Creekside Staff

Dean Wood, Pastor

Where were you born?
Baptist Hospital in the beautiful city of Knoxville, TN
Tell us about your family.
I met Kelly at Columbia Bible College in 1991 and married her a couple of years later. We have two daughters, Karis and Darby, and a son, Karsten.
How long have you been at Creekside Bible Church?
My first Sunday was Easter of 2010
What do you love most about your ministry?
God’s word and God’s people. I love that God has given us the Bible, the most precious, amazing book in the universe! I love that I get to preach to and share His word with His people and to see it change my heart and the hearts of others. I love being around people of every size, shape, and color!
Is there a particular Bible verse that has meant a lot to you and why?
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
I have treasured this verse since Dr. Johnny Miller preached on it in chapel at Columbia Bible College about 25 years ago. The Spirit transforms my life as I look to Jesus. Or, as Dr. Miller put it, “beholding leads to becoming.” This verse really simplifies what sanctification is all about. Whatever disciplines of grace are present in my life, they should all have the goal of setting my eyes on the glory of Jesus Christ. It is in the beholding of Christ that I become more like Christ.
Finish this sentence: I love Texas because…
Like they say, “It’s a whole other country!” I love that my family loves Texas. I love the incredible diversity of people in the area where we live. I love the food. I love Darby Hill Farm. I love so much of the music that has come out of Texas. (But I would also add that there are many days when, in the words of Brad Paisley, “I miss my Tennessee home.” I miss the seasons and the mountains and the people there.)
If you had to request a last meal, what would it be?
How about a last breakfast and dinner? For breakfast, I would have my mom’s biscuits and gravy. For dinner, I would have a big, juicy steak, medium rare with some fresh, sautéed mushrooms, a baked potato all the way, some of Kelly’s perfectly fried squash, a  slice of cheesecake – any kind with chocolate/dark chocolate/caramel/pecans and whipped cream, and a bowl of my mom’s banana pudding. (Hey, it’s my last meal; don’t judge me for two desserts!)
 
What is your quest and what is your favorite color?
I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail with my son. Since the likelihood of that happening is slim, my quest is to make it to the top of a 5.11 wall at Inspire Rock with Karsten belaying me. My favorite color is red. Orange is a close second.

David Betz, Worship Pastor

Where were you born?
I was born in All Saints Hospital, Cowtown (Fort Worth, Texas for all you city folk).

Tell us about your family.
I am married to my beautiful and talented wife Leslie. We were boyfriend, girlfriend in the 4th grade. We parted ways in high school and never saw each other again until 40 years later. God’s timing you know. She has four boys and I have two. Between us we have ten wonderful grandchildren.
How long have you been at Creekside Bible Church?
I started coming to Creekside in 2020.
What do you love most about your ministry?
The Worship Pastor is shepherd first, musician second—a true worshiper, one who leads with skill, wisdom and Godly devotion. I love being able to select songs that guide our congregation through the journey of the gospel every week. Remind them of how great God is. Remind them of how sinful and broken we are. Remind them of God’s grace. Remind them we are redeemed people, and we are invited into God’s mission to restore His kingdom.
Is there a particular Bible verse that has meant a lot to you and why?
My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11. “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.” Another that has meant a lot to me is Habakkuk 2:3. “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” This verse has come to me many times since I was first shown it by a former Pastor friend. At the time I was wanting something to take place that just wouldn’t be when I wanted it. It wasn’t the right time. I had to wait for it. I did, and it came, in God’s time.
Finish this sentence: I love Texas because…
As I have found myself all over the world a time or two, I have come to realize that “there is no place like home” or in better words “there is no place like Texas.” Here are 10 reasons why I love Texas:

Southern hospitality
Country music
The weather
Whataburger
Sweet tea
Dr. Pepper
Bluebonnets
Blue Bell ice cream
History
Simplicity

If you had to request a last meal, what would it be?
Wow! That’s a tough one. I’m a country boy. Just give me the simple meal of roast with all the trimmings; potatoes, carrots, onions, and biscuits and gravy on the side. For dessert, a big slice of home made peach pie. I would die a happy man.
What is your quest and what is your favorite color?
I have been to a lot of different places all over the world. I’ve seen the pyramids in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, London Bridge in England. I’ve stood on top of Pikes Peak and driven through Death Valley. But the one place I truly would like to experience is the place my Savior walked in the Holy Land. As for my favorite color it would probably be green with black a close second.
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