Good day - my name is Peter Morphy and I am one of the ministers at the Royal Oak church.  We have some men who are paid in order to give full-time attention and work to the local church.  However, every member is called and expected to serve as a minister of the gospel.  We are all God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) 

     The first century church had men who were appointed as evangelists who devoted full-time to the work of teaching, service and ministry in the local church. In fact, Paul wrote two letters to Timothy and one to Titus to direct and encourage them in their work as full-time ministers of the Gospel. Their work included teaching, preaching, leading, encouraging, equipping and serving. Some of the work was teaching those who were unbelievers or uncommitted. At other times they ministered to those who were already disciples in the body of Christ and to the leaders in the church.

SHEPHERDS ______________

     The Royal Oak family has shepherds who have been given the task of overseeing the growth, maturity, and direction of this family in accordance with the will of God (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).  These men devote much time to prayer, visitation, and spiritual counseling. They shepherd God's flock that is under their care, serving as overseers as willing servants and examples for us to follow (1 Peter 5:2-4). They truly serve as those who "warn those who are idle, helping those who are weak, and patient with everyone."  (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

     Our responsibly to them is to respect them for their hard work because they are over us in the Lord and they admonish us (1 Thessalonians 5:12-12). We are taught to obey our leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over us as men who must give an account. We obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to any of us (Hebrews 13:17). In addition, we hold them in the highest regard because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). We also remember our leaders, who spoke the word of God to us, considering the outcome of their way of life and imitating their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

DEACONS ______________

     The Royal Oak body is served by deacons, who plan, organize, delegate, and implement projects and programs which encourage and promote spiritual, emotional, and relational growth in God's Family, the community, and the world. We meet regularly to pray for our congregation, grow in leadership qualities, increase effectiveness and develop strategic plans for growth in the body.

     Someone once compared many large organizations to a football game where there are thousands of spectators on the bleachers who are in desperate need of exercise, while there are a few exhausted athletes on the field in desperate need of rest. This may describe many churches, but this is neither God's plan nor our desire. We want everyone to be involved so that everyone will grow.

     Often it is the one serving or sacrificing that receives the greatest blessing. Some opportunities are physical work while other service meets mental or emotional needs. Some jobs are for the extravert while others are geared for the introverted. Some teach, others encourage; some write, others call, some use a computer, others a screwdriver. Some serve our members while others focus on our community. There is an abundant opportunity for all to be involved.

     Our deacons and ministry leaders are aided, helped, encouraged by their families and other members of the body who assist them in their ministry. We want these ministries to involve and include as many people in God's service as possible. In fact, our goal is to have every member involved in some ministry that serves the Kingdom of God. Currently we have a vision plan in place to guide us toward seeing this goal become a reality. A large congregation requires a lot of organization, planning and coordination so that we can function together in harmony and growth will continue to naturally occur. These are the men who serve in these capacities:

    Dave Bem  -  Teens

    Jeff Brown  -  Service Projects

    Phil Decker  -  Youth Worship

    Jerry DeVries  -  Widows & Seniors

    Alex Litrichin  -  Building & Grounds

    Jim Mainero  -  Treasurer

    Ken Shepard  -  HVAC,  Parking Lot, Roof, Harmony

    Greg Thomas  -  Benevolence, Family Fellowship, Security