“Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” —2 Timothy 4:2
“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” —Matthew 20:26b
Pastor, Andy H. Rice Sr.
After serving as a pastor and missionary for 31 years Andy became pastor of Providence Baptist Church in November 2015. He married his sweetheart, Beth in 1981 and God has blessed them with two sons, AJ and Jonathan and five grandchildren, Madison, Kailen, Grant, Walker, and Etta.
Andy is a graduate of Liberty University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is committed to the systematic exposition of the Scriptures and enjoys reading history, fishing, and hiking.
Deacon, Steve Shifflett
Steve was born and raised in Harrisonburg, VA in a non-Christian home. In 1966 he was drafted and sent to serve in the Vietnam War. He became a Christian in Vietnam, by God’s Sovereign Grace, through the reading of the Bible. When he came home in 1967, God led him to this church.
In 1970 he married his wonderful wife, Linda, and in 1983, God blessed them with a daughter, Olivia. Since retiring in 2017, he became a Gideon, and has enjoyed volunteering at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and the Salvation Army.
Deacon, Bill Cecil
Bill moved to the Valley when he was eight years old. In 2009, as a young adult, he was converted and brought into Reformed doctrine by God’s goodness and grace. In 2010 he married his wonderful wife, Jess, and God has blessed them with twin sons. His family enjoys spending time together on their ever-evolving homestead and mountain property where they care for an eclectic mix of animals.
Pastoral Intern, Briar Lam
Briar began his pastoral internship at Providence in the summer of 2023. He has been married to his wife Jessica since 2014 and they have a daughter named Evangeline. They have been members of Providence since 2018.