Elders
Our church polity is pluralistic elder-led congregationalism
Berean is led by a plurality (council) of elders like the New Testament (New Covenant) churches (Acts 20:17, Phi 1:1, Jam 5:14) under the headship of Jesus (Col 1:18). Elders are overseers, shepherds (pastors), and teachers (1Ti 3). They shepherd (lead, care for, feed) Berean as undershepherds of the chief Shepherd (Acts 20:29, 1Pe 5:1-4). The primary way elders shepherd the church is through teaching disciples the Word of God (Neh 8:8, Mat 28:20). They strive to lead by example (Heb 13:7, 17, and 24, 1Pe 5:). Elders evangelize, edify, exhort, encourage, and equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12).
From left to right: (Row 1) Steve Wilson, Sean Harris (Row 2) Jeff King, Marcus Lewis (Row 3) Mike Boarts, Nate Gantt, Darren Hawk, Mike Germany
Nathaniel Gantt
Nate Gantt and his wife, Bianca, have been members at Berean Baptist since 2016. Nate is an Associate CIO for Infrastructure & IT Operations at Fayetteville State University and Bianca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) on the Fort Bragg military installation. Nate and Bianca have four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Nate serves as an elder, Wednesday Study Group teacher, and serves on the Board of Governors for Berean Baptist Academy; Bianca serves in the nursery on Sunday mornings. In his spare time, Nate enjoys spending time with his family, watching his son Samuel wrestle, and playing basketball.
Read the Salvation Testimony of Elder Nate Gantt
Michael Germany
Michael Germany and his wife, Meagan, have five adorable children. Mike previously served as a deacon and currently serves as our Junior High SS teacher, a Wednesday Study Group leader, and plays in the orchestra. Meagan is also active with the Ladies Ministry, leads some of our ladies’ study groups, and spearheads the ladies’ podcast ministry. She also plays the piano for our church music ministry. Mike and Meagan are very involved in our adoption ministry. The Germanys have been members since 2002.
Read the Salvation Testimony of Elder Mike Germany
Darren Hawk
Darren Hawk and his wife, Laura, have been members of Berean Baptist Church since 2001. Darren previously served as a deacon and elder. He teaches the Cupbearer Sunday School class, volunteers in the nursery, and serves in the AWANA ministry. Laura is also active with the Ladies Ministry and volunteers in the nursery and AWANA.
Read the Salvation Testimony of Elder Darren Hawk
Marcus Lewis
Marcus and Autumn serve together in the AWANA Ministry as the Directors of Truth and Training (T&T). Marcus teaches the Foundation Sunday School class while Autumn teaches the 6th grade Sunday School class. Autumn serves on the Ladies Ministry Team, and Marcus and Autumn serve together in the nursery ministry. The Lewis’ have been members of Berean since 2008.
Read the Salvation Testimony of Elder Marcus Lewis
Jeffrey King
Jeff teaches the Carolina Christians Sunday School class, sings in the choir, teaches children in AWANA, and serves on the security team. Natanya works in the nursery, serves in AWANA, and in the greeter ministry. Jeff has been a member of Berean since 2001.
Read the Salvation Testimony of Jeff King
