EMANUEL ISTRATE

InterIM LEad Pastor

Emanuel joined the Oxford Bible Fellowship staff in July 2016. He previously served as an associate pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Carol Stream, IL. Emanuel is passionate about the Gospel, expository preaching, and developing leaders. He is excited to be a part of what God is doing in Oxford and at Miami University. He served as the pastor of student ministries from 2016 until he assumed the interim lead position at Oxford Bible Fellowship in May of 2022.


Emanuel immigrated to the United States from Romania and grew up in northern California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Columbia International University.


Emanuel and his wife, Melissa, met during their time at Moody. They have three children: Moriah, Ezekiel, and Eden. As a family, they love being active outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. In his free time, Emanuel loves playing and coaching soccer, watching historical films, and trying to keep up with his three energetic kids! 

Contact: eistrate@obf.org


JUSTIN KAILER

Student Ministry Director

Justin joined the Oxford Bible Fellowship staff in January 2019.  As the Student Ministries Director, he oversees the developing and teaching curriculum for our middle school students. He loves seeing how the truths of faith take hold and change students' perspectives and priorities in life.


Justin began attending Oxford Bible Fellowship while studying economics at Miami University, from which he graduated in 2013. He then served with a missions’ organization in the country of Fiji for a year before returning to Oxford and marrying his wife, Alexandria. Justin loves playing sports and is an avid fan of all Pittsburgh’s professional teams and Liverpool F.C. He also enjoys board games, learning about church history, reading fiction, and spending time with friends. 


Contact:  jkailer@obf.org


ANGIE DUNN

director of children's MINISTRY

Angie joined the Oxford Bible Fellowship staff in 2014. As director of children's ministry, she desires to see children come to know the Lord and grow in Him as well as equip parents to train their children in what it looks like to follow Christ with their lives. Angie earned her bachelor degree in science and masters degree in secondary education from Xavier University and is a former high school physics teacher. 


Angie and her husband, Rich, have three children: Ella, Caleb, and Joshua.  They have been attending Oxford Bible Fellowship since 2007. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and gardening. 


Contact:  adunn@obf.org


STEVE GIFFORD

director of facilities AND OPERATIONS

Steve joined the Oxford Bible Fellowship Staff in October 2017.  As bookkeeper, he works with the church staff and an off-site accountant to manage the church’s finances.

Steve grew up in Oxford and attended Miami University where he earned his Business degree, but more importantly, where he met his wife, Sarah. After years of following Steve’s career in automotive engineering through Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana, Steve and Sarah are happy to be back home in Oxford among family and friends. Their children, Josh and Maddie are both active duty Marines stationed in California and North Carolina, respectively.


Contact: sgifford@obf.org

Heather Perry

Part-Time Administrative Assistant


Heather and her family have been part of our church for 10 years. Heather grew up just outside Oxford but moved away for college and then marriage to Sam. After having been away from family for several years, Sam was blessed to find a job with the city of Oxford. Heather homeschools their four children Adeline, Isaac, Josiah and Silas, and is a soccer mom. If things are quiet enough, she enjoys reading and watching Hallmark movies.

MAGGIE WOLFF

PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT



Maggie re-joined the Oxford Bible Fellowship staff in April 2022 after having served in the same capacity, prior to having kids. As a Ministry Assistant, she assists the other staff with a range of tasks from communication to keeping supplies stocked. Her prayer is continually to be a blessing to the other staff and free them to more fully fulfill their God-given roles.


Maggie studied Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She has loved getting to use this training within the church as a youth group leader and women’s Bible study leader. She and her husband, Jonathan, moved from Chicago for his job at Miami University in 2014. Their family has since grown and they now live with three little personalities (Liesl, Greta, and Otto) and two furry personalities (German Shepherd pup and Bengal cat). When not chasing children or cleaning, she enjoys running, gardening, and eating good food with friends.

dEACONS

Brian & Amy Schlake- Lead Deacon(ess)

John Faries- Outdoor Facilities

Ellen Hernandez- Benevolence

Alex Kailer- Women's Ministry

Don Kidd- Community Groups

Greg Presnall- Prayer


Contact: deacons@obf.org