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 1986. They have 2 wonderful daughters-Grace and Laura. Grace lives in Colorado with her husband, Andrew. They have 3 beautiful kids. Laura lives in Dallas with her husband, Carter. They have a beautiful daughter and are expecting another child around Christmas 2025. Tom and Gina became members of Bethel at the beginning of their marriage and have been richly blessed by the instruction and outreach and relationships through Bethel. Through the years, Tom and Gina have been involved in youth ministry at both Bethel and Young Life.

James is originally from Central Texas and has called Tyler home for over a decade. He lives here with his amazing wife, Anna, and their two children, Laurel and Vincent (“Vin”), who make life an adventure! When James first visited Bethel Downtown in 2014, he was struck by the genuine heart of a community that seeks Truth, acknowledges brokenness, and proclaims God’s provision through the perfect work of Christ. James and Anna have served for years by teaching Junior High and High School Sunday School. James also co-leads Mighty Men, a Father/Son discipleship program with other Bethel
Downtown dads, focused on Biblical manhood and practical life skills. He enjoys just about any outdoor activity – especially when shared with friends and family.

Born in 1958 in West Orange, NJ, Stan graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1980. He moved to Atascadero, CA, in 1983 to coach swimming and work in real estate appraisal. After meeting his wife Wendy in 1985, her faith sparked his curiosity. A book she gave him, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, led him to follow Jesus in 1986. They married in 1987 and had three children: Zachary, Clayton, and Samantha.

Stan launched an appraisal business, coached swimming, and served in youth ministry. After Clayton’s passing from leukemia in 2009, Stan continued serving at Atascadero Bible Church as deacon, elder, and later chairman of the elder board.

In 2016, God moved Stan and Wendy to Tyler, TX, where they joined Bethel Bible Church. He began coordinating security in 2019 and now serves as an elder. His life has been anchored in Jesus, his family, the Church, and serving others—and he’s eager to continue faithfully for years to come.

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.

Gerald D. Redwine, an East Texas native, graduated as Mr. West Rusk in 1976 and married Sandra of Nacogdoches in 1979. They raised six successful adult children primarily in the San Antonio area. After retirement, Gerald and Sandra moved back to Henderson and joined Bethel Henderson in 2024. Gerald retired in 2023 as an Associate Professor from Texas State University with over 30 years of experience in medical laboratory sciences and 12.5 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He founded and pastored Christian Faith Bible Church for over 17 years while pursuing his education in various fields. Sandra, who was a stay-at-home mom, completed three college degrees and is now a well-received substance abuse counselor at MTC in Henderson.

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.

Warren and his wife Ann began attending Bethel in 2009. They have 3 adult children, Megan, Lauren and Matthew. Warren has had the honor of serving as an Elder during Bethel’s expansion to multiple campuses. Warren and Ann have been able to participate in marriage ministries in the Middle East and have enjoyed continuing to support small group marriage ministry there. Over the last few years, they have been on a more contemplative spiritual journey with an interest in spiritual retreats. They are hoping to develop more mentoring relationships in the future for marriage and personal spiritual growth. Warren and Ann have the great pleasure of attending Bethel Hope campus since it began, which they acknowledge has helped them in understanding the beauty of Christian church family.

South Campus Nominees

*DENOTES REAFFIRMATION

Calvin was adopted as a baby and faithfully raised in church by his mother. He recognizes God’s hand on his life from the very beginning. Though baptized at age 12, Calvin has always believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He married the love of his life, Karla, on June 18, 1983, and by God’s grace, they’ve been married for 42 years—each year sweeter than the last. They have two married sons and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren.

Calvin has worked in the oil and gas industry for 44 years and has led an oil and gas production company for the past 15. He is honored to serve as an elder at Bethel Bible Church, where he finds great joy in helping and serving others. It’s a privilege for him to serve alongside fellow elders, deacons, and the church staff. His prayer is that Bethel will continue to faithfully preach and teach the truth of the Father, Jesus, and His inerrant Word—empowered by the Holy Spirit—and that the church would disciple well and draw others to know Jesus Christ.

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.

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.

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.