We are blessed to have the following individuals serve as Elders of the Richfield Church of Christ. Please contact them with any needs you might have, questions about scripture, inquiries about the Richfield Church or Christ and/or to learn how you can get engaged in a service ministry.

Ron Delamarter

Ron Delamarter grew up in Michigan, moved to Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin. He met Renae and they were married in 1987. They moved to Oklahoma where he was baptized into Christ while attending North McArthur Church of Christ. In 2002, they moved to Minnesota where they became members of the Richfield Church of Christ. He enjoys playing racquetball, walking, and spending time with his family.

Doug Nelson

Doug Nelson grew up in Minnesota and at the age of 18 began his career as an EMT. After graduation he moved to Searcy Arkansas, to attend Harding University, where he continued to work as an EMT during his time in college. In 1988 he met Terri, they married in August of 1990 and returned to Minnesota where Doug worked with his father in the family business and joined the SBM fire department. He eventually became a fire inspector with the City of Blaine and retired as a Battalion Chief in 2014. He is currently an assistant fire chief with the city of Burnsville. Doug and Terri have both grown up in the church becoming Christians around the age of 13, and teaching bible classes through the years as needed. They have two adult daughters and Doug had the privilege of baptizing both of them into Christ. Doug was appointed an Elder/Shepherd of Richfield Church of Christ in December 2020. In their spare time as a family they enjoy camping and spending time along the north shore of Minnesota.

Elders, Shepherds, and Overseers (or Bishops)

In the New Testament, three different words are used to describe the same group of men (Acts 20:17-31). The different words may reflect different aspects of their ministry to the church.

  • Elder – person of seniority, prominence, experience, and wisdom.

  • Shepherd – person who cares for, guides and protects people.

  • Overseer (or bishop) – person who provides watchful direction.

The elders/shepherds/overseers are also called upon to provide healthy teaching (1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:9).

Before a person can be appointed to this role, he must meet the qualities described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9).

The elder/shepherd/overseer leads primarily through his example, service and teaching (1 Peter 5:1-4).

In the New Testament, when there are elders in a congregation, there are always more than one.