our Leadership
Continue below for more about the Brouwers. Edward originally hales from Alberta, Canada, where he graduated from the University of Alberta, but has made his home in the U.S. since 1997 after serving on the mission field. Edward and his wife, Glenda, married in 1989. They are the proud parents of three adult children: Natalie, Rachel (Julian Bacon), and Matthew (Clair) and delighted grandparents of three grandchildren: Sophia, Leo and Noah. The Brouwers settled in WNC, serving at Christ Community Montreat. Edward received his MDIV from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2011 and was ordained in 2012. He has served as pastor of Providence Church since 2014. Edward and the elders (session) are responsible for discerning and communicating the vision of ministry at Providence, while caring for and equipping people for the work of the Gospel in their lives.
A word of Welcome
"The peace of Christ be with you!"
It is my great privilege to greet each person who walks through our doors on a Sunday morning with those words. I use them here to welcome you, as you peek through our windows, in the hope that I might have the joy of greeting you someday in person.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us through our contact info provided. Our ministry assistant, elders, and I are eager to hear how we can connect you to our fellowship and serve you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we are a forgiven people!
Edward & Glenda
Staff & Session
Get to know us—we are eager to get to know you!
Artist-in-Residence
Renée Allsbrook (Luke)
Renée has served as pianist and music director at Providence since its founding in 2007. She and Luke, a well-known visual artist for whom North Carolina landscapes and beaches provide ample inspiration, have four adult children. Renée enjoys teaching piano, accompanying and performing in local venues, and working with Junaluska Elementary’s after school Bible Club. Renée has released two albums of original songs, “Call it Joy" (Novare Music) and "Daughters and Sons,” (Renée Allsbrook Music), many of which Providence has incorporated into its worship services.
Elder
Jeffery Alt (Jenny)
Jeffery has served both as an elder and a deacon of Providence. He and his wife, Jenny, were married in Florida in 2009 and moved to the Haywood County area in 2014. They have been involved with Providence Church since 2015. Jeffery and Jenny have have three children. Jenny has worked as a registered nurse in the NICU and at a local crisis pregnancy center. Jeffery is a veterinarian by profession and has a heart of service for Jesus. He serves in worship leadership and as our elder liaison to the finance team.
Elder
Greg Hensley (Carla)
Greg and his wife, Carla, have been married for 14 years. They have three sons. Greg served as a Southern Baptist pastor for 28 years before retiring in 2013. He attended James Madison University and Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC where he received his Master of Ministry degree. Carla has worked at several jobs, has done missions work in South Dakota and volunteer work with Disaster Relief. She currently works with her Sewing Ministry: Cute And Cuddly.
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Elder
Leroy Kauffman (Judy)
Leroy Kauffman and his wife Judy have been attending Providence church since January 2023. Leroy retired in December 2022 after a 40+ year career as a university professor, his last 30 years at Western Carolina University teaching accounting. Leroy and Judy were married in 1982 and have three adult children and four lovely grandchildren. Leroy loves to spend time tending his yard and flower beds and working with wood. Judy retired in March 2023 from LifePoint Health Human Resources. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, baking, and crafting. Together they enjoy camping and spending time in God’s creation.
Elder
Ralph Koehring (Maryanna)
Ralph and Maryanna Koehring have been attending Providence since the Fall of 2023 with their son, Gideon. They have two college-aged daughters, Josephine and Louisa. Haywood County and Waynesville have been their “home base” since 2007, but they recently settled permanently after a 24-year career in the Foreign Service, serving in Jordan, Egypt, South Africa, Afghanistan, Zambia and Bolivia.
Ministry Assistant
Chip Reed (Kelsey)
Chip and Kelsey began attending Providence with their three daughters in the fall of 2022. They are both graduates of Covenant Theological Seminary and have spent the majority of their married life in church ministry. Chip’s primary vocation is now in foundation inspection, consulting, and sales. Kelsey serves as an educational consultant, writer, and editor. It is their joy to engage in ministry and administrative support roles at Providence.