Berea Update for April 24, 2026
This past Sunday was a significant moment in the life of our church. I want to begin by simply saying thank you—for your trust, your prayers, and your willingness to walk forward together. It is a humbling thing to step into the Senior Pastor role, and I do so with a deep awareness that this is not something I carry alone. The Lord is our Shepherd, and this is His church. My heart is not just to lead, but to walk alongside you as we seek to follow Christ together.
I also recognize that we are stepping into a season that will require both patience and grace. There is work to be done—good, necessary work. There are areas where trust must continue to be strengthened, and places where healing will take time. But this is not a discouraging reality—it is an opportunity. God often does some of His deepest work in seasons like this, shaping His people, refining our hearts, and drawing us back to what matters most. My desire is simple and steady: that we would become a church more deeply rooted in God’s Word, more dependent on prayer, more committed to one another, and more focused on the mission Christ has given us.
I also want to share an important update with you as we move forward. After personal prayer and reflection, and with the support of the deacons, it has been agreed that my official start date as Senior Pastor will be June 1. In light of the past several months, I, along the deacons, believe it is wise to use the month of May intentionally—for prayer, planning, and some needed rest with my family. This is not a step back from responsibility, but a desire to prepare well so that I can serve you faithfully and sustainably in the days ahead. My goal is to begin this role from a place of spiritual health and readiness, not exhaustion.
During the month of May, I will still be involved, but in a more limited and focused way, largely away from the office. I plan to spend intentional time in prayer and in God’s Word—both for personal renewal and for the direction of our church. I will also be working on clarifying vision, preparing upcoming preaching and teaching, and thinking through leadership development and structure for the future. At the same time, I want to be intentional in caring for my family during this season. With guest speakers already scheduled, this provides a natural opportunity to do this while maintaining consistency in our Sunday services. I will remain available for essential responsibilities, as needed (such as bill payment) to help ensure everything continues to run smoothly. I do plan to preach on Sunday, May 17, a day we'll be outside at Resurrection Garden for its dedication, but the other weeks will be covered with guest speakers from Cedarville University. I'll be working over this upcoming week to make sure that all ministry areas are covered during the month. I want to express my gratitude to our deacons for their thoughtful leadership and support in this decision. And to you as a church, thank you for your continued patience, prayers, and willingness to walk through this season together. I know not every step is easy, but I’m thankful we can move forward with a shared desire to honor the Lord.
One of the ways we begin moving in the right direction—both now and in the months ahead—is by continuing to pray—intentionally and specifically. Last week, we focused on several key ministries within the church. This week, we continue that focus, praying for even more of the people and ministries that make up the daily life of our church. These are not small or secondary things. They are part of how God is actively building and sustaining His church—through faithful service, often in quiet and unseen ways. As you walk through this week’s devotional, I want to encourage you to slow down and truly pray. Lift up each ministry, each group of people, and the work God is doing through them. Ask Him to strengthen, to guide, and to use these ministries to draw people closer to Christ. Because that is ultimately where we are headed—not just toward stability or growth, but toward Him.
You are loved, and I am praying for you.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, we'll be joined again by Dr. David "Pete" Peterson from Cedarville University, who will be preaching a message called, "Job: The Suffering Servant." Again, we will be combining the adult Sunday School classes into one class for the remainder of the Spring quarter, which will be held in the Family Life Center. We'll be continuing through the Sermon on the Mount.
2. As the grass is now growing more quickly, we have an immediate need for individuals who would be willing to come mow the church. The church has a zero-turn mower and provides all the gas needed for the mower. It is preferred that the church grounds be mowed on Friday or Saturday. It takes about 6 hours in total to mow the entire property, but it can be done in sections. If you are interested in joining the mowing team, please reply to this email, see me, or one of the deacons. I'll be sending an email with additional ministry needs soon!
3. The AWANA year is coming to a close this upcoming Wednesday, and you are invited to attend the AWANA Awards Night on April 29, starting at 6:30 PM as we celebrate the accomplishments of our clubbers and say thank you to our faithful volunteers! Please come and encourage those who have been involved in this ministry this year!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for those who heard the Gospel during the week of celebration of our Lord's resurrection several weeks ago. Pray that the Gospel seeds may grow and bear much fruit!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — Praying for the Nursery
Psalm 127:3 (ESV): “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
The nursery may seem like a quiet, behind-the-scenes ministry, but it plays a vital role in the life of the church. It provides a place where the youngest among us are cared for, and where parents are freed to worship, learn, and grow. Pray for the children—that even at the earliest ages, they would be surrounded by love and truth. Pray for the volunteers—that they would serve with patience, joy, and faithfulness. Ask God to use even these small moments of care as part of His greater work.
Reflection Question: How can you pray for both the children and those serving in the nursery this week?
Day 2 — Praying for the Worship Team
John 4:24 (ESV): “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The worship team helps lead the congregation in lifting hearts and voices to the Lord. This is not about performance—it is about guiding the church to focus on God. Pray that those who serve in this ministry would do so with humility, sincerity, and a heart fixed on Christ. Ask that truth would be clearly proclaimed through song, and that the congregation would be drawn into genuine worship.
Reflection Question: How can you prepare your own heart to engage more fully in worship this week?
Day 3 — Praying for the Media Desk (Sound & Slides)
1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV): “But all things should be done decently and in order.”
The media team serves in ways that are often unnoticed (unless problems arise), yet deeply important. From sound to slides, they help remove distractions so that the Word of God can be clearly heard and followed. Pray for those who serve in this area—that they would have focus, wisdom, and consistency. Ask God to use their work to support and strengthen the worship and teaching of the church.
Reflection Question: How can you pray for those who serve faithfully in roles that often go unseen?
Day 4 — Praying for the Missions Committee
Romans 10:14–15 (ESV): “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? … And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”
The missions committee helps lead the church in thinking beyond itself—toward the spread of the Gospel both near and far. Pray for wisdom as they make decisions about partnerships, support, and direction. Ask that God would give them clarity and unity, and that the church would remain committed to the call to make disciples of all nations.
Reflection Question: How can you grow in your own heart for missions and the spread of the gospel?
Day 5 — Praying for Greeters
Romans 15:7 (ESV): “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
A simple greeting can have a lasting impact. For many, the first impression of the church begins at the door. Greeters have the opportunity to reflect the warmth and welcome of Christ in those first moments. Pray that they would serve with genuine kindness and awareness. Ask that every person who walks in would feel seen, welcomed, and cared for.
Reflection Question: How can you personally help create a welcoming spirit within the church?
Day 6 — Praying for Youth Group
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example…”
Youth group is a place where students are growing, learning, and being shaped during some of the most formative years of their lives. Pray that they would be grounded in God’s Word and bold in their faith. Ask God to guide and strengthen the leaders, Wes and Michele Stephens, and Bob Horton as he teaches Sunday School on Sunday mornings, as they invest in these students. Pray that this ministry would not just entertain—but truly disciple.
Reflection Question: How can you pray for the students to grow in boldness and faith this week?
Day 7 — Praying for the Prayer Team
Colossians 4:12 (ESV): “Epaphras… always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”
The prayer team serves in a deeply meaningful and often unseen way—lifting up the needs of the church faithfully and consistently. This ministry reflects a quiet dependence on God and a commitment to care for others through prayer. Pray that they would be encouraged and strengthened as they intercede. Ask that God would use their prayers to bring comfort, guidance, and growth throughout the church.
Reflection Question: How can you grow in faithfully praying for others this week?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Families are encouraged to participate in the week-long prayer devotional above. Our kids need to see and hear us praying!
Have a great weekend! See you Sunday!
Mark