Who Are We?

Who is Providence?

Providence Baptist Church is a congregation of Christians who have united together for worship, for growing together in our Christian life, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need of salvation in Christ.

We are seeking to live out the beauty of God’s glory in our lives, our homes, our church, and our community. We desire to desire God more than anything else in our lives.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” John Piper

If we must be labeled, the easiest one to stick on is that we are a Reformed Baptist Church. What does that mean? Jim Savastio, the pastor of a great church in Louisville, Kentucky has written an excellent article called “What is a Reformed Baptist Church?” that brings a lot of light to the question.

 

What is your history?

We came together in January 2001 to talk about forming a new church, and began shortly thereafter. While some of us knew each other for a decade or more, many new friends were also made as folks started coming to join with us. The warm and deep fellowship of our members testifies to the strong bond of unity that defines us.

We have always hoped God would bless our church through helping us to found it on the truth of His Word. In building a church, we do not look to the world for blueprints.

Have we done everything perfect? Absolutely not. However, the best position for a church to be in is one of continual dependence upon God to show us through His Word where we need to repent and reform our ways.

 

 

What about the leaders of Providence?

At Providence, we believe that God gave both elders and deacons to the church. Elders provide spiritual leadership. They provide the primary teaching and preaching ministry of Providence. Our current preaching elder is Bob Travers. He is supported in ministry by an elder body composed of George Johnson, Walter Lamb, Roger Bailey, and Ted Michel. Deacons provide physical and practical assistance to the church body.  Presently we do not have deacons, as our church body provides an super-abundance of service regarding physical concerns. We believe that as we grow, God will continue to raise up men to serve our church as elders and deacons.

 

Our People

In addition to the elders, one of the striking characteristics of our church is the number of godly men who love the Lord and are committed to serving the church.In a culture where men find a million things to do other than love the Lord, their families, and the church, we are joyful that God has raised up men who go against the flow of the culture.

And the Christian ladies of the church? They are women of character who love the Lord, the Scripture, and the church. When special needs arise, the ladies work faster than you can blink to help organize ministry of love. They love each other as sisters, and help each other grow in their daily walk.

What influences shape Providence?

Although we know that our theology and ministry is distinctive, we do not think of ourselves as pioneers. We unashamedly borrow and are influenced by Christians from the past and present.

We love pastors and theologians from the past - Charles Spurgeon, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Jonathan Edwards.

Present-day preachers also influence us - John MacArthur, Alistar Begg, andAlbert Mohler.

The confessions of faith that give shape to our beliefs are from the past.

We strive for family integration which is simply a return to old paths that many are catching onto.

Are you in a denomination?

Yes. Three years after beginning our church, we decided that we wanted to take a step forward in terms of supporting international mission work. After looking at various options and praying for wisdom, we made the decision to support the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In addition to enjoying the opportunity for missionary support, we also take joy in our fellowship with the SBC Founders Group.

Where and When do you meet?

We mee at our home at 2539 Rockford Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63144. Here is a map to our location. Bible study begins at 9:30, and worship begins at 10:30. Following Worship, we follow a pattern that goes something like this:

  • On the 1st Sunday of the month, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, then move right into a time of fellowship meal.
  • On the 3rd Sunday of the month, we have a Sunday evening prayer and praise time beginning at 6:30.

If you have any questions, please call Pastor Bob at (314) 210-9005.