Biblical Church Governance
Providence Church recognizes the two offices of “elder” and “deacon” as outlined in the New Testament. We are led by a group of elders, but ultimate authority resides with the congregation under Christ. As such the congregation elects elders and empowers them with the governing of the church in its normal functions.
Congregational Authority Under Christ
While our elders provide spiritual leadership and oversight, they remain accountable to the congregation with regard to (re)election, approving a budget, approving new members, and other such “big” issues. This model reflects our commitment to congregational church governance while maintaining biblical leadership structures.
The Role of Elders
The elders are in charge of the spiritual needs of the church. Their responsibilities include:
- Direction of the Church: Providing spiritual vision and guidance for the congregation
- Guarding Doctrine: Ensuring biblical teaching and protecting against false doctrine
- General Oversight: Shepherding the flock with wisdom and care
- Teaching and Preaching: Ensuring sound exposition of God's Word
- Prayer and Pastoral Care: Ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation
“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.”Acts 20:28 ESV
Our Elders
Providence Church is governed by four faithful elders who serve our congregation with dedication and biblical wisdom. These men are committed to shepherding our congregation according to biblical principles, providing spiritual oversight, and ensuring that our church remains faithful to the Word of God.
Eric “Gunny” Hartman
Elder, Pastor (2006-Present)
Gunny picked up that nickname at Texas A&M University, where he earned a BA & MS. He later earned a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, a MSt from Oxford University, completed coursework for a PhD in Rhetoric from the University of Texas at Arlington, and earned a doctorate from Liberty University (DMin). He served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaching church history & preaching.
He's been employed full-time at Providence since its inception in 2006, but also teaches English on the side at Collin College. Gunny and Mary Ellen were married in 1993 and have been blessed with four children. Originally from St. Louis, he's an avid Cardinals baseball fan.
Education & Experience:
- BA & MS from Texas A&M University
- ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary
- MSt from Oxford University
- DMin from Liberty University
- Adjunct Professor at DTS & SWBTS
Rev. Jay Porterfield
Elder (2006-Present)
Jay earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance with honors at East Texas State University where he later received a MS in Economics. Jay has been in the commercial real estate business in Dallas for over ten years. Jay grew up in a small Baptist church in East Texas, where this grandson of a preacher began participating in the music ministry of the church at an early age.
He began teaching Sunday school as a teenager and became an ordained minister in 2000, which helped prepare him for his present role as elder and youth Sunday school teacher. Jay and Amber (his college sweetheart) have been married since 1996 and live in Sachse with their three children (Castleton, McCleary and Noelle). As for hobbies, Jay was a good golfer … before having children.
Background & Ministry:
- BBA Accounting & Finance (East Texas State)
- MS Economics (East Texas State)
- Commercial Real Estate (10+ years)
- Ordained Minister (2000)
- Youth Sunday School Teacher
Glenn Linsky
Elder (2014-Present)
Glenn grew up in central Pennsylvania and earned a BS from Penn State University. He still enjoys Penn State athletics, even returning annually for a football game. While visiting his brother in Dallas one summer, Glenn met Betsy, to whom he has been married since 1979. They have three children and two grandchildren.
They live in Plano where Glenn has been an agent with State Farm Insurance since 1991. He has previously served as a deacon at Providence Church. Glenn loves the holiness and sovereignty of God and the doctrines of grace, which are foundational at Providence Church.
Background & Service:
- BS from Penn State University
- State Farm Insurance Agent (1991-Present)
- Previously served as Deacon
- Committed to doctrines of grace
- Passion for God's holiness & sovereignty
Cody Dixon
Elder
Cody grew up here in the Dallas area and went to school in Lubbock where he earned a BA in Accounting. He is a tax technology consultant and is always up for talking with you about the latest tech news or how to smoke excellent BBQ. He proudly served as a deacon at Providence Church before becoming an Elder.
Cody and Amy were married while at Texas Tech in 2004 and have four children. Cody has a passion for teaching and has taught children, youth, and adults at Providence Church.
Education & Experience:
- BA from Texas Tech University
- Attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Tax Technology Consultant (20+ Years)
- 4th-6th Sunday School Teacher
- Big fan of the Ascension
The Role of Deacons
The deacons are in charge of taking care of the physical needs of the church. Their ministry includes:
- Building Maintenance: Looking after our church facilities and property
- Fellowship Meals: Organizing and running our community meals and events
- Benevolence Ministry: Overseeing care for those in need within our congregation
- Practical Service: Handling the logistical and administrative needs of the church
- Supporting Ministry: Freeing elders to focus on spiritual oversight and teaching
This division of responsibility allows our elders to “devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4) while ensuring that the practical needs of our congregation are well met.
Our Deacons
Our deacons faithfully serve the congregation by caring for the practical and physical needs of the church. These men demonstrate servant leadership as they ensure our facilities are maintained, fellowship events are organized, and those in need receive assistance.
Landon Westbrook
Deacon
Landon serves our congregation with dedication in managing the practical needs of our church community. His commitment to service reflects the biblical model of diaconal ministry.
Lee Jones
Deacon
Lee faithfully serves in maintaining our church facilities and organizing fellowship events, ensuring that our congregation can gather in a welcoming and well-maintained environment.
Erik Larsen
Deacon
Erik demonstrates servant leadership through his work in caring for the physical needs of our church and supporting our various ministries with practical assistance.
Ministry Coordinators
In addition to our elders and deacons, we have dedicated coordinators who oversee specific areas of ministry, ensuring excellence and care in these vital areas of church life.
David Lamb
Youth Coordinator
David oversees our youth ministry, working to disciple and encourage our young people in their faith. He is passionate about helping students grow in their knowledge and love of God through biblical teaching, mentorship, and fellowship opportunities designed specifically for teens.
Cheryl Larsen
Nursery Coordinator
Cheryl manages our nursery ministry, ensuring that our youngest members and visitors receive excellent care during worship services. She coordinates volunteers, maintains safety protocols, and creates a nurturing environment where parents can confidently entrust their little ones while participating in worship and teaching.
Qualifications for Leadership
Both elders and deacons must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications emphasize character, spiritual maturity, and proven faithfulness in both personal life and service to the church.
Elder Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9)
Elders must be above reproach, faithful to their wives, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not violent or quarrelsome, and able to manage their households well.
Deacon Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
Deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, honest in their relationships with money, and must hold to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.