Update on Berea Baptist Church

Berea Baptist Church Leadership and Revitalization team met Wednesday Evening, July 26.

The pastor, Hal Sexton, reported that he had been there three months. The team indicated a very good evaluation of his leadership. The church has grown with twenty-one new members during that time. They had the highest Sunday Morning attendance that they have had during the eighteen months of revitalization. They have been able to pay the pastors’ salary, all their bills, and mission support and have a small amount of money in the bank. They report a great response in attendance and contribution of support for the recent Exchange Life Conference. The discipleship ministry touched those within the membership and ministers and laity from outside the church. They have a praise of God’s blessing.

The group recognized that they need to come up with support to purchase a new AC/Heating unit for their fellowship hall. Currently, they have air conditioning, however, as winter arrives they will not have heat. The church needs help from friends of Berea and assistance from anyone who can replace the unit during the next three months.

A discussion was made about completing the adoption of a new promotion name to add to the official Berea Baptist Church name. The revitalization and leadership team continues to affirm since it is some a new day and that people need to look ahead to the future that new name would be very good for the community to see. The church has gone through a positive transition and has a new pastor and new leaders. They affirm their Berea history and the Southern Baptist affiliation as they seek a new name. They have discussed three names: The Church On the Parkway, Parkway Baptist Church, and Parkway Worship Center. They have set Wednesday, August 5, to come back together and recommend a name for the congregation to affirm. The congregation voted and approved to adopt a new name in the fall of 2008. However, they waited to have a the new pastor to help guide the process.