We exist so people far from God will follow Christ and fulfill their purpose.

A couple holding hands during a church service at Oakland Church in Rochester, Michigan

About Oakland Church

Oakland Church is a congregation of about 1,000 believers dedicated to growing in the Christian faith and advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. We exist so that people far from God will follow Christ and fulfill their purpose.

Our primary gatherings happen on Sunday morning at 9:00am and 11:00am. Outside of those gatherings, Oakland Church offers numerous community groups and youth programs throughout the week, including Family Nights on Wednesdays.

Founded in 1935, Oakland Church is located at 5100 N. Adams Road in Rochester, Michigan, on the corner at Silverbell Road.

Join us! We look forward to meeting you.

A man with his hands raised in praise during a sermon at Oakland church in Rochester, Michigan
A woman smiling at a fellow church member at Oakland church in Rochester, Michigan

Our Culture Points

Honor is for everyone

We believe in the impossible

Humility = Strength

Excellence is our evangelism

You don't have to believe to belong

Generosity is a lifestyle

Growing things change

We choose love

Unity in diversity is beautiful

People are our passion

Head pastors Dominic and Amira Russo at Oakland church in Rochester, Michigan

Our lead Pastors

Pastors Dominic & Amira Russo

Dominic Russo is the Lead Pastor of Oakland Church. Pastor Dominic’s humorous and memorable presentation of God’s Word speaks directly to people’s hearts, uplifting and inspiring them to fulfill their full potential.

Pastor Dominic’s 30+ years of leadership at Oakland Church is catapulting many new ministries, including churches, charitable organizations, and international missions projects every year.

Most of all, Pastor Dominic is known for his passion for God and genuine love for all people. He is a true example of what a devoted follower of Christ looks like. His wife, Amira Russo leads alongside Pastor Dominic as well as the Oakland Church woman’s ministry, Brave.

Staff

Jason James
Operations Pastor
Jessica James
Kids Director
Angela Yarbrough
Kids Director
Anthony Stallion
Worship Director
Eric Sexton
Youth Director
Susan Pantalena
Administrative Assistant
Tommy Claffey
Creative Director
Julia Claffey
Visual Arts Director
Joshua Knighton
Production Director
Lori Pulliam
Director of Community Life
Angelene Gualtieri
Next Steps Director

Oversight

Karl Lapeer
Karl Lapeer
Elder
Marcus Murray
Marcus Murray
Elder
Daniel Cobb Sr.
Daniel Cobb Sr.
Elder
Dr. Karl Bandlien
Dr. Karl Bandlien
Board Member
Asaad Faraj
Asaad Faraj
Board Member
Dennis Slavens
Dennis Slavens
Overseer
Geof Jackson
Geof Jackson
Overseer
Rick & Cathy Ciaramitaro
Rick & Cathy Ciaramitaro
Overseers
Bishop Andrew Merritt
Bishop Andrew Merritt
Advisor
John Bevere
John Bevere
Advisor

What We Believe

These are the foundational beliefs we’ll always hold on to as a church.

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives.

The Trinity

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy.

Sin

We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.

The Son of God, Jesus

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.

Repentance

We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’ we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that in order to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us, we need to be baptized in water and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts.

The Church

We believe in the power and significance of the Church and the necessity of believers to meet regularly together for fellowship, prayer and the ‘breaking of bread’.

Personal Relationship

We believe that God has individually equipped us so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives which is to worship God, fulfill our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live.

Healing

We believe that God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and blessed lives in order to help others more effectively.

Eternity

We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus' Return

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised.

Join us in person on Sundays at 9:00 am & 11:00 am

We believe joining Oakland Church in-person or online on Sundays is one of the best ways to get connected to this life-giving community and experience what God has for you!