Deacon Nominee:
Benjamin Mercado
1. Please describe details of your conversion to Christ (when you came to the Lord, how you met Him, etc.)
I came to the Lord after experiencing a life of hardship. I came to realize the Lord was working on my behalf even before I gave my heart to Him. I was clean [after drug use], and the Lord kept me safe through it all. I always thought it was on my own strength, but I had realized that it was because of God's grace and prayer that I was alive. It was on Good Friday, in 1974 that I surrendered my will to Him - and from that day forward, my life has been changed ever since.
2. Tell about your family and their relationship with the Lord (do they support your involvement in ministry? Are they serving the Lord? What areas are they ministering in?)
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I praise God we are all serving the Lord! My family has always been in full support of my involvement in ministry. I have been married to my wife Lucy for almost 50 years [est. Nov. 1975] She has been my rock and support in all I do. And in this season, even as her health has declined she has remained my prayer warrior. Together we have 3 daughters. Veronica [married to Austin for 16 yrs] on staff at NCC. Lizzy [married to Gabe for 25 yrs - 3 children; Natalia, Xavier & Noel] on staff at NCC for 24 years. Veraliz [married to AlAmir for 6 yrs - 2 children - Antonio & Zion] Worship Pastor at Full Gospel AG Church - Island Park.
3. Do you support the church financially with tithes (10% of income) and offerings?
Yes, my wife and I do support the church through our tithes and offering. Faithfully giving 10% of the increase; and supporting Missions and outreach endeavors as well. Even in this season of retirement - the first tenth - belongs to Him, and we have reaped blessings because of obedience.
4. Please describe the ministries you have been involved in since meeting the Lord.
I have always tried to be used as much as I can when it comes to service to the Lord. Some of the ministries I have been part of at Next City Church and other ministries, have included: Men's Ministries, Youth Ministries, Royal Rangers [boy's ministry], Sunday School teacher, Deacon/Trustee, Church Elder, Church Treasurer, Worship Director, Musician, Bus Driver, Youth Counselor, Small Group Leader, Building/Construction, and translator and Co-Pastor.
5. What ministries are you currently involved in here at Next City Church?
After the pandemic, my wife Lucy's health declined. And even for my own health, I had to make adjustments and unfortunately took a season to step down and reset. However, I have co-lead a Small Group have volunteered in Operation Christmas Child. Thankful to be able to worship alongside the team occasionally [from my seat] with the harmonica. Remembering - that ANYTHING [big or small] can be used for HIS Glory!
6. Please describe your understanding of the ministry relationship between the pastor and deacon. Are you supportive of the pastor’s vision and direction of the church?
My understanding is that a member of the church council is to be a support to the vision God has given the Senior Pastor. To be a help to our pastor, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to His people. It is our duty and privilege to be available to pray for and support our senior pastor and staff pastors alike. I am in full support of the vision the Holy Spirit has given Pastor Dominick, for such a time as this.
7. What is your vision for Next City Church in the coming year? Five years?
My biggest prayer is to be part of a mighty move of God and to see God's will for our church come to pass. I want to see us reach new souls and impact lives in our surrounding community. I pray for growth, in leadership, ministries, and influence. And that Next City Church moves forward towards all that God has prepared for us. Much is expected, because much has been given!

Deacon Nominee:
Toji Varghese

1. Please describe details of your conversion to Christ (when you came to the Lord, how you met Him, etc.)
I came to know the Lord in 2008 during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. At the time, my spouse—then a close friend—introduced me to faith. As I began attending a local church, I experienced a peace that surpassed the weight of my depression. The Lord gently drew me into His presence, offering comfort and strength. A year later, I gave my heart to Him and publicly declared my faith through water baptism, accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. In Him, I found renewed hope and healing.
2. Tell about your family and their relationship with the Lord (do they support your involvement in ministry? Are they serving the Lord? What areas are they ministering in?)
My wife, Anna, and I have been married for over 13 years and are blessed with two wonderful children—Zachary (4) and Gabriella (2). Anna was baptized as a teenager and has faithfully served the Lord ever since. Her unwavering prayer life and deep walk with God have been a constant source of strength and encouragement for me. Anna is actively involved in several church ministries and serves with great passion during events like Summerfest and Hope Day. She also leads an intercessory prayer group in our community, which meets weekly over the phone to pray together and uplift others in faith.
3. Do you support the church financially with tithes (10% of income) and offerings?
Yes, we strongly believe in bringing the first fruits to the Lord before anyone/anything.
4. Please describe the ministries you have been involved in since meeting the Lord.
Men’s Ministry – Middle East Church Plantation – India & Africa
5. What ministries are you currently involved in here at Next City Church?
I began serving at NCC as part of the Usher Team, and over time, expanded into roles within Social Media, Production, and Media. Currently, I'm actively involved in the Men's Ministry, Discipleship, and Small Groups.
6. Please describe your understanding of the ministry relationship between the pastor and deacon. Are you supportive of the pastor’s vision and direction of the church?
A deacon is an extention of the Pastor’s heart for the kingdom of God. He is the support system that helps carry through the vision for the church as well as the lost and bring it to fruition. One of the main reasons I consider NCC my home church is our Pastor’s vision—to cultivate a culture of discipleship and to see every believer not only become a disciple but also actively disciple others. That commitment has deeply resonated with me and shaped my spiritual journey.
7. What is your vision for Next City Church in the coming year? Five years?
My vision for NCC is that we fully embrace our calling to be fishers of men—reaching the lost, winning souls for Christ, and equipping them through the Word. I pray we grow beyond our current reach, impacting lives far beyond our 20-mile radius.