Elders

The office of elder is established in Scripture to provide spiritual oversight, nurture, teaching, and protection for the church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–3; ). At Oaks Church, we believe the Lord desires each local church to be led by a plurality of qualified elders who shepherd the congregation under his authority. Some of these men will serve in a full-time, vocational capacity while others will serve as lay elders alongside another vocation or career.

Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the church (1 Peter 5:4), and elders are his undershepherds, entrusted with the care of his people. Their calling is to lead, teach, model, and pray in such a way that brings glory to Christ and results in the spiritual flourishing of the church (Ephesians 4:11–13; Hebrews 13:17).

Daniel ackerman

Daniel and his wife, Brianna, have been joyfully married since 2016 and have three sons, Hudson, Malachi, and Warren. He has earned ministry degrees from Cedarville University (B.A., M.Div.) and Southern Seminary (Th.M.). As a pastor at Oaks, Daniel delights in teaching God’s Word, helping others treasure Jesus, and walking alongside the church family through every season of life. He also enjoys Mediterranean food, adventure racing, and exploring nature with his sons.

Seth buckwalter

Seth and his wife, Betsy, have been married since 2009 and have been blessed with 3 amazing kids: Claire, Olivia, and Jack. Seth has served as a lay elder at Oaks since 2019, with his family having been a part of planting the congregation in 2016. He counts it a joy to serve wherever the Lord would lead and has been tremendously blessed by the wonderful people of Oaks Church since 2016! Outside of church, Seth works in risk management at a local firm and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family, while also sneaking in a bike ride or round of golf when possible.

mike davidson

Mike and his wife, Joanna, have been married 45 years and are blessed with three children and twelve grandchildren. Since joining Oaks Church in 2017, they have been active in Community Groups, serving as leaders the past three years. Mike has served in various church roles throughout his Christian life, while Joanna especially enjoys leading women’s studies. Both continue to grow through Bible Study Fellowship and love spending time in God’s Word, with family, outdoors, and in fellowship with the church.

jacob ackerman

Jacob began attending Oaks Church in 2020 and is grateful for how the Lord has strengthened his walk through the church family. He serves as a lay elder and counts it a privilege to help shepherd the church alongside the other elders. Professionally, Jacob works as Senior Director at Jarrett Logistics Systems. He and his wife, Merry, have two wonderful children, Hazel and Otto. In his free time, he enjoys biking, fishing, learning new things, and time with family and friends.