“Acts 17:10-12” the sign reads. This scripture passage inspired the name of Berean Church COGIC.
Welcome to Berean Church COGIC. It is a place with a unique story. We will explore its history. We will discover what makes it special.
Berean Church COGIC has a rich history. Berean Missionary Baptist Church was founded March 25 1985. It began in the home of Pastor Charles Ford and his wife. Their home was on Lyn Curve Avenue North in Minneapolis. The name Berean came from the Bible. Acts Chapter 17 verses 10-12 tells of the Bereans. They were more noble than others. They searched the scriptures daily. They received the word with open minds.
The church first worshipped at 2027 W Broadway. The first service was held March 29 1985. Only seven people attended. The building could hold 650. The church moved to 3701 Penn Avenue North. The building was simple but devout. There was not much light. God gave them light. There was little warmth. They shared God’s love.
After three weeks the city said they could not worship there. They prayed. God said no. The church overcame. In 1986 they faced hardship. Little Regina Samuels died. Some families moved away. But they moved forward with God’s grace.
In 1987 God led them away from purchasing 3701 Penn. They moved to 3007 Lyndale Avenue North. The first service was January 1 1988. Only seven members were present. Pastor Ford encouraged them. He said it was just the beginning. He said more blessings were to come.
On February 14 1988 they ordained their first Deacon Steve Fuller. He was 17. They needed $10000 to buy the building. They reached their goal December 11 1988.
In November 1989 they opened Regina’s Nursery. It was for infants to age 3. It was named after Regina Samuels. In July 1990 they expanded. They bought the house next door at 704 30th Avenue North. They also acquired 710 30th Avenue North. That year they installed a baptismal pool.
Throughout the 1990s God blessed them. They purchased a church van and bus. These were for the Pedestrian Outreach Ministry.
They dedicated their parking lot in 1993. In 1994 they began an 8 AM service. This was due to overflow. In 1999 they opened the Berean Licensed Child Care Center. It served the community.
On June 1 2003 they celebrated the completion of Phase I. This was their new church building. They moved from 3007 Lyndale to 704 30th Avenue North. In 2004 they demolished the old building. This prepared them for Phase II.
In 2006 Reverend Alvin Killion and Reverend Harry Kelly were licensed to preach. In 2007 Sister Margean Ford was licensed. She was the first female. In 2008 the church launched its website. A new van was purchased. The church family created its first cookbook.
In September 2012 the Berean Academy of Higher Learning was accredited. In 2015 Reverend Sonny Benettie was ordained.
In 2018 ground breaking began on the lot at 714 30th Avenue North. In November 2018 they finished the new classrooms.
After 51 years of preaching Pastor Charles Ford gave his final sermon December 5 2021. On January 8 2022 Berean awarded him the title of Pastor Emeritus. On May 18 2022 Pastor Ford passed away. On June 21 2022 Reverend Dr. Margean Ford became Interim Pastor.
Berean Church COGIC has a story of faith. It shows perseverance and community service. Its history began in a home. It grew into a beacon of hope. It serves Minneapolis today.