Elder Leadership

a key concept

 

At RBCA we believe in a plurality of elders providing spiritual leadership for the congregation. 

These men seek to “shepherd the flock”  (1 Peter 5:2) that God has entrusted to them. 

Nathan Hyde

Preaching Elder


Nathan does most of the preaching at RBCA.  He received his undergraduate degree in Ancient Mediterranean History from the University of Michigan and his MDiv from Grace Seminary.  He teaches at Blackhawk Christian School in Fort Wayne, was formerly head of the Socials Studies Department, and is now head of the Bible Department.

Nathan and his wife Carmen have nine children.  They live on a small homestead outside of Spencerville, IN where they keep chickens and goats.  They enjoy life in the country, from 4H to gardening, and everything in between.

Rick Spear

Elder over Deacons


 

After completing a term in the Air Force as a jet mechanic, most of Rick’s career was spent in the manufacturing arena…equipment repair, designing and building machines, and overseeing equipment development.

Rick and his wife, Cindy, have been married for over forty-five years and have one daughter and six wonderful grandchildren.  Their prayer is that people may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through God-focused Biblical worship.

Rick has served in various church leadership capacities for over forty years: Sunday school teacher, trustee, and elder.  He currently serves as elder trustee, overseeing our deacons.

 

Stephen Hyde

Elder over Finances


 

In the past, Stephen held the office of Elder at Lake Center Bible Church in Portage Michigan and taught Sunday school to junior high boys.  He and his wife Dorie moved to Auburn in 2000.  He co-teaches with Rick during the men’s study on the 1689 Confession of Faith every Wednesday, and with both Rick and Nathan during Sunday school.  Stephen holds two BS degrees, in music and engineering, as well as an MBA, all from Western Michigan University

Stephen and Dorie married in 1981 and are enjoying retirement.  They have two children, including our Preaching Elder, Nathan.  Their younger son is married and lives in Rochester, New York.  Stephen enjoys serving in the church and all types of music.  Since retirement, they enjoy brief travels to various destinations across the US.  Stephen’s desire is to train younger men so they can replace him when the time comes.  Until then he remains dedicated to serving our God at RBCA

Mike Gerhardt

Teaching Elder


 

Mike lives just across the state line in Ohio with his wife, Nicole, and four children, Calvin, Lucy, Miles, and Quemby. He has a strong desire for the Church to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is passionate about systemic theology, whole-Bible biblical theology, exegesis, and how they all interface to provide a foundation for a deep understanding of the Scriptures.

At RBCA Mike is part of the rotation of Sunday school teachers and leads a monthly study on the Doctrines of Grace.

David Stine 

Elder of Care Ministries


 

David lives in Auburn with his wife Natalie and three children: Jude, Gabe, and Jane. He loves being around God’s people to build them up, encourage them, and care for them. He wants to see the saints equipped for the work of service so that God’s church is healthy, continues to mature, and reproduces as God intended. Nothing gives him more joy than this (except for putting hot sauce on everything that is edible).

At RBCA David teaches Sunday school and helps wherever needed. His favorite passage of scripture is John 21:15-22 because it simplifies Christian ministry; Love the Lord and care for His people.

 

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