Meet the Deacons.

Our Deacons serve Family of Christ keeping us focused on Jesus' mission. They support and assist the pastor in in his spiritual and administrative tasks toward the goal of nurturing and strengthening the spiritual life, mission, and ministry of Family of Christ.

STEVE MARTINSON

Head Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Table Group Leader

Favorite Bible Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, & 2 Timothy 1:14

Family: Liz and I are retired. We moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Lutz in 2020 to be with our son, Eric, daughter-in-law, Becca, and three grandsons, Elijah, Timothy, and Steven. We also have two daughters, Elisa (California) and Lori (Oregon).

TERENCE CLAUER

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Evangelize and Defend the Faith

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-39

Family: I am married to Yimabell.

PRAVEEN DEVAKADAKSHAM

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Campus Clean Up Team, Table Group member, Scripture Reader in Worship

Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Family: I am married to Gnanadeepam (Esther), and we have two sons: John and Joseph.

JEFF LANGMADE

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Table Group Member, Campus Volunteer

Favorite Bible Verse:1 Peter 5:10-11

Family: I have a wonderful wife named Kendra and 2 beautiful girls, Kali and Addy.

KARIANNE LENTZ

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Table Group and Kids Praise Volunteer

Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 6:31

Family: Jonathan is my husband, we celebrate out 18th anniversary this year.  We have three sons - Logan, Ethan and Dylan.  

KELLY NIXON

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Sunday morning tech team, prayer warrior, BSF Bible Study Leader

Favorite Bible Verses: I have lots of favorites, but Isaiah 43:1 and Ephesians 4:32 are really special to me.

Family: I have 2 children, Peyton & Paige, both graduates from Family of Christ Christian School and confirmed at Family of Christ.

LISA NAYANDA-MANALO

Deacon
Connect
Other Roles: Reading Scripture in worship, welcoming new people

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 7:7-8

Family: My husband Ronald and I have 3 beautiful children: Nathan, William, and Lauren Grace.

The Deacons' responsibilities include tasks like:

  • Assist our pastor(s) in the ministry of the congregation including involving people in the church, visitations (hospital, home), and mentoring new members.
  • Overseeing and exercising church discipline when necessary
  • Overseeing our congregation's membership and participation
  • Oversee acceptance of adults into membership
  • Overseeing the worship life, discipleship, and mission in our church and school.
  • Caring for our pastors' spiritual, emotional, and physical health
  • Caring for our spiritual, emotional, and physical health of other staff
  • Caring for our congregation's attitudes and harmony
  • Regularly evaluating our pastors' preaching and teaching
  • Evaluating our pastor(s) on an annual basis
  • Oversee the Call process for our Called positions