Meet the Leaders | Providence Church

Leadership at Providence Church

Providence Church is an elder-led church. That means the congregation is overseen, led, and cared for by pastors and elders. Deacons assist the elders in taking the time to care for the practical needs of the church body. Each office is limited to qualified men who meet the biblical standards laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

Men found to be qualified receive training and are then presented to the congregation for affirmation. They are then ordained and/or installed to their office.

Mark Christenson

Elder

Mark serves Providence Church as an Elder and as the full-time preaching/teaching Pastor. Mark was born and raised on the South Dakota prarie in eastern South Dakota. He is married to a West River gal, his wonderful wife Ann.

Mark received a Bachelor's degree in exercise science and a Master's of Science degree in athletic training. He also attended the Sovereign Grace Pastors College in Louisville, KY, for biblical, theological, and pastoral instruction.

Mark sensed an internal call to pastoral ministry in 2015 and has since served several churches in a variety of roles. Mark has a passion for teaching and preaching God's Word, as well as writing discipleship resources to equip the body of Christ.

In his free time, he enjoys road trips with his wife Ann, reading, smoking meat, and watching sports (particularly the Huskers, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Timberwolves).

Ben Wipf

Elder

Ben Wipf serves as an Elder and Treasurer at Providence Church. He grew up northeast of Huron, where his family continues to farm today. After graduating from South Dakota State University, Ben and his wife, Becky, spent seven years in Minnesota before the Lord brought them back to the Huron area in 2012.

Ben and Becky have been blessed with seven children and a son-in-law. They are grateful for the privilege of raising their family in this community and desire for their home to reflect Christ and His Word.

Ben owns and operates Wipf Excavating, where he enjoys operating equipment and building lasting relationships with customers as he serves them through a variety of services.

Some of Ben’s favorites include getaways with his wife, family time (especially vacations), learning new skills — currently working toward his pilot’s license — practicing hospitality, and starting new projects (though not always finishing them).

Church leaders are a gift from God. We are trusting Him for the timing and provision of gaining other tested, trusted, godly elders and deacons for the Lord's church here at Providence Church.

In the early days of our church life, we are relying on several other pastors and elders from churches with whom we have natural connections for encouragement and accountability.