A Church Called Providence

Created during my time at Christ Covenant

Nearly two centuries of survival is no accident. A Church Called Providence traces the story of a north Atlanta church from its log-cabin origins in 1853 through seasons of booming growth, near death, and rebirth.

Through historical reflection and personal testimony, the film honors members who fought for their church in difficult years and highlights how churches working together can bring new life. Above all, it tells the surprising story of how God continues to build, and refine, His church.

How does a church survive for more than 170 years?

Preserving, Honoring, & Inspiring

Christ Covenant received an incredible gift: 170 years of history. Leadership knew it was crucial to preserve that legacy. Transitions like this are fragile - the congregation was aging, memories were fading, and some of the oral history had already been lost. The baton needed to be passed well.

The remaining members of First Baptist Sandy Springs had endured decades of decline, weathering many storms that were not easy to bear. This film was created to honor those legacy members and the faithfulness they showed through difficult years.

Even within Christ Covenant’s own Sandy Springs launch team, there was confusion about the nature of the merger. One person admitted they looked forward to the film to better understand “the church we purchased.” Part of the vision for this project was to bring clarity - to remind the congregation that they received not mere assets, but a people with a history. We hoped the film would instill excitement for the future and encourage the broader evangelical world to consider how God might bring restoration to other churches struggling to survive.

The Impact

At Christ Covenant, the story of Providence did more than inform. It united both the launch team and the wider congregation, sharpening their vision and generating momentum for a new campus.

The storytelling became more than communication; it became ministry itself.

The film was used across diverse settings — from the First Baptist Sandy Springs homecoming services to Christ Covenant’s launch team gatherings, members’ meetings, and its public online release.

Beyond immediate outcomes, the film also preserves a legacy. Most of the men and women who faithfully served Providence Baptist Church over nearly two centuries will never be remembered by name.

Yet through this short film, their witness continues — a testimony not only to their labor but, more importantly, to the Lord’s enduring faithfulness.