About Providence Presbyterian
Christ has appointed under-shepherds to care for His flock at Providence.
Teaching Elder
Teaching Elder
Michael grew up in a Christian family in Fairmont, MN. He attended a Christian University in St. Paul, MN, receiving degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies and Philosophy. He married his wife, Rachel, and nine months after they were wed they moved to Indonesia, where he taught at an Indonesian Classical School.
In 2013 Michael received his MDiv. from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. He came under care of the Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario, also being licensed in the same in 2013. In 2014 he accepted the call to Providence Presbyterian in Bradenton, FL and was ordained in May of 2014.
He and his wife Rachel have been blessed with five children: Benjamin, Ellathea, Jonathan, Asher, and Avril.
Church Government
The office of ruling elder is one of the two permanent offices Christ has established in His church. Ruling elders are ordained men who share in the government and spiritual oversight of the congregation alongside the teaching elder (pastor). Together they form the Session, the governing body of the local church.
Ruling elders are called by God and ordained by the church to serve as under-shepherds of the flock. They are to “pay careful attention” to themselves and to all the congregation, watching over souls as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17). They govern the church, guard sound doctrine, and care for the spiritual welfare of each member.
The qualifications for the office of elder are set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. An elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, and a man who manages his own household well. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught.
"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."
Ordained men who assist in the government and spiritual oversight of the congregation.
Ruling Elder
Ruling Elder
Ruling Elder
Ruling Elder
Church Government
The office of deacon is the second permanent office Christ has established in His church. Deacons are ordained men who minister mercy and practical care to the congregation and the broader community, freeing the elders to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Deacons are called to serve the practical and mercy needs of the congregation — caring for those who are sick, in need, or facing hardship. Their ministry reflects the servant heart of Christ and ensures that no member of the body is neglected. They work under the oversight of the Session and are accountable to the congregation they serve.
The qualifications for the office of deacon are set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. A deacon must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. He must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience and must be tested first. He must be the husband of one wife, managing his children and his own household well.
"And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless."
Ordained men who minister mercy and care to the congregation and community.
Deacon
Deacon
Deacon
We meet every Sunday at 4455 30th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203
