Berea Update for April 17, 2026
In a season like this, it can be easy to think about “the church” in broad terms—questions about direction, leadership, and what comes next. But the church is not just a structure or a decision to be made. It is people. It is ministries. It is the day-by-day work of faithfully teaching, serving, leading, and caring for one another. And even in a time of transition, those things have not stopped—God is still at work in and through His people.
That’s why this week, I want to encourage us to be intentional in how we pray—not just generally, but specifically. Each day in this week's devotional below, we’ll focus on a different ministry within our church, lifting up the people who are serving, the lives being impacted, and the work God is continuing to do. This helps ground our prayers in what is actually happening among us. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, God is actively building His church—through classrooms, through conversations, through quiet acts of service, and through faithful obedience. As you move through this week, I’d encourage you not to rush. Take time each day to truly pray for that ministry and the people connected to it. Ask God to strengthen what is already happening, to provide what is needed, and to continue shaping our church into what He desires it to be. He has not stepped away from us. He is present, He is working, and He is faithful to lead us forward—together. Next week, we'll continue by praying for even more ministries here at Berea.
You are loved, and I am praying for you.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, we'll be joined again by Dr. Mark Smith from Cedarville University, who will be preaching a message called, "Love Your Enemies" from Matthew 5:43-48. As announced at last Sunday's business meeting, 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. This is a copy of the message sent out by the deacons via email earlier this week: The deacons are calling for a special business meeting on Sunday April 19th, directly following the Sunday worship service. We are pleased to present Mark Gainer as a candidate for the Senior Pastor role at Berea Bible Church. During the March 29 business meeting, Pastor Mark Gainer was asked by the congregation to rescind his letter of resignation and consider staying. On Sunday April 12th, at the business meeting, Mark informed the congregation that he would apply for the Senior Pastor position. The congregation then moved to bring him to a vote on April 19th. In order to follow the church constitution, the proper paperwork and processes are being carried out by the deacons prior to Sunday’s vote on whether to issue a call to Mark, to meet the congregation’s request. Thank you all for your prayers and patience during this process. We hope the congregation will consider the importance of this meeting and prayerfully commit this process and decision to the Lord. The vote will be for members only, as required by the constitution.
3. 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. As shared at the business meeting, we have several additional needs in other ministry areas, and those needs will be requested soon, so be on the lookout for emails soon!
4. The AWANA year is coming to a close soon, 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. 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 Church Leadership in Transition
James 1:5 (ESV): “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
This is a significant moment in the life of our church. Seasons of transition can feel uncertain, but they are never outside of God’s control. Right now, more than anything, we need wisdom—clear, Spirit-led, unified wisdom. Pray for this weekend, for the decisions being made, and for the hearts of the congregation. Ask God to guide every step, to remove confusion, and to establish His will clearly.
Reflection Question: How can you pray specifically for wisdom and unity in our church this week?
Day 2 — Praying for Deacons and Administrative Leadership
Acts 6:3 (ESV): “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom…”
In this current season, our deacons are carrying significant responsibility as they serve in an administrative role. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it is vital to the stability and function of the church. Pray that God would give them wisdom, discernment, and unity as they make decisions. Ask that they would be strengthened, encouraged, and guided by the Spirit as they serve faithfully in this time.
Reflection Question: How can you intentionally support and pray for our deacons this week?
Day 3 — Praying for Future Leadership and Elders
Titus 1:7–9 (ESV): “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach…”
With the elder board vacancies, there is both a gap and an opportunity. God is not surprised by this—He is preparing what comes next. Pray that the Lord would raise up godly, qualified men to serve as elders in His timing. Ask that these future leaders would be marked by integrity, humility, sound doctrine, and a shepherd’s heart. This is not just about filling roles—it is about establishing faithful, biblical leadership for the long-term health of the church.
Reflection Question: How can you pray for God to raise up the right leaders for our church?
Day 4 — Praying for Sunday School Ministry
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching…”
Sunday School is one of the primary places where God’s Word is taught and relationships are built. Across every age group, this ministry helps ground people in truth and grow them in faith. Pray for the teachers—that they would study diligently and teach faithfully. Pray for those attending—that they would be engaged, receptive, and growing. Ask God to use Sunday School not just to inform minds, but to transform lives.
Reflection Question: How can you pray for both teachers and learners in Sunday School this week?
Day 5 — Praying for AWANA
Psalm 119:11 (ESV): “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
AWANA is planting seeds that can last a lifetime. As children wrap up their year of memorizing Scripture and hearing the gospel week after week, God is at work in ways we may not immediately see. Pray for the kids—that God’s Word would take deep root in their hearts. Pray for the leaders and volunteers—that they would have energy, patience, and joy as they wrap up the year. Ask God to use this ministry to shape a generation that knows and loves His Word.
Reflection Question: What would it look like to pray for specific children or leaders in AWANA this week?
Day 6 — Praying for College and Young Adult Ministry
Romans 12:2 (ESV): “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
The college and young adult years are often a time of major transition and decision-making. Beliefs are tested, priorities are shaped, and lifelong directions are set. Pray that those in this stage would be rooted deeply in Christ and grounded in truth. Ask God to surround them with strong community and wise influence. Pray that they would not drift, but grow—that their faith would become personal, resilient, and active. Our college students will be heading back home soon! So make sure to connect with them before they wrap up their school year!
Reflection Question: How can you pray for the spiritual growth and stability of young adults in our church?
Day 7 — Praying for Unity and the Church’s Future
Matthew 16:18 (ESV): “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Even in uncertain moments, this truth remains steady: the church belongs to Christ, and He is building it. Pray for unity across the whole body—that there would be humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Christ above all else. Ask God to heal where needed, strengthen what is weak, and lead us forward together. Our confidence is not in any one person or structure—but in the Lord who faithfully builds His church.
Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to personally contribute to the unity and future of our church?
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