2025 Deacon Nominees

What is a Bethel Deacon?

Deacons are the hands and feet of Jesus at Bethel. Whether it’s ensuring Sunday mornings run smoothly or reaching out to meet needs throughout the week, our deacons serve with open eyes and willing hearts. Deacons at Bethel are appointed to a two year term. Bethel believes in the scriptural qualifications of deacons (1 Timothy 3) and involve the body in the vetting and affirmation of this group each year.

We are thankful for the men who have been nominated for these important roles. Each nominee has been interviewed and examined by the Elders of Bethel Bible Church.

downtown Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Brian was born in Tyler and spent his grade school years living farm life near Lindale. He attended TJC before obtaining an MBA from UT Tyler. A few years after school, he moved to Austin as a land appraiser, and that’s where he met his wife, Michelle. They soon married, drove around the US in a motorhome for a couple of years, and moved to Tyler to start their family. The Barnetts love living near downtown Tyler and are grateful to have Bethel Bible as their community hub. Fun Fact: Brian has been to a country that doesn’t exist.

Evan grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri area and met his wife, Kimball, while attending William Jewell College. The two married in 2007 and have four children: Caden (married), Owen, Truman, and their daughter Emerson. After a 20-year career as a Naval Aviator and Officer, retiring with the rank of Commander, Evan and his family relocated to Tyler, Texas in 2022.

Kimball now serves at King’s Academy Christian School as both a Bible and Culinary Arts teacher. Evan works as a leadership development consultant, serves as the Director of Athletic Discipleship at King’s Academy Christian School, and leads as the Youth Pastor at the Downtown Campus. He is also a member of the church safety team. Evan is passionate about rightly teaching youth the Word of God and boldly imparting the freedom, identity, and purpose that come with following Christ.

Chris and his wife, Darla, were married in August 2010. They have three children: Claire, Lucy and Charles. Chris and Darla have been members of Bethel Bible Church since 2011, and on any given Sunday, you might find Chris playing music and Darla working with the children. It is difficult to pinpoint what precisely drew them to Bethel, but God has undoubtedly used Bethel to impact Chris and his family — through the community of Bethel, serving and being served by the body, Life Groups, and the teaching of the Word. God has proved Himself faithful time and time again in his life, and it is his pleasure to serve as a deacon for His bride, which is the Church.

My wife Tawnee and I met at Dallas Baptist University and moved to Tyler Texas at the end 2020 to start our family. When we found Bethel downtown in the summer of 2021, we knew that this is where the Lord led us to be discipled and be a part of the body of Christ. We love this community of believers and the coffee isn’t too bad either! If you see me, let’s grab a cup and talk. My wife and I are in charge of scheduling the greeting team at Bethel downtown and absolutely love getting to know and serve our growing congregation.

Andrew has been a member of Bethel since 2016, and leads a Friday morning Bible study at the Downtown campus. He is an avid musician and operates a local Pest Control company. He also recently got engaged, and will be married on October 25, 2025.

Dusty and his wife, Windy, have been married for 25 years, having met at Schreiner College in Kerrville, Texas, where Dusty grew up. After graduation, unsure of his career path but certain of his commitment to Windy, Dusty followed her to East Texas. There, they married, settled, and raised their two sons, Carson and Brooks. Seeking a Bible-centered community, Dusty and Windy joined Bethel Downtown in 2020. Dusty’s dedication to his family and submission to the Lordship of Christ guides his service as a deacon, where he strives to reflect Christ’s love and support the church’s mission.

Joe and his wife Debbie have lived in Troup since they were married in 1980 where they raised their 3 children Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Drew (they now have 6 grandkids too). The Carlyle’s have been memebers of Bethel since 1998 where their kids immediately became active in the youth group and where Debbie worked in nursey and children’s Sunday school and Joe taught Jr. high boys Sunday school and later younger children’s classed too. Debbie retired after 30 plus years of working in surgery as a surgical first assistant and Joe is still active in his homebuilding business that he founded in 1990. Joe and Debbie both have a passion for sharing the story about their faith Jesus with everyone and still serve in a variety of roles at Bethel when needs arrise. They moved to Bethel Downtown withing the first year that the church leaders decided to start a 2^nd location and Joe now serves as a Deacon and has for the past several years.

Leigh was born in 1950 and raised in Upstate New York. After a tour in the Marine Corps (1970-1073) he wound up in Texas working in commercial construction. During a long motorcycle trip he met Sally and they married in 1976 then began their family with three sons – Jon, Ben, and Morgan who are all married to loving wives. In 1986 he read the Bible and became a believer at 36. He has been a student of the Bible for 37 years now. Leigh and Sally are blessed with eight grandchildren. His lifetime verse is Ephesians 2:8-10.

Henderson Campus Nominee

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Ivan and his wife, Kristen, have called Henderson home since 2017 and have been members of Bethel Henderson since its founding in 2020. They are proud parents to two daughters, Eleanora and Amelia. On Sunday mornings, you’ll often find Ivan playing bass guitar as part of the worship team.

Ivan and Kristen are grateful to be part of a Christ-centered, supportive church family and both enjoy serving in various ministries. Ivan serves as a deacon and is passionate about encouraging spiritual growth and connection within the Bethel community. Kristen serves faithfully in the kids ministry, helping nurture the next generation in their faith.

Professionally, Ivan works as a Registered Nurse Educator with the UT Health System. Outside of church and work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and working on DIY projects around the home.

Kim and I are originally from CA, married in 1996 in San Clemente, CA, we have 2 adult boys. I have lived in CA, VA, FL and now we have found home in TX. For the last 15 yrs I have been a medical device distributor, previously I owned and operated a Mortgage and Real Estate brokerage firm for 25 yrs.

Stephen was born in Palestine, TX, and gave his life to Jesus at just five years old. He grew up going to Calvary Baptist Church and stayed connected there into adulthood. He and his wife Jocie have been married for 14 years and live in Troup, TX with their three kids—K.C., Rider, and Rosie. Stephen loves serving behind the scenes with media and sound and has been part of the team at Bethel Bible Henderson since 2024. He’s passionate about using his gifts to help others experience God through worship and community.

Chad and Shannon have been married since 2001. They have three daughters: Kennedy, Taylor, and Blake. The Dickerson family began attending Bethel Henderson in January 2020. God is leading Chad to be more involved in the community and teaching him to be still and listen.

Hope Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Brian grew up in Canton, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996. He also received an MBA from the University of Dallas in 2001. Brian works in the Oil & Gas industry as a Safety Manager and currently lives in Ben Wheeler. When not traveling for work, he values spending time with his mother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephews. Brian began a very small cattle operation last year with the intention of raising grass-fed beef and enjoys working with the animals and the land each day, using a regenerative agricultural focus.

Brian started attending Bethel in 2017. After hearing Bethel missionaries speak at the South campus in the spring of 2018, he began praying about missions. Within days, Brian was presented with an opportunity to go on a mission trip to villages along the Amazon and has been blessed to be able to return each year since. Brian is grateful for Bethel Bible Church and is excited to be a part of what God is doing at Bethel Hope.

John David (JD) is married to his high school sweetheart, Alli, and they have 3 wonderful kids, Lily, Levi, and Izzy. JD and Alli were both born and raised in Ruston, LA, attended LSU for college, got married, and moved to Tyler in 2020. JD took a job with Pine Cove Christian Camps, where he still works as the Ranch camp director. JD loves his family, discipleship, LSU football, pickleball, and mowing the grass.

South Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Stephen was born and raised in Whitehouse, TX! He is married to his wonderful wife Amelia, and they have two kids: Hallel and Judah. Stephen currently works as a reading teacher for Chapel ISD, and Amelia is a Principal for Chapel Hill ISD. Stephen loves to spend his free time traveling with his family.

Matt and his wife Elizabeth have been married since 1999. They both hail from San Antonio and have five children: Abigail and Tal (son-in-law), Adam, Ada, and Annalise. Matt currently works for a local oil company after spending 23 years in the Air Force, and Elizabeth is a stay-at-home homeschool mom and Birth and Postpartum doula. They first visited Bethel Bible Church in 2023 and were immediately drawn by the strong community and solid teaching.

Phillip is a mechanical engineer for a product development company and he also owns/operates a land clearing business, East Texas Mulching. God has blessed him with an awesome wife, Shalene, and four beautiful children: Alayna, Silas, Carson, and Ryker. Phillip and Shalene are honored to lead Grafted, an adoption and foster ministry at Bethel, and are constantly amazed at how God cares for orphans and places the lonely in families in East Texas. For four years they have been a part of Bethel and are continually fueled by the teaching of God’s word and the community through small groups at Bethel. Phillip is excited to see God working through leaders and families at Bethel and can’t wait to experience more of what He has for us.

Justin and his wife Kelsey both came to know Christ at an early age and are graduates of Carthage High School and Louisiana Tech University. They were married in 2016 and moved to Tyler in 2021, where they quickly found a home at Bethel. Together, they have three boys—John Morgan, Brooks, and Landry—who bring lots of joy and energy to their lives. Justin and Kelsey love being involved in Bethel Kids, especially in the walkers room, and co-lead a life group. Justin owns and operates ABL Land Services, an oil and gas right-of-way business, alongside his brother and dad, while Kelsey runs her own practice as the owner of Full Circle Physical Therapy.

James was born and raised in Northern California and moved to Tyler in 2013. This is where he was blessed to meet the light of his life, his wife of six years Amena. Together they have two children, Ellie & Elias. James and Amena attended Bethel while they were engaged, and started attending again when they moved back to Tyler in 2019. The Larson’s enjoy serving at Bethel, and James is honored at the opportunity to serve more for the wonderful church which has led him and his family closer to Christ.

Nathanael grew up in the DFW area and has always had a heart for ministry. He met his wife, Erica, who works on staff at Bethel as the Communications Associate, on a mission trip to Nigeria, and together they have three wonderful kids—Ezra, Eden, and Rohan. Since coming to Bethel in 2016, Nathanael has been actively involved at Bethel by serving with Bethel Kids, the worship band, the mission team, and helping lead a life group. When he’s not serving at church or working as a software engineer, you’ll likely find him running, spending time with his family, traveling, or hitting the slopes. Nathanael is passionate about knowing God and loving his people.

In December 2013 Matt married the love of his life Megan, and they moved from their hometown of Palestine, Texas to Bullard, Texas with their three kids (Matti, Bryson, and Mason). From the recommendation of many neighbors and friends, they visited Bethel South looking for a church home. Immediately they felt at home at Bethel and got plugged in serving as greeters, nursery workers, and Wednesday Night Live youth leaders. Matt works full-time as a manager at Walmart Distribution Center and enjoys volunteering as a coach of youth sports including softball, basketball, and football.

Jason was born and raised in Marshall, Texas, where he attended Believer’s Bible Fellowship (now Cypress Valley Bible Church) with his parents and brothers. Jason believed in Jesus for everlasting life as a young child and has been excited ever since that day to share his faith with others.

After serving in the Army from 2002-2005, Jason moved to Tyler, where God brought his wife, Jessica, into his life. They became members of Bethel Bible Church in 2016 and have been privileged to serve here in many capacities over the past decade. Jason and Jessica have been blessed with two children, Lincoln and Mabry.

You may see Jason greeting folks at the door, showing visitors around, keeping a watchful eye as a member of the safety team, or conversing with friends in the lobby. Jason loves people, loves Bethel Bible Church, and desires to continue serving the body of believers in Jesus as long as he is given the opportunity.

Randy and his wife Christianne have been at Bethel since 2009. They have been married for almost 12 years. They have two sons, Asher and Cooper. They own Town and Country Pest Control. They enjoy being outdoors with their kids as much as possible. They go to the parks or their farm. If not there, they’re hanging out in the front yard. Randy also serves on the security team at South Campus.

I was born and raised in Nacogdoches Texas and attended Texas A&M. Post graduation I moved to Fort Worth where I met my wife, Katie. She and I have been attending Bethel south since 2023 and quickly fell in love with what the Lord is doing here. We have two great boys, Caleb and Jonah. In my free time I enjoy spending as much time as possible at home with Katie and the boys.

Clay was born and raised right here in Tyler. He is married to his beautiful wife, Annie, and they have one daughter: Maddie Claire. They began attending Bethel in 2018 and knew they had found their church home. Clay manages a local gym, Fusion Athletic Club, and enjoys spending his free time working on their farm.

Ben grew up in Whitehouse, and he and his wife Jessi moved to Bullard in 2016 and began attending Bethel around the same time. He’s served in the Nursery and Middle School ministries, and they enjoy the fellowship of their life group. Together they have two girls, Scarlett and Ruthie. Ben has a background as a fourth-generation home builder, and currently works for The Genecov Group as a Residential Project Manager. In his spare time, Ben enjoys bird hunting with Scarlett, his dad and his two English setters, Willie and Waylon.

Josh was born and raised in Marshall and is still proud to call East Texas home. In 2009 he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Taylor. They have been blessed with two energetic children, Avery and Meritt, and currently live in Bullard. Josh and Taylor became members of Bethel South in 2016 and have appreciated opportunities to serve the congregation, forge impactful relationships, and grow in their walks of discipleship. By God’s grace, they each believed in Jesus for eternal life as children and are passionate that others are presented with a clear gospel message as well. Josh has worked in the medical device sales industry for the past eight years and enjoys contributing to the advancement of medical services in East Texas and Dallas.

Eric and wife Susie have been in the Bethel family for many years. They’re blessed with 3 fine children (& 3 fine spouses) along with 3 wonderful grandchildren. Part of their “recreation time” is traveling, since they live in different parts of the U.S. The Weirs are thankful to be involved in some ministries for the Lord at Bethel and elsewhere. Eric retired a few years ago as the Facilities Manager at Bethel. He’s very grateful for the Lord’s love and help in his life.