Our Team
Dr. Nathan Cothen
Pastor
Nathan Cothen, a Ph.D. graduate from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, was called to bring people closer to God and to each other. He has been serving the Southeast Texas community since 1999, from his ‘truth in love’ preaching of God’s word to helping friends, families and total strangers recover from multiple hurricanes and floods.
Looking toward the future as God leads and directs this wonderful new church, Nathan’s goal is to lead people closer to the Truth of God and never further away.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; and cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you and may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24
Don Ellis
CFO
William D. Ellis, also known as Don, is a lifetime financial professional, bringing 38 years of financial services and executive leadership experience to our team.
Don received his B.S. from Mississippi College and his M.B.A. from the University of North Alabama. He is also a graduate of The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University. Mr. Ellis brings a wealth of experience and a heart for missions to SETX Church.
“Our Lord truly and faithfully causes all things to work for the good of those that love God and are called to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Mike Bennefield
COO
Michael and his wife Donna have been married thirty-nine years and have a wonderful family. He enjoys golfing, fishing and woodwork, and his passion has been following Christ over the last thirty-six years, building up the next generation of Leaders in Christ.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” Micah 6:8
Spencer Cribbs
Music
Born and raised in Beaumont, he accepted the Lord at an early age and his time in discipleship groups opened his heart to the music ministry and serving the Lord. God has opened doors and brought him to places and opportunities he never expected or imagined, and he finds the most joy in worshiping the Lord in music and leading people to sing His praises!
Joy White
Secretary, Receptionist,
Music Associate
Having served in many various church ministries over the years, leading worship, children, youth and much, much more, Joy has a heart for worship and a strong desire to serve Jesus by loving and encouraging others.
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 89:1
Vicki Cothen
Connection Group Director
Vicki has been married to Nathan, “a preacher’s wife,” for thirty-six years. She treasures having two “grown-up boys” and “her girls” (their wives) to love on, along with a precious granddaughter. Vicki has been involved in Sunday School since birth and has led women’s Bible classes for almost thirty years.
Convinced that all believers should connect and minister through small groups, she is dedicated to 1st Corinthians 12 and has said before, “Each of us is a part. All the parts work together to function as the body of Christ. And He gets all the glory!”
Christa Bennefield
SETX Teens Director
Christa was born and raised right here in Southeast Texas, and her love for calling this area home runs deep. She has been a public school educator for over a decade, serving students from 2nd grade to twelfth. She loves spending time along the beaches of 30A in her summers off from school, though her greatest joy is being “Chi Chi” to the sweetest nephew and niece.
She is honored to be walking alongside our youth and their families as they navigate some of the best, most fun, and also most challenging years of their lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Hillary DeJohn
SETX Kids Director
Hillary has been married to her high school sweetheart, Jason for twenty-five years and has served alongside each other in ministry, supporting and encouraging each other. They have four wonderful children who have all accepted the Lord as their personal Savior.
Baptized at the age of nine years old while attending church with her family, she started serving in children’s ministry when she was in high school singing with and teaching the kids. Hillary felt a call to ministry in 2007 and served in various roles such as Nursery Director, Children’s Ministry Director, VBS Director, and Awana Commander. Hillary is passionate about the Lord and loves getting to come alongside families to disciple kids of all ages.
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He had done.” Psalm 78:4
Alana Tipton
SETX Nursery Director
Alana is a wife to her wonderful husband Christopher and mother to two beautiful children, Madilynn and Rhett. Having grown up in church helping her parents teach Sunday school, AWANAS and VBS, she knew she would one day do the same.
A nurse of eight years in the geriatric, pediatric and hospital environments, she’s a current stay-at-home mom and part time Registered Nurse. She strives to spread God’s word by providing crisis pregnancy assistance at Hope Women’s Resource Clinic here in Beaumont. She enjoys spending time at the lake, being around her family, and absolutely loves children! Through this love of children, she feels she has been given a wonderful opportunity to show Gods love to the next generation as the Nursery Director for SETX Church.
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Shari Cribbs
Hospitality
Shari has been married to her best friend, Beau for 31 years and have been blessed with six amazing children. She enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, the beach, shopping, flowers, gardening, decorating, and pretty much anything made with lavender!
Shari loves worshiping through music and totally enjoys Hospitality, which is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” Her desire is to use the gifts God has given her for HIS glory to help further HIS kingdom.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Braun Wilson
Connection Group Assistant
Braun has been married to his wife Lara for 20 years and are blessed with two children. Having been involved in Sunday School for most of his life and leading Connection Groups for nearly 20 years, he believes the study of God’s Word is the most critical way we grow and are equipped. His heartfelt desire is helping fellow Christians connect to one another in small group Bible study.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17