Our Staff

Rev. Douglas M. Ivey, Pastor

A native of Athens, Georgia, Doug and his wife Angela began their service with us on April 1, 2005. Angela works with the Toombs County School District. They have three children. Their son Marshall, his wife Bridget, and their son Tucker live in Augusta, where Marshall is a pediatric resident at University Children’s Hospital. Their daughter Olivia is a Social Worker who lives and works in New York City, and their son Teddy is a student at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Doug holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development, and a Master’s degree in clinical Social Work; both from the University of Georgia, and has experience as a Family Therapist. He also holds a Master’s degree in Divinity from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. He brings 15 years of pastoral experience to his work as the first full time pastor of The Oaks. Doug enjoys riding his motorcycle and being involved in community theatre.

Rita Ponder, Minister of Youth

Rita Ponder serves as the Minister of Youth at The Oaks. She also directs the youth choir and serves as a volunteer worship leader.

She is a graduate of Cairo High School, Cairo, Georgia where she grew up. She is also a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.M in School Music, and a B.S. in elementary Education. Her advanced studies were at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where she graduated with a Masters in Church Music degree.

Rita began serving churches as Minister of Music and Youth after graduating high school both as a part time staff person and for twenty three years as a full time Minister of Music/Youth in local churches.

She is presently employed by the Evans County Board of Education in Claxton ,Georgia as a music teacher at the Claxton Elementary School.

Rita continues her call from God as a Minister and enjoys her work in her volunteer church position and in her secular workplace. Wherever people are, ministry can happen!

Dr. Mark Bowdidge, Organist

Dr.Mark Bowdidge serves The Oaks in several capacities including church organist, director of the hand bell choir, a member of the Worship Team, children¹s choir worker, and as one of our principal worship planners. Mark is a native of Missouri. He is a 1992 graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Organ Performance and Music Education.

He completed both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees (1995 & 1998 respectively) at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas concentrating in the area of Choral Conducting.

Dr. Bowdidge currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia where he teaches music education, music theory, music literature and conducting courses as well as being the conductor of the Concert Choir and Choral Society. Dr. Bowdidge has served in various church music staff positions in Missouri, Virginia, Texas, and Georgia.

Wanda Delk, Pianist

Wanda serves The Oaks as our pianist for all worship services and serves as an accompanist for the Chancel Choir. An accomplished musician she has served churches in Georgia for over 25 years. She and husband Don live in Lyons, along with children Jordan and Jenna. We are thankful for her ministry in music and as a member of our Worship Team. Wanda works with Vidalia Medical Associates as a healthcare professional.