Leadership
Structured Authority
Our People
The Den operates under layered spiritual oversight and defined leadership roles.
Authority is exercised through accountability, shared discernment, and submission to Scripture.
Each role carries responsibility within a clear and structured framework.
Den LeaderS
The Den Leader lives within the daily rhythm of the house and provides direct spiritual and operational leadership.
Primary responsibilities include:
- modeling disciplined obedience
- guiding daily structure
- providing personal advisement
- upholding house standards
- maintaining alignment with pastoral oversight
Daniel Harmon
Daniel Harmon serves as Den Leader with disciplined obedience and a clear sense of calling.
At eighteen, Daniel discerned his call to ministry. By twenty, he stepped away from familiarity to pursue that calling fully. His path has been marked by decisive obedience and intentional preparation, including a dedicated season of study and formation prior to stepping into leadership at The Den.
Originally from Indiana, Daniel brings both warmth and resolve into the house. He is known for strengthening individuals through structure, not just encouragement. His leadership reflects a commitment to building foundations that last.
As a certified personal trainer, he integrates physical discipline with spiritual clarity. He approaches strength holistically, helping men build habits that support growth across body, mind, and spirit.
He serves under pastoral and elder oversight and carries his role with humility, seriousness, and consistency.
Elders
The Elder provides spiritual oversight and accountability to leadership.
Primary responsibilities include:
- guarding doctrinal integrity
- offering spiritual counsel
- reviewing leadership decisions
- strengthening long-term stability
Pastor Tim Oakley
Tim Oakley serves as Elder with a steady and grounded presence.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Master of Divinity from the Houston Graduate School of Theology. His formation combines theological depth with practical understanding of people.
Tim serves as Assistant Pastor at Christ Family Church while also working professionally as a Director of Sales in the food distribution industry. This balance reflects both shepherding and stewardship in practice.
For over twenty years, he has faithfully invested in his marriage and family, raising two children with consistency and care. His life is marked by generosity, discernment, and quiet strength.
As Elder, he ensures that The Den remains anchored in Scripture, strengthened in leadership, and accountable in practice.
Pastoral Oversight
Pastoral oversight ensures alignment with Scripture and historic Christian discipleship.
This layer provides counsel, correction, and covering for the Den Leader and Elder.
The Den is supported by a pastoral team with experience in:
- church planting
- board governance
- worship leadership
- long-term discipleship development
This team carries decades of combined experience across ministry and leadership environments.
The Den serves men across traditions while remaining anchored in Scripture.
Spiritual authority is exercised with clarity, accountability, and responsibility.
Discipleship is not assumed. It is shepherded.
Structure & Accountability
Leadership within The Den is layered and intentional.
- The Den Leader oversees daily life and direct formation
- The Elder provides spiritual oversight and counsel
- Pastoral leadership ensures alignment and accountability
- Denizens support the environment through service and consistency
Each role operates within alignment, not independence.
Board-LEvel Review
Operational and financial practices are reviewed through structured board accountability.
This layer safeguards:
- financial stewardship
- policy integrity
- organizational continuity
Denizens
Denizens are men serving within the life of the house.
They commit to extended time inside the rhythm, supporting daily operations and contributing to the structure each guest steps into.
Their role is marked by:
- consistency in discipline
- responsibility within the house
- service toward others
- full participation in the rhythm
They are active participants who help sustain the environment, leading by example.
Noah Gniffke
Noah Gniffke steps into his role as a Denizen with readiness for growth and a clear desire to be used by God.
Originally from California, Noah carries an appreciation for the outdoors and the discipline that comes with physical stewardship. His commitment to health and fitness reflects a broader pursuit of strength expressed through consistency and daily habits. An app developer, Noah integrates his commitment to health with Scripture in the apps he has built.
He approaches life with curiosity, often exploring creative projects and new ideas, while remaining grounded in his desire to grow in faith.
His conviction is shaped by Matthew 5:14–16, carrying a desire to live as a light with clarity and intention. He plans on persuing missions this fall with YWAM after his time with us.
As a Denizen, Noah commits to the rhythm of The Den, learning through obedience, accountability, and shared life.
Zach Pickard
Zachary Pickard enters this season as a Denizen with a developing sense of calling and a growing commitment to consistency.
Based in Texas and completing his senior year of high school, Zachary has spent the past several years building his faith with increasing intentionality. His journey reflects both growth and renewed commitment.
He carries a strong sense of justice, shaping his pursuit of law and his involvement in Mock Trial, SkillsUSA, and related programs. This direction reflects a desire to think clearly, act with conviction, and lead responsibly.
His connection to The Den has developed over time, and his decision to step forward reflects a deeper commitment to alignment and accountability.
As a Denizen, he strengthens his walk through structure, guidance, and shared responsibility.
DO The Process
Leadership within The Den is defined by presence, accountability, and consistency.
What is practiced daily becomes what is sustained.
FAITH · FORTITUDE · FREEDOM