At Apostles Lutheran Church & Preschool, we exist to share the good news of Jesus with our community and beyond. For over 50 years, we’ve been rooted in God’s Word, building up believers, and reaching new hearts with the hope of the gospel. Whether you’re new to Christianity, returning to church, or looking for a place to grow in your faith, we’re glad you’re here.
What We Believe
Our faith is built on the firm foundation of Scripture.
We believe the Bible is the inspired and error-free Word of God. It is the foundation of all that we teach and do. At the heart of Scripture is the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again to save us.
We are a confessional Lutheran church and a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our teachings are based entirely on Scripture and expressed clearly in the Lutheran Confessions.
We worship Jesus as our Lord and Savior—our greatest treasure in life. Recognizing that all people are born with a need for forgiveness, we trust that Jesus, both true God and true man, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins. Through Him, we receive the gift of righteousness and eternal life (John 3:16).
We hold that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God, serving as the ultimate guide for our beliefs and everyday living.
We believe the Holy Spirit ignites faith in our hearts through the power of the Gospel, creating a personal encounter with God that transforms lives.
In Holy Baptism, God graciously adopts us into His family, washing away our sins and strengthening our faith. We also cherish infant baptism as a beautiful way to introduce children to the blessings of the cross.
Our daily lives are a response to God’s love for us. In light of this love, we can joyfully worship, grow, serve others, and share the good news of Jesus with everyone.
Our Mission
Apostles Lutheran Church exists to educate people about Jesus through the truths of God's Word.
This mission shapes everything we do—from Sunday worship to preschool classrooms to Bible studies and community events. We want every person we meet to know Jesus, grow in their understanding of His love, and be equipped to live out their faith with joy.
Leadership & Staff
Get to know our leaders.
Jay Bickelhaupt
Pastor
Pastor Jay Bickelhaupt
Pastor
Rhonda Gradwohl
Office Manager
Rhonda Gradwohl
Office Manager
I am pleased to serve as the Office Administrator at Apostles Lutheran Church and Preschool. My goal is to support the ministry of Apostles by helping members, visitors, families, and staff stay informed and connected.
Whether you have questions about worship services, Bible studies, preschool, church events, or other ministry opportunities, I would be happy to assist you or connect you with the appropriate person. It is a blessing to serve alongside our church family as we share the good news of Jesus with our community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the church office. I look forward to meeting you!
Parker Brown
Vicar
Parker Brown
Vicar
I began my role as a student intern at Apostles on August 10, 2025. Although I grew up in Texas, I appreciate the opportunity to live in Montana for the upcoming year. I look forward to working with the people God places in my life throughout this experience.
Melissa Bickelhaupt
Preschool Director & Lead Teacher
Melissa Bickelhaupt
Preschool Director & Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Melissa Bickelhaupt, and I’ve had the joy of serving as the Lead Teacher and Director at Apostles Lutheran Preschool since 2017. With over 13 years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about guiding young learners through these precious early years of development.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota (Class of 1999). I have continued my professional growth through numerous Early Childhood and music therapy courses. These studies have deepened my understanding of how children learn best—through creativity, movement, and meaningful connection.
My teaching philosophy leans toward a collaborative and holistic approach. I strive to create an engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. I love incorporating music and hands-on experiences to help children connect with new ideas and concepts in ways that are both joyful and impactful.
Hands-on science and cultural studies are especially important in my classroom. Through exploration, observation, and discovery, young children begin to understand the world around them. Whether we’re experimenting with basic scientific concepts or learning about different cultures, these experiences build curiosity, empathy, and a broader worldview—laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
My greatest treasure as a teacher is sharing Jesus’ love. Through daily Bible lessons, memory treasures, and songs, the children learn about God's grace, mercy, and love. It’s a privilege to help them grow not only academically and socially, but also spiritually as they learn about their Savior.
Outside the classroom, I’m married to Jay Bickelhaupt, and we have three wonderful children. Our son Gabe is in the full-time workforce, Noah is finishing his last year of college, and our youngest, Emma, will be starting her freshman year of college this fall. In my free time, I enjoy tending to my plants and spending time in the kitchen cooking for family and friends.
Katherine Jore
Art Teacher & Aide
Katherine Jore
Art Teacher & Aide
Heather Wenz
Preschool Aide & Sunday School Director
Heather Wenz
Preschool Aide & Sunday School Director
Heather was born in Montana. She and her husband have four children, and live in Shepherd. Heather has always had a special place in her heart for children. Starting with watching siblings and cousins, then babysitting, and nannying. Children have played a big role in her life.
Starting college in Helena, at Carroll College, she met a wonderful family she nannied for 2 years. That family took her to Washington, where she continued her education at Yakima Valley College, getting a degree in the certified occupational therapy assistant program. She then moved back to Billings, started working at St. Vincent Hospital, and got married to her husband Karl. Soon after, four children came, and raising them was a true joy.
Heather left her job at the hospital to be a full time mom. While her children were little she opened her home as a daycare for some families in the Shepherd area. When her kids were old enough they all attended Apostles’ preschool. Once the children were in school out in Shepherd, she began volunteering at the Shepherd schools. This grew into a Para position working in Shepherd elementary with the special education program. After five years working for Shepherd schools, Heather learned of an opportunity to serve at Apostles’ preschool.
Heather has been working at Apostles for five years. She enjoys working with the staff and all the wonderful children and their families. Heather serves as a preschool aid. She is the “Snackologist” at the preschool, and works hard to find fun, safe, and appropriate snacks for the children.