Lone Rock Bible Church

A Brief History

Lone Rock Bible Church officially began services in September 1994. Lone Rock is the label for an area in the Bitterroot Valley, south of Missoula and east of Stevensville. For several years the Mission conducted AWANA club, adult Bible studies and, on occasion, Sunday services, under the direct auspices of the Lolo Community Church. For over twenty years, Lone Rock has been the site of a Vacation Bible School ministry.

The Mission's Don and Dale Oberg worked the Lone Rock ministry from 1990 to 1993. Kevin and Cori Horton and their sons Christopher, Andrew and Aaron began the work afresh in the summer of 1994, and held services once again that September. Attendance took off like a rocket, creating an enthusiastic fellowship, eager to reach the Bitterroot Valley for Christ.

An unexpected heart attack took Cori home May 27, 1995. Kevin resigned the pastorate in January 1997; Jim and Mary Carlson began serving as interim that spring, and became permanent in September the same year.

We believe, teach and live our lives with the understanding that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that Jesus Christ died for our sins that we might have eternal life.

Jim, excited about what God is doing among us, is a graduate of Big Sky Bible College and Western Baptist Seminary. He has served for over 20 years in rural ministries including eleven years as the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission and three pastorates. He has been at Lone Rock Bible Church, northwest of Stevensville, for seven years. Mary is the better half of their 25-year marriage. They have four growing boys.