2024 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

Dan grew up in Baytown, Texas and met his wife, Susan, at the University of Texas at Austin. They have been married since 1985. With God’s help, they have raised three outstanding children: Ben, Caroline, and Libby. Dan is in the Oil and Gas business and has been a member of Bethel since 2008. Bethel is a special place for Dan and he is honored to serve in any way he can. Dan enjoys anything to do with the outdoors, growing plumeria and spending time with his family and animals.

Henderson Campus Nominees

Judson and his wife, the incomparable Sarah, were both raised in Henderson and found themselves post college back in their hometown. They were married in 2014 and have two daughters: Ella Bess and Anna. Judson was raised by God-loving parents and accepted Christ at a young age. In August 2019, he and Sarah began fervently praying about joining the Henderson Launch Team. After many conversations, they made the leap of faith to walk alongside Bethel Bible Henderson. He has been blessed by living in biblical community. Any opportunity to serve the Bride has drawn him closer to the Father and he is excited and encouraged about the path laid before him.

Jackson grew up in Henderson Texas where he met his wife, Jordan. They both graduated from Henderson High School and both attended Texas A&M. They got married in 2017 and now have three beautiful daughters, Sage, Sloane, and Rowan. They joined Bethel in 2022. Jackson and Jordan are very passionate about discipleship and building deep, Christ-focused, impactful relationships.

Hope Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Rick met Jesus at a young age and accepted Him as savior between six and 16 years of age (happy to explain, just ask). He and his wife Jane have been married for 40+ mostly wonderful years. They moved to Tyler from training in Dallas and after working in a hospital in Benin, W Africa. They have five great kids, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and two amazing grandsons. Their family is scattered all over the place. Rick and Jane have been members of Bethel since 1984, but have moved north to Bethel Hope, where they believe God has called them. They love traveling and hiking. Rick is a pediatrician; Jane is a retired nurse/homemaker. They are both involved in missions: Living Alternatives, Young Life Africa and Mentoring Alliance. They love the fellowship at Hope and are thankful to be a part of this body. Rick has served as an elder at Bethel South and is thankful to be serving again as a Shepherding Elder at Bethel Hope.

South Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Jayson and his wife, Bev, have been members of Bethel since 2004. They have two adult children – Taylor and Natalie. Jayson has served in various capacities at Bethel and was a deacon prior to serving as an elder. Bev has faithfully served in youth specifically with the high school girls since 2007. For Jayson and Bev, Bethel Bible Church is home. They feel Bethel is a place of support, encouragement, and most importantly, Biblical teaching.

Taylor and his wife Olivia have been married for 17 years. They have three children, Brandt, Emilie and Collin. Taylor serves as a judge for Smith County. He has been a member at Bethel since 2008 and serves with the high school students in the South Student Ministry. He is blessed to serve in the student ministry and read through the Bible with the students on Sunday mornings. He is constantly learning from the students and treasures the relationships and connections made.

My wife, Allison, and I have been married 33 years and have two daughters, one son, and one granddaughter. By God’s grace, Allison and I both became followers of Jesus Christ as children and have both benefitted immeasurably in our lives from the care of Christian homes and biblically faithful churches. We joined the Bethel south campus in the spring of 2018. Both of us have been blessed in our walk by the teaching, fellowship, and encouragement of the pastoral staff, elders, and many brothers and sisters in Christ at Bethel. I am humbled to be considered as an elder and by the Lord’s enabling and provision, I look forward to serving in this role.

John grew up in Tyler and came to Christ in high school at Marvin Methodist Church. It was then off to Texas A&M and a degree in Landscape Architecture. He married the amazing Elizabeth Cartwright in 1990 and together they raised two baby girls on a ranch near Bastrop, TX before coming to Tyler in 2000. John had a 40 year career as a Landscape Architect and has volunteered in Scouting both in East Texas and at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. John and Elizabeth have been members at Bethel South for 7 years. John’s passions: Scripture, climbing mountains, cooking on the smoker and travel.

Stephen was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in a Christian home and raised in the Methodist tradition. He did not surrender his life to the Lord until the age of 17. Stephen married Jamie in 1980 and moved to Longview, TX where Stephen attended and graduated from LeTourneau College. Stephen and Jamie have been attending Bethel Bible Church since October 1988 and have three grown children that grew up at Bethel Bible. Stephen and Jamie also have three grandchildren. In the past Stephen has served on Bethel’s Deacon board for 10 years and has recently served as a Shepherding Elder for 9 years. Stephen has been retired from Insurance claims for 10 years, and is currently in a Bethel Life group, attending two weekly Bible studies in which he co-leads one of them, and serves on the Bethel Greeting team. Stephen has been involved in local as well as overseas Missions with Bethel. Stephen longs for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and His reign on earth.

Johnny has been married to his wife, Taylor, since December 2007. They have four children: Finley, Gideon, Canaan and Judah and they fill up the majority of their free time. When Johnny and Taylor arrived in Tyler, they were going to ‘church shop.’ The first church they visited was Bethel and they never left. The theologically sound preaching, friendly atmosphere, and opportunities to serve have kept them from leaving. Johnny and Taylor feel they are blessed to get to be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.