Our Leadership
Providence Church is a congregational church that is led by a plurality of pastors (also called elders or overseers). This means that under the Lordship of Jesus, the authority of this church rests in her gathered members. The members are led by multiple pastors who are chosen for that office by the members. The Scriptures also direct us to choose deacons to help meet the needs of our church. We have two pastors and six deacons.
See our Confession of Faith (Chapter 26, paragraphs 7-11) for more information.
Michael Brady
Pastor
Michael grew up in Brazoria, Texas, a small town south of Houston. At a young age, he was invited to church by a friend from school and came to faith in Christ. He and his lovely wife Nina have four children: Taelor, M.D., Molly, and John. Michael studied music theory at Houston Baptist University and received his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michael has been serving in professional ministry for almost 20 years. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel at Houston’s First Baptist Church and also served on staff at Grace Bible Church Houston before being sent out to plant Providence. Michael enjoys playing music, talking theology, and spending time on the patio with friends.
L.J. Decker
Pastor
L.J. was born and raised in the Houston area and has lived in Katy for most of his life. He was raised in a Christian home and professed faith at an early age. He and his wife Kristen are raising seven beautiful children: Danny, Franky, Gideon, Jacqueline, Reagan, Emma, and Molly. L.J. studied political science and economics from Texas A&M University. After graduating, he moved to Washington D.C. to earn a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. L.J. is passionate about orphan care and Christian education. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from International Reformed Baptist Seminary and was ordained to gospel ministry at Providence Church in December 2024. In his free time, he enjoys discussing politics, reading, and long road trips.
Mike Brady
Deacon
Mike was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida and grew up in Brazoria County, Texas. Mike is an oil and gas professional and has two grown children, Michael and Shea, and four grandchildren: Taelor, M.D., Molly, and John. As a youth he heard the gospel and believed, but he lived decades as a nominal Christian. 10 years ago, the Holy Spirit’s conviction showed him that he wasn’t living a Christian life. By the grace of God, he has a new heart that desires to bring God glory in all things. He and his wife Leah have opened their hearts and home to many and strive to be generous with their many blessings from God. He serves as the coordinator for communion, is on the welcoming committee, and helps in any capacity that’s needed at Providence. Mike enjoys his family and friends, discipling men, books, and has recently engaged in blacksmithing.
Mike Decker
Deacon
Mike was born in Iowa, moved to the Houston area at age two and has lived in the Houston area ever since. He was raised by Christian parents who loved Jesus. He does not remember a time in his life when Jesus was not a part of it. He and his wife, Sandi, raised and homeschooled nine children and were foster parents of many others. The grandchildren count is currently nineteen with two more announced. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree and a Juris Doctorate; both from University of Houston. He was a design engineer for several years, a trial attorney, and the last thirty years as an adoption trial attorney. He served in a homeschool sports ministry for 27 years - serving families and mentoring young men and women. He was ordained to deacon ministry at Providence in June of 2025. Mike’s hobbies include travel and spending time with his grandchildren.
Andrew Hoffart
Deacon
Andrew Hoffart grew up in the Garden Oaks area of Houston as the oldest of five children. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and has spent the past ten years working as a personal trainer. Andrew lives in Katy, Texas with his loving wife, Samantha. In June 2025, he was ordained to deacon ministry at Providence Church Katy, where he serves in discipleship and leads Bible studies. Passionate about soccer, fitness, and nutrition, Andrew also enjoys exploring a wide range of interests—from the practical to the creative. Andrew is usually the life of the party and brings excitement and joy to every situation. God has given Andrew a sincere faith and a heart to serve anyone who needs help. He is grateful to serve as a deacon and looks forward to many years ahead in this role.
Brett Nelius
Deacon
Brett grew up in Bellville, TX, and has lived in most major cities in Texas since graduating from Texas Tech University. After college, he came to faith after a friend invited him to church. He met his bride at that church in Dallas and moved to Houston. His wife, Elise, and he have three beautiful boys: Kincaid, Levi, and Theodore. He enjoys his work in Development and has worked in the nonprofit sector for most of his career. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Biblical and Theological Studies in 2025. Brett never meets a stranger - so naturally, he serves on the Greeting Team at Providence Church. He was ordained to be a deacon at Providence in June of 2025. If he’s not smoking a pipe while sipping bourbon and talking about theology, then he’s probably wrestling his toddlers, or challenging someone to a board game.
Jeremy Riegel
Deacon
Jeremy grew up in the small town of Dwight, Illinois. He and his wonderful wife, Maria, are the proud parents of two young children, Seth and Naomi. Jeremy studied Engineering Management and Civil Engineering at the US Military Academy at West Point and business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Army, primarily as an Airborne Ranger. In 2017, after moving to Houston, Jeremy experienced a powerful work of the Holy Spirit in his life. Today, his ministry is mostly focused on discipling men—especially in the areas of overcoming sexual sin and embracing godly financial stewardship. Providence Church Katy ordained him to Deacon service in June 2025. While most of his time is spent chasing toddlers, Jeremy looks forward to hiking, traveling, and photography as his children grow.
Chandler Williamson
Deacon
Chandler is a born and raised Houstonian. He was raised in a Christian home and came to faith at a young age. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Economics, and currently works in data analytics. He and his lovely wife Angie are raising four precocious children: Abigail, Anna, Chloe, and Henry. While Chandler loves reading and learning broadly, his particular passion is putting theology into practice, and living faithfully in these wild times. He loves to cook, enjoys a good cigar, and spends an inordinate amount of time sharing meals and waxing philosophical with brothers and friends in our community. Chandler was ordained as a deacon at Providence Church in June of 2025. He loves to serve by discipling young men in the faith, leading small groups, serving communion, and keeping the pastors on their toes.