
Wildwood is an Elder-led congregation. This means that we have entrusted our Elders (a team of men who meet regularly for the ministry of the Word and prayer while providing spiritual oversight to our congregation) to make decisions regarding the vision, direction, and care of our congregation. While some of our Elders are vocational Pastoral Staff (Mark Robinson and Bruce Hess), the majority are volunteers who work professionally in other fields. Our Elders serve 3-year terms. At the beginning of each 3-year term, we present these men to the congregation for feedback on whether to add them to the team or to have them begin a new 3-year term. (NOTE: To see the job description for Elders at Wildwood, including the biblical qualifications, click below.)
This winter, we are pleased to present Doug Dodge, Jeff Frederick, Brent Orr, and Matt Schuermann as new Elder Candidates, while Mike Beckham and Scott Hodgson are up for new 3-year terms.
NOTE: Per our church by-laws, after serving two consecutive 3-year terms as Elders, Elders are required to take at least a one-year sabbatical from the Elder Team. After serving two consecutive terms, Jeff Harwell and Brian Hopper are rotating off the Elder Team, effective January 1, 2026. THANK YOU to these men for their faithful service over the past six years.

Brent and his wife, Jessica (along with their 3 children), have been active members of Wildwood for over 20 years. Brent and Jessica have served in a variety of ministries and currently serve on the Global Outreach Team. Additionally, Brent disciples a few college students and leads a Bible study for high schoolers. After serving as a long-time staff member with Student Mobilization in Arkansas and Norman, Brent is now self-employed with Paul Davis Restoration.

Doug and his wife, Deborah (along with their two children), have been active members of Wildwood for the past two decades (except for some time on different military assignments). Doug and Deborah have served in a variety of ministries and have been active members of several small groups at Wildwood. Currently, Doug is a large group teacher in our elementary-age children's ministry and also volunteers in our Wednesday night AWANA program. Vocationally, Doug is an Engineer at Collins Aerospace after retiring from a long career in the United States Air Force.
Jeff and his wife, Amy, have been an active part of Wildwood for 30 years. Jeff and Amy have served in a variety of ministries and have been active members of small groups at Wildwood. Currently, Jeff and Amy lead a small group, and Jeff also helps lead our camping ministry. Jeff and Amy have 3 grown children who were active in Wildwood in the past. Vocationally, Jeff works as a PA here in Norman. Jeff has faithfully served multiple terms as an Elder at Wildwood in the past.

Matt and his wife Tana (along with their 3 children) have been an active part of Wildwood for nearly 50 years (Matt has been a part of Wildwood nearly his entire life!). Matt and Tana have been an active part of a variety of ministries and small groups during their time at Wildwood. Currently, Matt serves in Wildwood’s children’s ministry. Vocationally, Matt works for OG&E.

Mike and his wife Heather have been an active part of Wildwood for over 20 years. Mike and Heather have served in a variety of ministries and been an active part of a number of small groups at Wildwood. Currently, Mike serves as an Elder here at Wildwood and is a part of the College Life teaching team. Mike and Heather have 2 children. Vocationally, Mike is the CEO and founder of Simple Modern. Previously, Mike was the campus director for Cru at OU.

Scott and his wife, Diane, have been an active part of Wildwood for over 20 years. Scott and Diane have served in a variety of ministries and have been active members of several small groups at Wildwood. Currently, Scott serves as an Elder, leads a small group, and volunteers on our “stream team (video production).” Scott and Diane have three grown children. Vocationally, Scott works as a Professor in the Gaylord College of Journalism at OU.

The mechanism we have created to gather feedback on our proposal to add Doug, Jeff, Brent, and Matt to the team, and to have Mike and Scott begin a second term on the Elder Team, is an online form where you can share your thoughts. Please take the time to share your thoughts (positive feedback or concerns) on the direction we are headed. You can access this form below.
Thank you for joining us in prayer as we begin another year in ministry together!
Please provide any feedback you have on this proposal by Saturday, December 13, 2025, using the confidential form below. We really value your thoughts on this matter!