Meet Our Diaconal Candidates

On Sunday, June 2nd, we will hold a congregational meeting immediately after the service to vote on our candidates for deacon: Jacob Hotinger, Will Jarrett, and Blake Parrott.

A deacon is a member of the church called by God and set apart as a servant addressing the physical and tangible needs of the church. Deacons lead the larger Diaconal Ministry Team so that the elders can carry out spiritual teaching and shepherding. Deacons were first chosen in the New Testament church after prayerful discernment (Acts 6:1-7). City Church’s deacons currently are: David Boyce, Alex Brito (on sabbatical), Barrett Clark, Stephen Day, Eric Morgan, and Carter Neal.

We’ve put together Q&A for reach of our candidates so you can get to know them better. Between now and our congregational meeting, we encourage you to get in touch with Jacob, Will, and Blake to get to know them better.

Reminder: All are welcome to attend the congregational meeting, only communing members may vote.

Let’s meet our diaconal candidates!

Jacob Hotinger

Where were you born and/or raised? Roanoke, Virginia 

Where did you go to school? I have a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning and Regional Planning from VCU (Go Rams!), class of 2017. 

When and how did you end up at City Church? Once I transferred to VCU for my sophomore year at school, I quickly became involved in [Reformed University Fellowship]. My RUF Intern, Jacob Lee, invited me and walked with me from campus to City Church. My first Sunday I visited also happened to be a Welcome Back Sunday, and I was promised fried chicken and sausages if I came. 

How long have you been a member? I started attending in 2014 and joined in 2017.

Why did you decide to pursue the office of deacon? After being nominated for the role, I took time to pray and discern whether I felt a sense of calling for pursuing being a deacon. After that time and talking with family, friends, and others in the City Church community I determined that I did feel a calling to be a deacon. 

What do you look forward to most about serving in this role? For a time while working for RUF I had considered entering vocational ministry. While I do not feel a call for that now, I am excited to discern this call for diaconal ministry and grow in service for the church and community that has loved me so well for 10 years now. 

(Contact Jacob at jacob.hotinger@gmail.com.)

Will Jarrett

Where were you born and/or raised? Richmond, VA! Ok, Henrico. Went to Freeman High School. 

Where did you go to school? I graduated from James Madison University in 2015 where I studied Advertising & Communications. 

When and how did you end up at City Church? My wife, Leah, and I began attending City Church in summer/fall of 2015 because David Blanchard (my former employer), Mike Rawls, and some other friends attended.

How long have you been a member? Since 2016.

Why did you decide to pursue the office of deacon? The Bible tells us that it is good to serve the local church, and Leah and I have found our service to be incredibly lifegiving. So this commitment to being a deacon is a natural and exciting next step in service.

What do you look forward to most about serving in this role? I look forward to further my understanding of City Church's impact in Richmond and how I can help connect our family and others to that work.

(Contact Will at waj1228@gmail.com.)

Blake Parrott

Where were you born and/or raised? I was born in Charlotte, NC and raised in and around the Davidson area.

Where did you go to school? I studied Business Administration online at Strayer University and graduated in 2020. COVID GRADS UNITE!

When and how did you end up at City Church? I first started coming to City Church in early 2019 as “Sabrina’s boyfriend” when the Eldridges and other friends told us about the incredible community and family City Church had been to them. And I’ve stayed because of the love I’ve received every time I walk in the door. 

How long have you been a member? I became a member in 2020. COVID MEMBERS UNITE!

Why did you decide to pursue the office of deacon? After receiving the nomination in August, I truly felt the weight. It felt like a turning point in my faith and life. For those that know me, I’m really an all or nothing kind of guy. The process of going through leadership training, discernment, and prayer through conversations and listening to leaders in my life really humbled me. I love helping and being there for those in need—and the fact is that everyone is in need, so that love has always been for everyone. Pursuing the office of deacon has been a way to name this love, passion, and purpose that the Lord has given me. 

What do you look forward to most about serving in this role? I am most looking forward to getting to know and getting serve the people I don’t know well now and all of the future members that we don’t know yet at all. I’m excited to call City Church a home, to invite people in, and even more excited to be called to serve it for the rest of my life. 

(Contact Blake at blkparr@gmail.com.)

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