Deacon Candidates 2025

Karen Becton-Johnson has been attending IBC since 2019, right after moving to Texas to help her family. Her daughter Kim, son-in-law Junian, son Chris, and grandchildren Mya and Julian, joined her at IBC shortly afterwards. Karen grew up as an “army brat” moving often in the USA and Europe. She then went to work for the Federal government, again moving to multiple locations. Karen retired from her Senior Executive Service position with the Internal Revenue Service in 2014. Karen serves in Kids ministry with the toddlers, is a Table Leader in Women’s Bible Study, and volunteers at Vacation Bible School. Karen accepted Jesus as her personal savior as a child, and over the years has grown into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus. She loves sharing with others what an awesome God is doing in her life. Karen feels blessed to serve as a deacon at IBC.

Since 2005, Paul Ebensberger, his wife Karla, and their children Elana and Charlie, have been active members of IBC. Paul, a Texas native and Texas A&M graduate, has contributed to several ministries such as the Kids Team, Academy 4, and Foundation. He now leads the welcome team in Kids ministry. Outside of his role as a software sales director, Paul loves spending time with his family and engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking and fishing. He is thankful for the chance to serve as a deacon and is eager to support the IBC family.

Jackie has been married to Arnie for 45 years, and together they have two children and six grandchildren. They are retired and spend their time volunteering, gardening, helping with their grandkids, and traveling. Jackie has been at IBC for 17 years and has served in a variety of ministries including the Sunday night meal team, Recovery ministry, Kids ministry, and Stephen ministry. She is currently a greeter at the 9 a.m. worship service, a co-leader for Women’s Bible Study, and on the Prayer team. Over her life she has seen the miracle of prayer and the impact of people praying during many difficult situations — leading to her passion for prayer and involvement in the prayer ministry at IBC. Jackie also volunteers for Meals on Wheels and loves getting to know the meal recipients and loving on them when she can. Her favorite pastime is spending time with family, cooking for them and being involved in their lives. She and her husband enjoy the beach and the mountains and go as often as they can. Jackie’s heart as a deacon is to partner with people who need hope, encouragement, and someone to help them see the reality of how much Jesus loves and cares for them.

Favour has been attending IBC since 2008. She and her husband were both in the Thrive singles group for five years before they began dating and then married in 2016. Before getting married, they were involved in many service projects alongside fellow Thrivers, serving in the Laundry Love ministry for nine years as well as various other ministries such as homeless shelters, a local nursing home, the medical clinic, prayer ministry, Family Promise, and hospitality. Through Laundry Love, they met many different people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds and told them about Christ. Some of them were very interested and wanted to know more about Him, so Favour and her husband organized a Bible study at their house to share Christ’s love with them. Favour has served on the hospitality ministry team for over 14 years, and loves standing at the door every Sunday morning, welcoming people to church. She also serves as a communion usher, releasing rows for communion every Sunday morning. In her free time she enjoys running, listening to gospel music, and praying for people.