Houston's First ordained several men as deacons and ministers in a special service in the Worship Center at The Loop Campus on Sun, Aug 11. Family, friends, and church members attended as we celebrated 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. To submit a nomination, use this online form or download this PDF form.

New Deacons

John Thomas Evans

The Loop Campus
Houston’s First member since 2013

Occupation: Electrical Engineer

Houston's First Involvement: Men: Serve, Car Care Ministry, CanHope

Hobbies / Interests: Technology, history

Cory Alan Mizell

Downtown Campus
Houston's First member since 2009

Wife: Sarah
Children: Cooper (5), Annie (2), Brooks (11 months)
Occupation: Financial Advisor

Houston's First Involvement: Director of the Financial Consulting Ministry, Teacher in Covenant LBS, Usher

Hobbies / Interests: God has blessed me with an active lifestyle. If I am not chasing my beautiful bride on a run or taking my kids on a bike ride, I enjoy fitness classes, basketball, and learning how things work.

Previously Ordained Deacons

James Emory Goode

The Loop Campus
Houston's First member since 2015

Wife: Shirley Ann
Children: Rhonda Stowe-Baxter (62), Jamie Singer (59), Keith Goode (56); 15 Grandchildren; 5 Great-Grandchildren
Occupation: Retired — Baker Hughes, Incorporated

Houston's First Involvement: Baptistry Team, The Gathering Place, Weekly Guides, Lord's Supper Preparation team, Sr. Men Prayer Group

Hobbies / Interests: grandchildren, great-grandchildren, senior activities and cruising.

New Ministers

Omar David Calderón

The Loop Campus
Houston's First member since 2011

Wife: Joanna
Children: David (8), Peter (6), John (4), Michael (2)
Occupation: Founder, TRUTH of LIFE, Inc.

Houston's First Involvement: Teacher in As One LBS

Hobbies / Interests: I enjoy having people over for meals, traveling, and being with my family.

Richard Raymond (Rick) Ponce II

The Loop Campus
Houston's First member since 2013

Wife: Jennifer Lee
Children: Hannah Marie (20 months)
Occupation: Firefighter

Houston's First Involvement: More Than Conquerors military ministry Co-leader and First Responders Team

Hobbies / Interests: Serving my family and training the body, mind, and spirit.

Justin Seale

The Loop Campus
Houston's First member since 1993

Wife: Tiffany
Children: Jonathan (11), Anna (9), Abigail (6), Alissa (4)
Occupation: Director of Local Missions at Houston’s First

Houston's First Involvement: Teacher in Renewed LBS, Evangelism, Discipleship, Training for Missions work

Hobbies / Interests: Reading, travel, camping, motorcycles

Torrance D’Mond Wilson

The Loop Campus
Houston's First member since 2014

Wife: Alisha
Children: Dominique Lavan (28), Sydney Gallien (23), Marlana Prado(21), J’Vonni Wilson (12), A’Lana Knolls (12), Sariya Wilson (7); 3 Grandchildren
Occupation: Front Desk Manager at Fitness & Recreation Center at Houston’s First

Houston's First Involvement: Teach a new LBS class called “All Things New” for blended families, served in the following ministries: Celebration, Guest Experience Team, Baptistry, Connection Center, MIYCO, Faith Center (Spring Branch and Harwin), The Grove, C.H.A.R.M. and Missions. Also started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit transitional home for homeless and women and children called “The Palace Housing, Inc.” where we house women and children in our home.

Hobbies / Interests: Traveling and spending time with friends and family