Nathan Oktela
My wife, Anna, and I have three boys together – Rowan (16), Jayden (14), and Lyric (1 ¾). Those quarters count in baby years. If we haven’t met you already, we’d love to!
I grew up in Paducah, Kentucky attending Lone Oak First Baptist Church. For as long as I can remember, I attended Sunday school and Wednesday night services. Around 14 years old, I lost my dad, but my church community rallied around me to help me navigate one of the most difficult seasons of my life. My children’s pastor, who was my father’s best friend, asked me to start serving in children’s ministry, and mentored me for many years as I learned to navigate life as a youth. Around 17 years old, a youth pastor from a local church started a discipleship group with a few friends and I, which changed the trajectory of my life in many ways, and helped me to take ownership of my faith journey.
After joining the Army at 18, I was back and forth overseas. I had an incredible opportunity to live out my faith and share the gospel with many of the Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines I served with. When I was home, I was volunteering at my local church in Killeen, Texas, carrying forward the investment made in me as a teen. I regularly led Sunday morning and Wednesday night children’s ministry services for about 3 years. After purchasing a home in Round Rock in 2020, my family got connected to Cityview Bible Church and started volunteering right away. My wife and boys were serving the kindergartners, and I was leading a group of 5 th graders. We continued to serve in children’s ministry, 56 ministry, and student ministry ever since. I’ve had the privilege of teaching large group at anchor, helping lead student leadership for juniors and seniors, and mentoring several students in recent years. I pray daily that the Lord be glorified and exalted in and through me in every area I serve. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to carry forward the legacy and investment of those who’ve come before me.
What I’m most excited about as an incoming elder is the opportunity to carry forward the
vision of CityView in reaching every man, woman, and child with the gospel. Jesus changed my life and there is no greater gift worth sharing than introducing them to my Savior. More of Him and less of me – that is my heart for the future of our church.
Todd Nickle
I am humbled by the nomination to the Elder Board and, if affirmed by the membership, would be honored to serve Cityview during this exciting season of growth and ministry.
I was not raised in a Christian home and was first introduced to the gospel through Young Life in high school. I placed my faith in Christ on a ski trip during my senior year and, since then, have sought to follow Him by serving others and living out my faith. During college and law school, I learned the importance of studying Scripture, living in Christian community, and serving faithfully in the local church.
I began my legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Houston. In 2003, Catherine and I moved to Round Rock, where we have lived ever since. I served as a prosecutor in the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office until 2008, when I opened my own criminal defense practice. I currently have offices in Georgetown and Austin.
Catherine and I met while serving in ministry and have continued to serve together whenever possible. After moving to Round Rock, we helped launch Young Life at the local high school and later served for many years in student ministry at HCBC Pflugerville and The Fellowship Round Rock. We joined Cityview in 2019 and have spent the past several years serving in the re|engage marriage ministry as coaches and table leaders. It has been a joy to teach, lead, and watch God strengthen marriages in our community.
Catherine and I have been married for 28 years and have two adult children, Will and Caroline. Will is married to Elise, and they are the parents of our granddaughter, Frances. Outside of work and church, I enjoy sports photography and cheering on the Baylor Bears with my family.
