Oakland's Staff
Cliff Hedges: Senior Pastor
Cliff joined Oakland as the Associate Pastor in February 1999. This was his first church staff position. He retired from the Navy in 1994, from Naval Space Command. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and earned a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management at the Naval Postgraduate School . He completed his Master of Divinity degree through the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in 2002. Cliff became Senior Pastor in spring 2004. Cliff’s wife, Beth, is a consultant for the King George County School system and she is Oakland's Women's Ministries Director. Beth stays very busy and is currently co-facilitating a Women's small group on Sundays and Bible Studies on Wednesday evenings. They have two adult children, Joellen (husband Joe) and Ross (wife Keleah).
Ryan Carter: Pastor of Worship and Youth
Ryan came on as Oakland’s Pastor of Worship and Youth in January 2009. His vision for worship is to build a foundation from which to lead the congregation in heart felt worship before God and ultimately utilize the gift of music to reach souls for Christ. His vision for youth is to help teens establish proper relationships with Christ and help them learn how to incorporate their relationship with Christ into their day-to-day walk, life, relationships and decisions. Ryan's wife Kendra is a talented musician, music instructor, and she also keeps busy with their three beautiful daughters Abigail, Hayley and Sophia.
Jim Thurman : Facilities Manager
Jim came on Staff in August 2004 as our full-time Building Maintenance and Custodian and has since then transitioned into our Facilities Manager. Jim has talent and experience in many fields including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction, making him a much needed asset to the Oakland staff. He has experience in IT & Networking systems and oversees the church's computer network. He also chairs our Properties Committee and oversees the church's various construction and improvement projects. Jim and his wife, Karen, attend Oakland and are both actively involved in ministry. Karen is a gifted singer and musician, and is a vital part of Oakland's Praise Team.
Part-time Ministry Assistants, Chris Bryant and Angie Myrick, are a vital part of the staff. Each bring their own unique gifts and talents to help complete a dedicated team of fellow kingdom-minded workers.
540-663-2546
