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: Mike Boarts, Nate Gantt, Sean Harris, Steve Wilson, Marcus Lewis, Mike Germany, Jeff King
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 Liberty 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 family time, watching his son Samuel wrestle, and playing basketball.
Michael Germany
Michael Germany and his wife, Meagan, have three children and have been fostering a sweet baby girl and adorable baby boy for more than one year. 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 and leads some of our ladies’ study groups. 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.
Marcus Lewis
Marcus and Autumn serve in the AWANA Ministry as the Directors of Truth and Training (T&T), and Marcus teaches the Foundation Sunday School class. Marcus and Autumn also serve together in the nursery ministry. The Lewis’ have been members of Berean since 2008.
Jeffrey King (Elder Candidate)
Jeff teaches the Carolina Christians Sunday School class, sings in the choir, teaches children in AWANA, and is a member of the security team. Natanya sings in the choir, works in the nursery, and serves in AWANA and in the greeter ministry. Jeff has been a member of Berean since 2001.
