In the summer of 2000, two families met to talk about beginning a strong Christian witness in Lansing, Michigan, at the heart of state government and education. They wanted to serve the Tri-County area through God-glorifying and Bible-centered worship. By the end of 2001, the group had grown. They decided to approach the denomination that most closely shared their vision, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

For two years there was little encouragement. Families moved away, but others came. In 2004, the effort was renewed. That August, the group met with elders and the mission committee of Christ Church (PCA) in Grand Rapids. On September 19 the first public Bible study met in the community room of the Lansing Police Department North Precinct.

Over the next three years, this study circle forged a family. Adults prayed and studied together in a circle, surrounding their children at play. Weekly fellowship meals and special events reinforced mutual love. Finally they were ready to begin meeting for Sunday evening worship at Lansing Christian School. Christ Church and the PCA’s Great Lakes Presbytery provided preachers and oversight. The mission took the name Providence PCA.

In 2007, God cleared away great obstacles to bring Pastor Jason Helopoulos, his wife Leah, and daughter Gracen to Lansing. This vision has continued as Providence moved to worshipping on Sunday mornings in 2008. The Lord has continued to bless the church from those small beginnings to the present. It is our hope and prayer that this work which was begun for the glory of God will continue to be a faithful witness to the Lansing area and the world for generations.  Under his dynamic preaching and leadership, this PCA mission work has taken the next steps toward becoming what those first families envisioned, a Bible-centered witness at the heart of Michigan.