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The Deacon Nominee Selection Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for consideration as deacons of First Baptist Church Bryan.
These men were first nominated by members of our congregation. Each nominee was then prayerfully and carefully evaluated by the committee using the biblical qualifications for deacons, as well as the standards outlined in the Deacon Standard Operating Procedures of FBC Bryan.
As part of this process, each candidate completed a detailed qualifications questionnaire and participated in a personal interview with the committee, during which they shared their full testimony and heart for deacon ministry.
Due to the number of nominees in this class, we will not be holding in-person testimony presentations. Instead, each nominee has provided a brief written statement in response to the following questions:
When and how did you come to know the Lord?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
We invite you to read these statements and prayerfully consider each nominee as we seek to affirm those whom God is calling to serve as deacons at FBC Bryan.
A vote by church members to elect these candidates for deacon ordination and service will be held at the business meeting scheduled for November 2, 2025.
Deacon Candidates
Deacon Candidates
Bill Allen
Bill Allen
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
Prior to meeting my wife I had gotten to the point in my life that I was feeling unfilled and wanting more from something. I wasn’t exactly sure what I needed but I started attending various churches and settled into one. It wasn’t where I needed to be, but I thought it was. After we attended First Baptist, I knew what it was that I was looking for and I had found it.
I dedicated my life to the Lord on Easter of 2018 at FBC by a profession of Faith and Baptism. I realized that he was my Savior and I needed to rely on him with my shortcomings and faults in my life.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
Several years ago, I lead a Journey group and it helped me become closer to the Lord by reading his word and trying to understand it better. I am continually amazed by the way His word helps me understand and the way it directs me in life. I am reading my Bible on a regular basis and praying to continue walking with the Lord of my life.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
At FBC I am serving on the safety team on nearly a weekly basis. I also assist with Lord’s supper and offerings when asked. I also serve on the Men’s Ministry committee, and I am involved in the E6 Men’s events. I love working in the background helping the church and ensuring an enjoyable experience for members. I am also a part of Peacock Legacy of Hope and love that ministry and what it does for out single moms in the community.
Joseph Allison
Joseph Allison
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
I was raised by two loving parents in a strong Christian home and came to know the Lord at an early age. At the age of 7 I made my proclamation of faith and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico. I know that I was a young child to make such a commitment, but Jesus said let the little children come unto Him and do not forbid them for such is the kingdom of heaven. I believe I was sealed by the Holy Spirit for all eternity at the moment I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
From the early days of my salvation up until today I have been continually transformed and conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I have felt very close to the Lord and sometimes far away, but as I look back at my life, I can more clearly see how He was directing and guiding my footsteps all along the way. A few years ago we visited First Baptist Bryan with some dear friends of ours and I could immediately sense His presence and His power working through this church. We joined the church soon afterwards, and have been blessed through the worship services, group life, E6 men’s ministry and bible studies.
Partly as a result of the Experiencing God study, I began to look where God was working and seek where I could plug into that work. As a result, God quickly guided me into service as a greeter, a parking lot server, helped the widow next door through the E6 men’s ministry as well as helping at Peacock Legacy of Hope and Dogwood Cove work days. I also am serving on the Church Foundation Committee.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
I believe the Lord is calling me to continue those areas of service mentioned above, but is also laying on my heart to serve those in the hospital, in prison and also anywhere the children need me (I served as a children’s leader in BSF for 7 years).
Basically, wherever God wants me and the church needs me, I wish to go and serve.
Paul Bozeman
Paul Bozeman
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
I was raised in a Christian home, by Christian parents. There were many at my church who were instrumental in my coming to know the Lord...choir directors from the "beginners choir" up through the adult choir, Sunday School/Training Union/RA/VBS teachers, our Pastor, and a very special youth minister that God used in a mighty way. I first made a public profession of my faith and was baptized after VBS around the age of 8. In later years, I struggled with whether or not I had truly understood that commitment at that young age. I think that is a struggle that many who "grow up in the church" face as they see no significant CHANGE in their current daily life compared to their daily life prior to their profession of faith and I think Satan uses that to continually make them doubt their salvation. Later in my teens, I was tired of wrestling with that doubt and prayed that God would rescue me from it and I made that profession of faith public and was baptized at Ingleside Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
In recent times, God has given me a stronger desire to not only read His Word, but to look deeper, to truly understand its meaning and how He wants to apply it to my life.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
My wife and I currently serve on the First Impressions Ministry team as greeters. I enjoy this as it allows us the opportunity to create a friendly, welcoming environment and for first-time visitors the opportunity to alleviate any anxiety they might be experiencing. In the past, my wife and I have taught group life classes in the preschool and children area. I have served on several church committees and on several ministerial search committees.
I believe a deacon’s biblical role is to serve by performing certain duties that are necessary and needed in the church that will allow the ministerial staff to more fully dedicate themselves to prayer and the preaching of the Word. I look forward to serving in whatever ways I can be of assistance.
David Glenn Harmon
David Glenn Harmon
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
Growing up in Porter, Texas, I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who lived for Christ. Looking back, I can see I was standing under the shade of the trees of faith they had planted long before me. As a young man, I often felt a conviction when things in my life didn’t align with what the Bible taught. At the time, I didn’t fully understand that the Lord was working on my heart and drawing me closer to Him.Through sermons at church and lessons in Sunday school, I began to understand that knowing about Jesus was not the same as having a personal relationship with Him. In the seventh grade, I made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That decision began a lifelong walk with Him that continues today.
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
Growing up in Porter, Texas, I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who lived for Christ. Looking back, I can see I was standing under the shade of the trees of faith they had planted long before me. As a young man, I often felt a conviction when things in my life didn’t align with what the Bible taught. At the time, I didn’t fully understand that the Lord was working on my heart and drawing me closer to Him.Through sermons at church and lessons in Sunday school, I began to understand that knowing about Jesus was not the same as having a personal relationship with Him. In the seventh grade, I made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That decision began a lifelong walk with Him that continues today.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
Jesus continues to walk with me and guide me in every area of my life. One of the things He has placed on my heart is connecting with people of all ages. I believe in first getting to know people, meeting them where they are, and then inviting them to experience the joy of walking with Christ and being part of His church. I want people to know they have a place where they can be loved, grow in their knowledge of Christ, serve alongside others, and truly belong—regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they look like.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
Jesus continues to walk with me and guide me in every area of my life. One of the things He has placed on my heart is connecting with people of all ages. I believe in first getting to know people, meeting them where they are, and then inviting them to experience the joy of walking with Christ and being part of His church. I want people to know they have a place where they can be loved, grow in their knowledge of Christ, serve alongside others, and truly belong—regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they look like.
For many years, I have served in Tres Dias and Kairos, encouraging and equipping God's people to become servants in their churches and communities. I also facilitate Coaches Outreach, which brings Bible studies and Christian fellowship to coaches in area high schools. Through these ministries, the Lord continues to show me the importance of serving others, building relationships, and sharing His love.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
My heart is simply to serve wherever there is a need. I believe serving Christ often happens through the everyday things we can do for others.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
My heart is simply to serve wherever there is a need. I believe serving Christ often happens through the everyday things we can do for others.
I enjoy yard maintenance, home repairs, driving the church vans, and helping pick up fellow church members from Lowe's. I especially enjoy opportunities to serve alongside our son, Jeremy, and hopefully our grandsons one day. I have even washed dishes on Wednesday nights and bussed tables so that those who have difficulty getting around can simply sit, enjoy their meal, and fellowship with others.
I enjoy yard maintenance, home repairs, driving the church vans, and helping pick up fellow church members from Lowe's. I especially enjoy opportunities to serve alongside our son, Jeremy, and hopefully our grandsons one day. I have even washed dishes on Wednesday nights and bussed tables so that those who have difficulty getting around can simply sit, enjoy their meal, and fellowship with others.
For me, no job is too big or too small when it comes to serving the body of Christ. I want to use whatever abilities God has given me to help others, support the church, and serve wherever He leads.
For me, no job is too big or too small when it comes to serving the body of Christ. I want to use whatever abilities God has given me to help others, support the church, and serve wherever He leads.
Scott Jones
Scott Jones
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
I grew up in a christian home with two parents who were faithful followers. They instilled truths in me from a young age and taught me to walk with the Lord in various ways as I grew. I still vividly remember it today, we were on a family trip to Ridgecrest when I felt the call to follow Christ with my entire being. I prayed with my parents confessing my sin (Romans 3:23), asking Christ for forgiveness (Romans 5:8), believing that Christ died for my sins and is risen (Romans 10:9). Christ became Lord of my life at the age of seven. When we returned to Texas, I met with Dr. Maples and was baptized at First Baptist Church Bryan. I spent the remaining primary school years learning what that decision meant and developing my faith.
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
I grew up in a christian home with two parents who were faithful followers. They instilled truths in me from a young age and taught me to walk with the Lord in various ways as I grew. I still vividly remember it today, we were on a family trip to Ridgecrest when I felt the call to follow Christ with my entire being. I prayed with my parents confessing my sin (Romans 3:23), asking Christ for forgiveness (Romans 5:8), believing that Christ died for my sins and is risen (Romans 10:9). Christ became Lord of my life at the age of seven. When we returned to Texas, I met with Dr. Maples and was baptized at First Baptist Church Bryan. I spent the remaining primary school years learning what that decision meant and developing my faith.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, Shannon, and three boys, Blaine, Walt and Levi. It is my privilege to lead my family and point them to Christ. I have no greater joy than to see my boys look for ways to serve others in the name of Christ Jesus. I serve our local community as a police officer for the City of Bryan. I enjoy using my talents at FBC in the church choir, inreach leadership in our GroupLife, and serving in various leadership roles within the church body. I enjoy spending time in the Bible and growing my walk with Christ. I look for and seek out opportunities to share the love I have for Christ with those around me. I have always pushed myself following Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for man.”
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, Shannon, and three boys, Blaine, Walt and Levi. It is my privilege to lead my family and point them to Christ. I have no greater joy than to see my boys look for ways to serve others in the name of Christ Jesus. I serve our local community as a police officer for the City of Bryan. I enjoy using my talents at FBC in the church choir, inreach leadership in our GroupLife, and serving in various leadership roles within the church body. I enjoy spending time in the Bible and growing my walk with Christ. I look for and seek out opportunities to share the love I have for Christ with those around me. I have always pushed myself following Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for man.”
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
We left FBC in 2011 as a family of four to move to Mississippi to be closer to Shannon’s family. We returned in 2013 as a family of five and joined FBC again in 2023. It has been good to be home with the FBC family. I am humbled to serve in various leadership roles within the church (choir president, the Safety Committee, and GroupLife). I love the members of the church and seek ways to serve those who need help. This help comes in various forms and I am encouraged every time. I participate in preparing the stage for the first and second services, providing guidance in church safety, serving widows or the needy. My heart is to show the love of Christ to our Church, community and world.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
We left FBC in 2011 as a family of four to move to Mississippi to be closer to Shannon’s family. We returned in 2013 as a family of five and joined FBC again in 2023. It has been good to be home with the FBC family. I am humbled to serve in various leadership roles within the church (choir president, the Safety Committee, and GroupLife). I love the members of the church and seek ways to serve those who need help. This help comes in various forms and I am encouraged every time. I participate in preparing the stage for the first and second services, providing guidance in church safety, serving widows or the needy. My heart is to show the love of Christ to our Church, community and world.
Charles A. Neal
Charles A. Neal
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
I grew up in a Christian home regularly attending a small Baptist church. One Sunday afternoon during fifth grade, my grandmother asked when would I accept Jesus as my savior? I had felt the Lord's conviction for some time and her question helped me. The next Sunday I walked down the isle and made a profession of faith accepting Jesus as my savior and was baptized. During the many years that followed, my faith has grown significantly.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
During 2025, I completed The Journey discipleship program at FBC, Bryan. During this nine month program, I grew closer to the Lord in numerous ways. As a result, I became intentional about spending regular time in prayer and in His Word. After Journey, I continue my personal discipleship growth in an Iron Man Bible study and in Group Life. To help others grow closer to the Lord, I am assisting as a Guide in a men's Journey Group. I also help my wife with the annual Operation Christmas Child packing party as my way of going on mission.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
During Journey, I learned my spiritual gifts are helping, faith, and generosity. Currently, I serve on the Finance Committee with a personal goal of helping members understand church finances during quarterly business meetings. I help and financially support Operation Christmas Child to provide international children with an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I also enjoy serving the needs of church widows during men's workdays. Helping others is important, especially our elderly widows.
Keith Sarraf
Keith Sarraf
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
My journey to know the Lord began in 1997. My dream to be a police officer came to fruition when I relocated to Florida and learned I could put myself through the police academy. At the time I considered the following events as coincidence however later realized it was Gods plan all along. On the day I signed up for the academy I met the woman who God had placed my life that would lead me to know Christ. Soon after a few dates, it was clear my wife now of 26 years, was seeking a man of God to grow and raise a family with. I had no experience with church and never had heard the gospel before this. She invited me to church and I initially went to just to be with her. It did not take long before I understood the biggest thing missing in my life was me surrendering to God and accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. In August of 1998 I gave my life to Christ and began a journey to be a man of God. Fast forward 28 years, we have built a solid foundation for our home where we do our best to represent and serve Christ.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
In 2020 we visited FBC Bryan and quickly realized the foundation of the church is to give Jesus our all and share him with all. This is something we had sought for quite some time but we lived 90 miles away in Crockett, TX. We thought there was no way we could sustain this, but here we are six years later and attending church regularly. We both have always had hearts for service and quickly found ourselves serving in youth and doing youth Grouplife on Sunday mornings. We have had the opportunity to serve on mission on multiple occasions and have been able to find community even living so far away. I have served on the media team and also currently serve on the safety team committee as well as the safety team. With the help of some outstanding members with a diverse background, a team has been established that provides, in my opinion, a very safe environment for our church members. The Lord continues to put serving on my heart and I do my best to honor that and serve in my family, work, and church community.
I’ve reached a point in my life where my children are grown and continuing on into the next chapters of their lives. Though we are still involved as needed, this has given me an opportunity to focus on furthering my own spiritual growth and growing an even deeper understanding of the Word. As my wife and I begin the next stage in our marriage, I enjoy the time to dig deeper and encourage my adult children to do the same.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
I was notified that I had been nominated to possibly serve as a deacon and was truly honored. I began my research on what this exactly meant. After much prayer and discussion with my family, I decided that I would be honored to serve. This is something that I do not take lightly. I believe my spiritual gift is, and has always been is to serve. This ministry is exactly that and I will always strive to live and serve by the Word of God. I’m truly honored to serve the community of FBC Bryan.
Jim Thomas
Jim Thomas
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
My parents divorced when I was five years old and my father was granted full custody of my two younger brothers and me- an unlikely result in 1962. Within a year, that decision was set aside and we began a new arrangement of living with my mother in Dallas during the school year, then living with my father in Houston during the summer. It was a strange arrangement to be sure, but Dad made certain we were in church on Sundays (and Wednesdays) and set a good example of stewardship, sobriety and reverence. As a young child, I think I always believed in God, but never really considered making a profession of faith until I was nine or ten. One summer afternoon, my father sat me down to discuss the matter. I told him I knew Jesus was God's only son, that He made everything, and that He died on a cross to cover my sin. He walked me through the 'Roman Road' and asked me if I wanted to make a profession of faith. My spiritual and theological understanding was typical of most ten-year-old's, but I knelt at my bedside and asked Jesus to come into my heart. I know He did. When Satan troubles me with doubt and reminders of failure, I always focus on that moment of sincerely accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
I am certain that God led us to FBC Bryan; Luann and I are very happy and very blessed to be a part of it all. I see God using the various Bible-studies, sermon series and involvement in the music ministry to make me a better man, a better son, and a better husband. He has helped me to become consistent and deliberate with tithing, and bolder in my faith. That boldness may also come from aging and the natural loss of a filter, but I believe God has put me in certain circumstances in order to witness.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
I sincerely enjoy singing in Choir! Matt certainly makes it fun and I know I am being obedient in using whatever talents God has given me. But the real fulfilment comes from my belief we are laying a gift at Jesus feet. We are worshiping God through song and I believe it draws those in the congregation to worship also. Being in choir has drawn me closer to several people, and God has put it on my heart to pray for them and reach out to them.
Sam Vernon
Sam Vernon
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
When/How did you come to know the Lord?
My family were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham where we attended church and Sunday school regularly. Being raised in the Lutheran tradition, I was baptized (sprinkled) as an infant, and confirmed in my faith on Palm Sunday of my eighth grade year in school. To be confirmed, we were required to attend confirmation classes for 4 hours every Saturday morning during the school year of our seventh and eighth grade. During that time, we cleaned the church and folded bulletins, studied the Bible, Luther’s Catechism, the liturgy, and the sacraments. I mistook learning and memorization as the goal rather than developing a relationship with the Lord. So, like the seed falling on rocky ground, I had no real roots and left the church in my late teens.
In the next 10 years I “did what was right in my own eyes”; however, my conscience would not let me ignore my actions. This led to depression, guilt, and remorse. In September of 1988 I prayed for the first time in many years. It was a very candid prayer. I told God that I felt like He had abandoned me, but that I didn’t have anywhere else to turn. I asked for forgiveness and told Him I would do whatever He asked of me. The Lord put people in my life that invited me into their lives, showed me love, and encouraged me. It took several months for me to realize that this is how He had answered my prayer. I was immediately overcome by a sense of gratitude knowing that no one but God could have changed my circumstances.
Sonia and I became members of FBC Bryan on March 13, 2022 and I was baptized two weeks later.
My testimony can best be summed up by Colossians 1:13-14 which says: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
What is the Lord doing in your life today?
I struggled with recognizing the difference between “knowledge of Christ” and having an intimate, abiding relationship with Him. The Journey has helped me grow in that area. The Lord has now given me the privilege of walking along side of other men who seek an abiding relationship in Christ.
The Lord has also brought some tremendous men into my life. I get to work beside them, to learn from them, and also to laugh with them.
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
What is your heart for serving the body of Christ at FBC Bryan?
My heart is to serve FBC Bryan in the way the Holy Spirit calls me. I have always felt an urge to help when I see a need. I am equipped to work cheerfully and efficiently. I also take responsibility for the completion of things I am asked to do.
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