Downtown Deacons

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Find out where we are located, what we believe, how to get involved, how to stay connected and how to become a member.

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Catch the Livestream of a Sunday worship service, or access the video sermon archive.

ministries

God’s Word says we are designed for community. At Bethel, we want to create opportunities for people to be known and to know others..

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Our Deacons

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. Bethel believes in the scriptural qualifications of deacons (1 Timothy 3) and involve the body in the vetting and election of this group each year.

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.

Dan was born in West Texas, raised in Central Texas, and married his lovely wife Emma in East Texas. They have one child, Evelynn, and one more on the way! Both Dan and Emma serve with the Missions Committee, volunteer with the youth ministry, and are active with their Life Group. The preaching of the gospel and the centrality of scripture have grown and blessed their family beyond measure. He counts it a privilege to serve the church by helping set up and most importantly, keeping the coffee flowing.

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 members of Bethel since 1998, where their kids immediately became active in the youth group and where Debbie worked in nursery and children’s Sunday school, and Joe taught Jr. high boys Sunday school and later younger children’s classes 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 in Jesus with everyone and still serve in a variety of roles at Bethel when needs arise. They moved to Bethel Downtown within 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.

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.

Josh DeGraffenried grew up in Kilgore, Texas, and has always had a love for the city and community life. He married his wife Sarah in 2013 and they are loving raising their three kiddos, Elizabeth, Luke, and Liam. Josh practices as a dentist here in Tyler and enjoys investing in his team to make it a great workplace culture. He loves seeing patients move towards health in their lives. In his spare time, you might find him traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, running, and hanging out with friends. He loves Drew Holcomb’s music, space rocket history, chocolate pie, and a quality capsule wardrobe. He mostly wants to create experiences where God is known in an everyday shared life.

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.

Sam along with his wife Stephanie, have attended the Downtown campus since 2017. They were married in 2003 and have two children, Molly and Clive, who are both active in the student ministry. Sam came to know Christ at an early age and is still constantly amazed how God has shown Himself faithful in even the most minuscule details. Sam designs and manufactures aerospace products and enjoys cooking, working out, and going to concerts.

Andrew has been in Tyler for 7 years. He is not married, and works for a local software company called Knackforge. He is involved in the Downtown worship team (keyboard) and also leads a weekly Friday morning Bible study at the Foundry. He enjoys playing music with a few different local bands and spends much of his time reading, playing music, and exercising.

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.

Clay is married to his wonderful wife, Amber. They have one child, Coleman. Clay and Amber both grew up in East Texas and moved to Austin for four years, where they learned a lot about their faith and relationship with Christ and the church. Clay knew Bethel had solid doctrine and theology and seeing the pastoral staff teach, they knew they wanted to be part of Bethel. When he looks at Bethel he thinks of the word intentional. Clay and Amber feel blessed to be part of a church family and a church who loves on people.

Loren is married to his best friend Betsy, who he met working at summer camp in college. He has two kids: Elliott & Mila who feel way too comfortable running around Bethel Downtown! While Loren grew up in Longview, he and his family have called Tyler, and Bethel, their home since 2016. When he’s not wrangling toddlers, you can find him playing drums in the worship band, enjoying excellent coffee, or working at Pine Cove. He’s excited to have the opportunity to serve his community and continue to build relationships through Bethel Downtown!

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.

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.