2025 Elder Nominees

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What is a Bethel Elder?

Wisdom and unity, leadership and humility – the elders of Bethel strive to lead and serve with love. Our Shepherding Elders care for the ongoing and emergent needs of the body. Our Trustee Elders prayerfully set the vision of the church and oversee its governance. Elders at Bethel are appointed for a three year term. Bethel believes aspiring to this office is a noble task (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

When Billy Graham came to the Anaheim stadium in Southern California in 1969 Mark was compelled to walk forward and give his life to God. That began a journey that continues through today. Mark has had a heart for ministry since Jr. High, which gives his life meaning like nothing else. Mark met his wife, Marcia 36 years ago at Bible school in beautiful Arrowhead , California. They have two children, Matthew and Michele. Pine Cove brought Mark and his family to Texas and Bethel Bible Church soon became home. Mark says, “If there is one thing that has continued drawing us to this church it’s been the biblical teaching and the hunger for God’s word we see in those we have grown to love over the years.”

Tom has been married to the love of his life, Gina, since September 1986. Tom and Gina have two wonderful daughters–Grace and Laura. Grace lives in Colorado with her husband, Andrew, and their first grandchild, Cordie. Laura lives in Dallas and is in medical real estate business. Several years ago, Tom and Gina became the guardians of Hartley who is a captain in the Army. They are extremely proud of all of them. Tom and his family became members of Bethel at the beginning of their marriage and have been richly blessed by the instruction, outreach, and relationships at Bethel. Through the years, Tom and Gina have served in youth ministry at both Bethel and Young Life.

James is originally from central Texas then attended and graduated from Texas A&M, where he met his wonderful wife, Anna. They have two great kids, Laurel and Vincent (Vin) who make life fun! When visiting Bethel Downtown, he immediately observed the genuine heart-set of a body of believers who seek Truth, acknowledge their brokenness and proclaim God’s provision through Christ’s perfect work. James and Anna have a heart for ministry with youth and young families.

Bio coming soon.

Henderson Campus Nominees

Jason and Karen Rains grew up in Henderson and married in 1999. They have three daughters: Caroline, Summer, and Jolee. They love spending time on the water, whether it be the lake or the ocean. Jason is the owner of JDS Communications. They have been members of Bethel Henderson since the launch in December 2019.

Bio coming soon.

Hope Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Edward was born in Caracas-Venezuela and came to Tyler, 14 years ago. Edward works as a lab manager at the College of Engineering at UT Tyler and he really enjoys what he does. Edward has been married for 29 years and has two grown children and two grandchildren. They are grateful that God has brought them to Tyler, a place they call “a little piece of heaven”, where they have the opportunity to find peace and a new home. They love being members at Bethel Hope and love what they are learning, the love of the congregation, and the commitment to serve others in the community. Edward loves God, family, friends, serving others, nature, music, and art. Edward and his wife have served together by enriching other couples through a “Marriage Program” and also has volunteered in several non-profit organizations in East Texas.

Bio coming soon.

South Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Bio coming soon.

Don and his wife Tracey have been connected with Bethel since 1986. Married in 1981, they are blessed with three adult children who grew up at Bethel, but are currently relocated around the country! They have a growing tribe of grandchildren that they love dearly! Don and Tracey love sharing their faith in word and deed. Both are glad to be in a community of believers who love the Lord and each other. They greatly enjoy pouring into lives and watching them grow in their relationship with God through His word.

Winfred married his college sweetheart, Carole, in 1982. Winfred and Carole have attended Bethel Bible Church since 2006. They enjoy spending time with their family, especially their two granddaughters & traveling extensively. Winfred is a 5th Generation East Texan from Palestine, Texas. He enjoys upland game hunting and clay target shooting. Winfred is enthusiastic and passionate about meeting new people and connecting them to the body of Christ. He often states people are his oxygen. He enjoys serving alongside strong Bethel leaders who are sold out for Christ.

Bio coming soon.

Evan is from Tyler and met his bride, Julie, at Texas A&M. Evan and Julie were married in 2007 and are richly blessed with three children, Hadley, Norah, and Wyatt. Evan grew up at Bethel and he and his wife became members in 2015 when they moved back to Tyler after living in working in Austin for nine years. Evan runs a small business, 3i Development, doing web and mobile product development and consulting. He and his wife enjoy serving at Bethel where he helps out on the sound team and Julie works in various capacities with the Women’s Ministry. Evan and Julie are blessed with deep relationships with families both in and out of Bethel and love being a part of a church that invests in believers doing life together as they learn to lead their lives as Christ would do so.