The following candidates have been nominated by members of our church for the position of elder or deacon. Following the service on Sunday, June 22nd, all church members will be invited to stay for a brief congregational meeting to vote for elders and deacons.

The Elder and His Duties

Within the class of elder are the two orders of teaching elders and ruling elders. The elders jointly have the government and spiritual oversight of the Church, including teaching. Only those elders who are specially gifted, called and trained by God to preach may serve as teaching elders. 

1: Oversee / Rule

• To watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or morals enter in
• To exercise government and discipline
• To take oversight of the spiritual interests of the particular church, and the Church generally when called

2: Shepherd

• To visit the people at their homes, especially the sick
• To pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock
• To bear glad tiding of salvation to the ignorant and perishing
• To dispense the manifold grace of God and the ordinances instituted by Christ
• To administer the Sacraments

3: Instruct

• To instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the church
• To set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by zeal in evangelizing the unconverted and in making disciples
• To feed the flock by reading, expounding and preaching the Word of God
• To declare the will of God to sinners and beseech them to be reconciled to God through Christ
• To proclaim the Gospel

Mike Capote and wife Helmy have been members since November 2024. Mike grew up in a non-practicing Catholic home but came to faith in Christ through the faithful and gentle witness of Helmy. Church life has been central to their life as believers. At his prior church, Mike served as a small group leader, deacon and elder. He served as a BSF leader for 19 years and currently serves on the Old Cutler security team, helping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for worship. Mike and Helmy have one teenage daughter.

Rob Forbes and wife Lisa rejoined Old Cutler in October 2023 but were members for years prior to some time away. Rob grew up in a Christian home and came to faith at an early age thanks to his mother’s leading him to accept Christ. As members at Old Cutler when their daughters were young, they taught Sunday school in the children’s ministry. While living in Tallahassee, they attended a PCA church where Rob served as a deacon. He has served as an elder at OCPC for two terms in the past. Rob and Lisa have two grown daughters.

Mickey Lopez and wife Kelly have been members since 2019. Mickey went through a transformative time in his life 15 years ago. It was during that time that his sister and her husband invited him to church and BSF and helped him begin to see the Lord transform what was broken into the life he has now. Mickey has served as a deacon at OCPC, is a leader of a men’s group, and a member of the men’s ministry team where he enjoys helping bring men together to grow in their faith and fellowship. Mickey and Kelly have four children.

Mark Norman and wife Crystal have been members since November 2023. Mark was raised in a covenant family and professed faith when he was five years old. His parents were actively involved in church life and taught him service from an early age. Mark has been invaluable in using his technical gifts assisting with livestream, worship video assistance, VBS technology and IT for the church. Mark and Crystal serve together in our student ministry, and Mark served as an elder at his prior church. They have 3 children.

Marcos Ruiz and wife Cecilia have been members since November 2022. Marcos made a profession of faith and was baptized at the age of 11. His parents were his examples of service and commitment to Christ and His church. In 35+ years in church ministry, Marcos has served as a youth director, men’s ministry leader, and an elder. He has helped with discipleship of young men at OCPC through the youth and young adult ministries. Marcos and Cecilia have a grown daughter and a son graduating this year.

The Deacon and His Duties

The office of deacon is not one of rule, but rather of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

1: Mercy

•  To minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress
• To develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church

2: Finance

• To devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people
• To distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed
• To care for the property of the congregation, both real and personal

3: Building

• To keep the church edifice and other buildings in proper repair

Armando Camejo and wife Terri have been members since May 2023 after attending the church for about 11 years. Armando came to faith in Christ while in middle school but drifted in his faith while in college and attended church only sporadically. After having children, he and Terri returned to regular attendance at church and continued to grow in their faith. They are faithful in worship and enjoy attending Sunday school. Armando and Terri have two sons.

Alfredo Caraballo and wife Katie have been members since January 2024. Alfredo accepted Jesus at 13 years old and recommitted his life to Christ at a Young Life camp at 16. Over the last 15 years, he has served as a Young Life leader, attended BSF as a member and served as a BSF Administrative Leader. He currently serves in Joyland and on the security team. Alfredo and Katie have three children.

Iain Kelso and wife Lisa have been members since November 2020. Iain was raised in a Catholic home in Canada but became distant from the church after leaving home. In recent years, his trust in Jesus and the truth of the gospel has deepened, especially as his family was led to OCPC. Iain served as a musician in prior churches and has been a regular participant in Wednesday night small groups and the yearly turkey drive. He and Lisa have two teenage daughters.

Jim Tunnessen and wife Jo Ann have been members since November 2015. While Jim believed in Jesus for as long as he can remember, it was through the witness of Jo Ann and her family that he embraced a relationship with Jesus and grew deeper in his spiritual walk. He has taught Sunday school and served on various church committees at prior churches. Jim and Jo Ann currently host a small group in their home and regularly attend Sunday school. They have two married children and five grandchildren.

Christian Vega has been a member since November 2022. He and wife Rachel have 3 small children. In his late 20s, Christian began a spiritual journey, with the help of strong Christian men, curious questioning, church attendance, and studying of the Word, that over time led him to a personal relationship with the Lord. He participates in a men’s study group and the men’s fellowship gatherings, where he enjoys the connection and encouragement they provide.  

Will Walker and wife Tina have been members since May 2022. Will was baptized at 10 and began serving and volunteering in the church where his late father led the AWANA program. He served in worship, youth and VBS ministries at his church prior to coming to OCPC. Through his marriage, in-laws, and move to Miami, he found OCPC and is eager to serve. Currently he and Tina serve together in Joyland. Will and Tina have one young son.