The New Testament uses three Greek terms interchangeably to describe the same office—translated Elder [presbuteros], Overseer [episkopos], and Shepherd or Pastor [poimēn].

At PBC, we are led by a plurality of biblically qualified men who serve together under Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1–4). Our Pastors & Elders oversee the church’s ministries and spiritual well-being by teaching God’s Word, guarding sound doctrine, and shepherding the congregation. These men must meet the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

Preaching Pastor

James grew up in Ontario, Canada. Though he was raised going to church, James found himself chasing after the World and success in the Tech industry in his University years. Shortly after meeting his wife Charlotte, the Lord got ahold of James. Convicted of his great sin, the dissatisfaction of serving self, and recognizing his desperate need for a savior, James repented and confessed Christ as Lord at the age of 23.

Shortly after, James left the Tech industry to pursue a strongly felt call to Pastoral Ministry. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Heritage College and Seminary in Canada, followed by a Masters of Theology in Laramie, Wyoming.

He and Charlotte have 4 boys: Noah, Joel, Ezra, and Jesse.

Overwhelmed by the Lord's mercy and patience upon his life, James desires nothing more than to serve his King with his life. Soli Deo Gloria!

james@pbcidaho.com

Pastor

Married for 46 years to his lovely bride, Jim and Janet have eight children and 22 grandchildren.

Jim spent a career in the energy industry prior to serving as a pastor and church planter. He studied church planting under Alex Montoya, served as Pastor of Outreach at Foothill Bible Church where he was ordained in 2009 and sent to plant churches in Argentina. Since 1995, Jim has worked in partnership with churches in fourteen different countries.

He is currently Director of Church Planting Partners, a 501.C.3 organization that supports international church planters in the western hemisphere, and serves as a teaching elder at Providence Bible Church in Meridian, Idaho.

Elder

Jim responded to the gospel at the age of 14, but began to actually study the word and grow in Christ during his college years under the ministry of a local church.  He met Angie, his wife of 42 years, at this time. A passion and commitment for the Lord and His church was planted in their hearts.

Convinced of the essential role of the local church in the life of each believer, Jim has served in deacon and elder roles for over 40 years, discipling, leading bible studies and counseling members towards Christian growth. Educating their four daughters at home as they walked this vision together provided an anchor and joy for family life. 

His degree in Structural Civil Engineering led to a career in the construction industry, which culminated in establishing a General Contracting business over the past twenty-five years. He thanks the Lord for the blessing of watching four daughters grow into four God-honoring households. Enjoying them, hospitality, his small acreage in Meridian, and Idaho’s beautiful outdoors are favorite occupations. He is thankful to be a part of PBC and excited to see God at work!

Elder

Matt became a Christian in 1990 when he was in high school. He began attending Bible studies and reading the Bible regularly in 1992 and began deliberately studying the Scriptures in 2000. He has served in church leadership regularly since 2005 and enjoys studying, teaching and preaching God’s Word.

Matt has a civil engineering degree and works as a project manager in construction but has been a design consultant.

Matt has been married to his wife, Ashley, for thirty years and they have four married children and four grandchildren. They live in Meridian where he enjoys coaching wrestling, hunting, and working around their property in his free time.

The title Deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “servant.” Although every member of the church body is called to serve, Scripture also recognizes the distinct office of Deacon.

At PBC, we believe our Deacons and their ministry are vital to the health of the church body. Our deacons assist the elders by overseeing specific ministries and caring for the flock.

Following the pattern of Acts 6:1–7, their faithful service helps the Elders devote themselves to prayer, the ministry of the Word, and shepherding God’s people. This ministry requires proven godly character, leadership, and spiritual maturity, as reflected in Acts 6:3 and the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:8–13.

Deacon

Ryan grew up in Idaho and has grown to love the opportunities afforded in God’s creation. Skiing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, hiking, and backpacking are some of the activities that keep him active and able to keep up with his six kids.

In 1997 Ryan graduated from Liberty University with degrees in Sport Management and Business Marketing. There he met his bride, Tabitha. They have enjoyed 26 years of marriage and count the opportunity to homeschool their children one of their greatest blessings. Ryan has been employed with HP for 24 years.

As a teen, Ryan was exposed to the Gospel through church. He saw his need for a Savior and repented, turning to Christ for Salvation. God has been faithfully sanctifying and growing him since.

Ryan has a heart for discipleship and service. He is blessed to serve the body of Christ as a deacon of Providence Bible Church.