During the summer of 1992, Tom and JoAnne Petersburg saw the need for a Bible-centered church on the west side of Cleveland. They discussed this opportunity with a group of twelve couples, including Jim and Jenny Bzdafka. After much prayer and consideration, this small group of families began meeting regularly for worship.


As the core group continued to meet, they joined their new small church with the Evangelical Free Church of America. They chose the name Providence Church to highlight God’s guiding, sovereign hand over not only this local body, but the entire universe.


Providence launched its first public worship service in February 1993 at a day care facility in Westlake with Jim Bzdafka as the full-time senior pastor. As growth continued two years later, Sunday worship was moved to Parkside Middle School in Westlake.

In 2002, God provided means for the purchase of land and construction of a church building on Detroit Road in Avon. Providence first worshipped at its new home and current location on December 14, 2003.

In September 2019, Dr. Austin Shaw began serving as senior pastor at Providence. Under Austin’s shepherding, our church maintains its commitment to biblical doctrine, expository preaching, and Christ-centered community.

In 2024, we introduced our threefold vision of Forming Families, Equipping Saints, and Multiplying Churches, establishing a clear vision and direction for our church. Alongside this, we launched a capital campaign called Forward Together that will add additional multipurpose space and classrooms to our facility.