and showing up for our town.
Our story goes back to 1885, when a group of Swedish immigrants in the Rush City area began gathering to worship and support one another. In 1963, two local congregations—Rush City Baptist and East Rock Creek Baptist—joined together, and by 1971, they had built a new church building under the leadership of Pastor George Asp. In the early 1990s, the church experienced a difficult season of division, but through the guidance of Interim Pastor Roy Johnson, the congregation found healing and unity again.
In 1998, Pastor David Melin became the senior pastor and faithfully led the church for over 20 years. Pastor Jason Karlsson joined the team in 2006 to lead the youth ministry and continues to invest in the next generation today.
As a church, we’re growing in our desire to reach beyond our walls. You’ll find us caring for local families, supporting community events, and looking for practical ways to serve Rush City. But our mission doesn’t stop here—we also support missionaries around the world, including partnerships in Africa, Asia, and with the Windigo community in the Northwest Angle. We have a special connection with our Sister Church in Ukraine, whom we regularly pray for and support.
At the end of the day, we’re just a group of people learning to follow Jesus and love others well. If you’re looking for a place to ask questions, build friendships, and be part of something meaningful—we’d love to meet you.
Staff & Leadership
PAUL HEPPNER | INTERIM LEAD PASTOR
With over 25 years of ministry experience, including planting two churches, Paul now helps churches through times of transition. He and his wife Peggy live in Blaine, MN, and enjoy the outdoors, family time, and home projects.
SCOTT STEPP | ELDER & MODERATOR
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Scott began attending RCBC in 2009 after a serious illness deepened his faith, and now helps lead children's ministry and serves as an elder. He’s passionate about strong families, mentoring, and spending time outdoors with his wife.
[email protected] |
DAN WEBER | ELDER
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Dan came to know Christ personally at 18 and now serves as an elder and worship team member. He lives near Pine City with his wife, Jami, and their two sons, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and hands-on projects.
[email protected] |
LUKE MOULTON | ELDER
A lifelong Rush City resident, Luke is active in children’s ministry and loves sharing God’s love through family life, farming, and outdoor adventures with his wife and two boys.
[email protected]
[email protected]
JASON KARLSSON | ELDER
Jason has long been part of RCBC, previously serving as youth pastor and still volunteering with students. He lives in Rush City with his wife, Emily, and their four kids, and works full-time in manufacturing.
[email protected]
[email protected]
BEN MOULTON | WORSHIP DIRECTOR
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Ben leads worship at RCBC and works as a mechanical engineer while also helping on the family farm. He grew up in Rush City, has a heart for music ministry, and enjoys working with animals.
[email protected] |
KATHLEEN STEPP | DIACONATE TEAM LEADER
Kathleen leads the Diaconate Committee, caring for those in need and coordinating events. She and her husband Scott have lived in Rush City since 2000 and love serving the church together.
[email protected]
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EMILY KARLSSON | ADMIN ASSISTANT & AWANA COORDINATOR
[email protected]
Emily coordinates the Awana program and supports the church office while also working as a Brand Manager and freelance designer. She lives in Rush City with her husband, Jason, and their four children.
