Shepherding Groups

In the last several years, we have organized our congregation into Shepherding Groups.


Shepherding Groups are simply a way to help the elders of Alameda become more familiar with and more connected to the members of Alameda. Each elder is assigned a group of Alameda families and individuals.


In a congregation with several hundred members, no matter how good intentions are, it is difficult to get to know and shepherd all of the members. We believe that Shepherding Groups can help counter or remedy something that none of us wants, and that is for anyone to feel disconnected or out of touch.


Our Shepherding Groups have recently changed. As of July 1, 2023, each elder has been assigned to a new group of Alameda members. 


Elders will reach out to members to check in periodically by way of text, call, note or in person. If you are a member of Alameda and you haven’t heard from your elder, please don’t hesitate to reach out to him first. Because of the number of families and individuals in each group, it might take a little while for an elder to reach out to everyone, but this does not mean they are unavailable. They would love to hear from you!


We want to make sure that you and your family know you have a place to turn and a listening ear, and that prayers are lifted specifically in your behalf, not just in times of special need, but continually.


If you have any questions about Shepherding Groups, contact your elder or any of the ministry staff. You can contact the church office at 405-321-0788.

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Meet the Elders

  • Barney Blue

    Barney and his wife, Mary, have been Alameda members since 1980. They have four children, Jennifer, Johnny, Randy and Sandy. Barney has been a shepherd since 2012.

  • Eric Clingan

    Eric and his wife Anita have been Alameda members since 2009. They have two adult children, Kristen and Zac. Eric has worked in oil and gas related industries for over 22 years, and Anita has been a public educator for her entire professional career. Eric enjoys fishing and losing to his son in golf; while Anita enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, as well as watching true crime dramas.  Eric and Anita both appreciate the community outreach of Alameda and hope to help grow this effort in the coming years.

  • Jimmy Givens

    Jimmy and his wife Katy have been members of Alameda since it was formed by the merger of two Norman congregations in the 1970s. They have two adult children and one grandchild. Jimmy is an attorney by training, and is employed by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality in an administrative role. Katy’s work experience has included many years as a medical transcriptionist. Among Alameda activities that they especially enjoy are volunteering in the Streams of Water ministry, periodically teaching the infant Bible class, and singing. Their leisure activities include reading, watching sports, and working crossword puzzles. Jimmy has been a shepherd since 2017.

  • Brian Jones

    Brian and his wife Jenny are long time members of Alameda. They have a son, Zach. Brian has been an shepherd since 2021. 

  • Steve Knight

    Steve and his wife Alana have been Alameda members since 2008. They have three children, Bryan, Emily, and Hannah and four grandsons. Steve has been a shepherd since 2017. Steve retired from a 44 year career in public education in 2018. In his free time, Steve enjoys traveling, sports officiating, golf, flying, and duplicate bridge. Alana is a retired registered nurse who has volunteered as a tutor with Whiz Kids for 8 years. She is also active in foreign medical missions.

  • keith Lough

    Keith and his wife, La Nita, have been Alameda members since 2006. They have three children, Brian, Cindy and Kevin. Keith has been a shepherd since 2010.

  • DeWayne Mitchell

    DeWayne and his wife Stephanie have been members of Alameda since 1998. DeWayne and Stephanie have two children: McKenna and Dylan. DeWayne is a graduate of the OU School of Meteorology and has been employed as a meteorologist for his entire career in both the public and private sector. Stephanie has been employed by the FAA for 20 years. DeWayne enjoys reading, watching OU football, water sports and exercising (swimming and cycling). DeWayne and Stephanie enjoy traveling, gardening and cooking together.