Houston's First ordained several men as deacons in a special service in the Chapel at The Loop Campus on Sun, Aug 22. Family, friends, and church members gathered to celebrate this special moment in the lives of these men.

The term "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos which means "servant." Deacons serve our church in a variety of ways, providing leadership and guidance in numerous areas.

Any member of Houston's First can nominate a fellow member to serve as a deacon. The deacon nomination form (online and PDF) can be found in the recommendation guidelines section below.

New Deacons

These men were elected Deacons in Church Conferences upon recommendations from the Deacon body. Examinations of the new Deacons occurred through the following members of the New Deacons Committee: Tim Dykes (Chairman), Craig Bloodworth, Brad Buehler, Tyson Gaspard, Johnny Harper, Marvin McNeese Jr., Allen O’Neal, Ron P’Pool, Mike Skinner and Tom Scurlock.

Michael Castro

• Campus: The Loop
• Occupation: Graphic Designer
• Joined Houston’s First: 2009
• Houston’s First Involvement: Ignite (Life Bible Study), Discipleship Essentials Ministry
• Hobbies: Volleyball, Tracking World Events, Learning About Investing, New/Creative Technology

Corey Chen

• Wife: Marlyn
• Children: Elizabeth (3) and Matthew (1)
• Campus: The Loop (Español service/ministry)
• Occupation: Software Project Manager
• Joined Houston’s First: 2016
• Houston’s First Involvement: Men:Serve, Children’s Ministry, Merge (Life Bible Study)
• Hobbies: Outdoor Activities, Camping, Visiting State Parks, and Bicycling

Mike Jones

• Wife: Bonnie
• Children: Tyler (22), Garrett (20), and Audrey (17)
• Campus: The Loop
• Occupation: Head of Compensation and Benefits for a Technology Company
• Joined Houston’s First: 2013
• Houston’s First Involvement: 6th Grade Life Bible Study, Rush Week Counselor and Worksite Leader, Lift Weekend and Middle School Counselor
• Hobbies: Reading, Kayaking, Watching College Football, and Travelling with Family

Beau Parker

• Wife: Deanna
• Children: Autumn (18)
• Campus: Cypress
• Occupation: Project Manager for a Custom Home and Renovation Builder
• Joined Houston’s First: 2014
• Houston’s First Involvement: HUB Student Ministry, Adult Life Bible Study Teacher, Welcome Team, Connection Team, Site Leader for GO Houston
• Hobbies: Cycling, Triathlons, and Dinners with Friends

New Ministers

Brady Clois Sharp

• Campus: The Loop
• Occupation: Student Ministry Associate
• Joined Houston’s First: 2017
• Houston’s First Involvement: HUB Student
• Ministry Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Listening to Music, Reading, and Keeping up with the NBA

A Time of Remembrance

Servants who have gone to Heaven since our last ordination service.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15

Steven Chun

Rodger Cody

Bob Fogle

Ron Lee

Douglas Rich

Wesley Snyder

Harvey Kneisel, former Missions Pastor

New Deacon Recommendation Guidelines

Any member of Houston’s First Baptist Church may recommend a new Deacon candidate from the church family at any time. The New Deacons Committee guides each recommendation through a multi-step evaluation process which includes each nominee’s acceptance of I Timothy 3:1–13 and other requirements recognized by Houston’s First.

If, after you have prayed, you feel led to recommend a man who has been an active member of Houston’s First for at least one year, pick up a New Deacon Candidate Recommendation Form from the Pastor’s Office, use this online form, or download this PDF form.

Previously ordained Deacons must also be recommended and reviewed by the Committee prior to becoming an In-Service Deacon at Houston’s First.