Leadership

Pastor, Staff & Volunteers

Charles Rikard

Senior Pastor

My family and I came to be a part of the Providence family in January 2023, after accepting the call to be their Senior Pastor. I have a passion for preaching the Word of God and ministering to multi-generational congregations. Generations are essential to the vitality and vibrance of any church, and I am so thankful that God has blessed the congregation of Providence with that same vitality.

My wife, Malena, and I have been married for 15 years and have four children. Prior to moving to North Carolina, my family and I served at churches across Texas, from DFW to East Texas. I spent over ten years serving in student and college ministry settings, and over five years in an Executive Pastor role.

I was licensed and ordained in my home church of West Baptist Church in Batesville, AR. I've earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Williams Baptist University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Robert Griffin

Chairmen of Deacons

My wife, Kelly, and I have been members of Providence Baptist Church for over 25 years.  We have been blessed to serve Providence as Sunday School teachers and members of various committees and offices within the church.  As the chairman of deacons, it is my responsibility in leading the deacon body to serve the needs of the church through the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to us.  The deacon body strives to work in conjunction with the Pastor and church staff to complete the responsibilities that we are called to do by the church through the Lord’s guidance.
 

Kaylie West

Office Assistant Administrator

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Marsha Neal

Music Director

My background at Providence Baptist Church includes: Pianist (1988-90), Children’s Choir Director (1991-1999), Creative Arts/Music Director Jr. & Sr.High (1997-2003), and Adult Choir Director (2003-present). Serving at my home church, singing in the girls choir and adult choir, playing the piano here, as well as, surrounding churches has confirmed my love of music and the desire to teach all ages. I am a COA graduate with an AA; working alongside the professor of drama, voice, and dance in the first COA Performing Arts Camp in 1998, directing students age 7-18. Following my graduation, I began my Kindermusik International business, teaching parent and child classes for ages birth-3 and preschool classes for ages 4-7, for 14 years. What an amazing journey, watching students grow their love of music! Searching for an extension of my Kindermuisk program, I began teaching piano lessons in 2014 for ages 5- adult. I am thankful for the many years at my home church to serve. 

Jon Poston

Youth Choir Director

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Ellen Ferebee

Children's Choir Director

Ellen has been the Children's Choir Director for 13 years and has been teaching the Preschool Sunday School class for about 22 years! We are SO thankful for her hard work and dedication in teaching our children about Jesus and for putting together the sweetest Children's musicals and Sunday specials. She loves on each child she encounters and keeps everything fun!

Jane McCarraher

Custodian

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Wednesday Night dinner team

Cindy & Mark Overman, Kim Ward, Diane Bray, Dollie McCarraher,  Ann & Bobby Bell, Anita Poston,  Mike & Carol Miller, Polly & John Solt, Linda Godfrey, Cheryl Douglas, Tonia McCarraher, Zoe Jordan.

Our Wednesday Night Dinner team plans our meals, cooks, serves, and does clean up each week. We are so thankful for each of them and love fellowshipping with them each Wednesday!