Berean Missionary Baptist Church

The Church Grows as it knows.

Berean Missionary Baptist Church was organized on Wednesday evening, March 25, 1985, in the home of Pastor & Sis. Charles Ford, at 1705 Lyn Curve Avenue North in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The name was Berean was chosen from the book of Acts, Chapter 17, Verses 10-12. The Bereans were nobler than the Thessalonians in that they searched the scriptures daily and received the word with all readiness of mind.

On Friday, March 27, 1985, the spirit of the Lord led us to a place of worship at 2027 W. Broadway. We held our first service on that Sunday, March 29, 1985. We were seven (7) in Numbers, but the seating capacity of the building was 650, so we moved by faith to 3701 Penn Avenue North. There wasn’t much fashion about the building but much devoutness. There wasn't much light, but God gave us light for the way. There was very little warmth, except for the wall heater, but deep in our hearts we shared the warmth of God’s love.

After being at 3701 Penn Avenue North for just three weeks, the city declared we could no longer have service there and if anyone was caught having service in the building, the city would arrest the leader, (our Pastor). We went down in prayer. God said, “No!” and the church overcame. In 1986 Berean went through “The Valley of the Shadows of Death” with the death of little Regina Samuels. The church experienced persecution. The Samuels family moved to Oklahoma; the Wesley family was called to St. Mary’s; and the Williamson family relocated to California. We were tried, and we were tested, and because of the loyal shepherd God placed over us, we were able to move forth only by the grace of God.

In 1987, while in the process of purchasing the building at 3701 Penn, God said “No,” and led us to 3007 Lyndale Avenue North. On Thursday, January 1, 1988, New Year's Day, we held our first service in that building with only 7 members present. On that day Pastor Ford encouraged us with the words from the Lord ... “This is just the beginning of what God will do... More blessings are yet to come ... All we must do is hold our hands out, believe, and receive them.” The Pastor’s vision for the Ministry was that the house next door, 704 30th Avenue North, would be Berean’s expansion.

On Sunday, February 14, 1988, Berean ordained its first Deacon – Steve Fuller – at age 17. We needed $10,000.00 to purchase the building at 3007 Lyndale. We reached our goal on December 11, 1988.

November 10, 1989, God blessed Berean to open a nursery, (Regina’s Nursery), infant to age 3, named in memory of Little Regina Samuels, with the same day dedication service.

July 1990, our property expansion included the house next door to the church, addressed 704 30th Avenue North. In addition to this property, Pastor also envisioned the property at 710 30th Avenue North. We believed and have now received this property also. God led us to install a Baptismal pool that year, and that same year, our own Minister Willie Kelly received his Minister’s license. Due to the struggles and heat from many chicken dinners sold, by faith, we amended our Church Constitution and By-Laws in 1990, abolishing selling (of any kind) in the name of the church with teachings on tithing, benevolence, and general contributions.

Throughout the 1990s God continued to manifest Himself in the purchase of a church van, and church bus for Pedestrian Outreach Ministry.

We dedicated our Church parking lot in 1993. Due to the overflow, in the year of 1994, Berean began an 8 A.M. Morning Worship Service. In February of 1999, the church property was expanded with the opening of the Berean Licensed Child Care Center at 2704 Dupont Avenue in North Minneapolis for community outreach service.

The vision of the houses at 704 and 710 - 30th Avenue North has since then, through many obstacles, become a reality. On June 1, 2003, with humility and great joy, we watched God unfold the continued vision through the construction and completion of Phase I of our new church building. God smiled at us at our opening dedication as we procession in order from 3007 Lyndale Avenue North (just next door) to our new location here at 704 - 30th Avenue North, where we now worship. 

In preparation for Phase II Addition, which will include additional space up and down, we demolished our old Building at 3007 Lyndale Avenue North on Thursday, October 21, 2004.

Today, we continue with our ten auxiliaries perfecting, working, and edifying the body of Christ. In 2006 of that edification, Reverend Alvin Killion and Reverend Harry Kelly confessed the call to preach and were licensed.

As God continued to move the church in the ministry of disciplining ... our own First Lady Sister Margean Ford accepted the call to preach the gospel (being the first female), licensed by Berean Missionary Baptist Church. Sister Ford preached her trial sermon from Joshua 24:14-15, the subject “Moving Forward” and was licensed on Sunday, January 21, 2007.

But, it is here we quote our pastor in his introduction of Sister Ford ... “I thank God for her ... she has been accepted not only by God, but even her church recognizes that God has done something extraordinary in her life ... “yes” I am happy ... and I am thankful ... “But” ... what I  am really glad about is, that the spirit of God, finally arrested my spirit, convinced me, and convicted me ... because I was one of those who said no.” ... and I finally said Lord, not my will, but your will be done ... (yes), I’m happy ...” So Pastor Ford and Berean Church presented Sister Ford with License to go forth to preach the gospel, do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of her ministry.

February 25, 2007, Sister Dorothy Bentley confessed the call to preach and was licensed. Currently, her name is Dorothy Myles.

Deacon Joseph Myles confessed the call to preach and was licensed on January 13, 2008. In the expansion of our Outreach Ministry, we now have available for purchase: CDs and DVDs of our worship services upon request. We stand today, as one body in Christ, contending in faith, for the overflow of souls.

In 2008, the church now has a website that can be visited at www.bmbc-minneapolis.org and www.berean-academy.org In addition, a new van was purchased and Berean’s church family created its first cookbook. Berean’s newer ministries include: “Ford’s Mighty Men” ministry and the “King’s Daughter” under the Women’s ministry

In September 2012, the Berean Academy of Higher Learning & Graduate School of Theology's Newly accredited Program became an Accredited Christian School.  Pastor Ford with designed studies and research projects received his Doctor of Theology Degree.  Reverend Margean Ford received her Doctor Degree and was also Ordained. In 2013God continues to unfold Ephesians 4:11-12 for Berean Church as Bro. Tim Christopher, Sis Latrissa Favorite, and Bro. Desmond Crofford confessed the call and was licensed to preach the gospel. In June 2013 these graduated BAHL & were ordained; Reverend Herbert Thomas, Masters Degree, Reverend Harry Kelly, Bachelor's Degree, Reverend Joseph Myles, Doctorates Degree. Reverend Alvin Killion, Bachelor's Degree who was licensed to preach and ordained in prior history, received his call to Pastoral ministry. Reverend Sonny Benettie was ordained in 2015 and received his call to Pastoral ministry.  In April 2018 God continued to unfold and grow his ministry when Sis Olenka Brown, Sis Yetta McConnell, Bro Douglas Whiteside, and in May 2018 Bro Hollis Caldwell confessed the call and. was licensed to preach the gospel. The unveiling of what was still to come happened the next year in May 2019 Deacon Vernon Sowell and September 2019 Deaconess Gloria Abbott Confessed their calling and were licensed to preach the gospel. 

At the closing of the 2015 calendar year, Our Pastor's Vision for the additional land at 714 30th Avenue North (the west lot next door to the church) after waiting 12 years for the city to release it has been finally deeded to Berean Missionary Baptist Church and on that lot on June 3, 2018 ground breaking begin to happen. On November 11, 2018. God gave us for the Next Generation, the long waited for classrooms so that we will continue to study to show ourselves approved unto HIM, workmen are not ashamed to rightly divide the word of truth. To God, we give this glory for the great things He has done and continues to do. 

After 51 years of preaching and teaching the gospel, on December 5, 2021, Pastor, Dr. Charles Ford stood before the congregation and announced that today would be his. final sermon Preaching from Isaiah 55:1-3. 

Saturday, January 8, 2022, there was a Service held celebrating the Ministry and Legacy of Dr. Charles Ford, where Berean was awarded the title of Pastor Emeritus of Berean Missionary Baptist Church. 

On May 18, 2022, Berean found themselves in the Valley of the Shadow of Death with the passing of the founder and leader, Dr. Charles Ford, Pastor Emeritus.  Being without a pastor to lead the church, on June 21, 2022, Reverend Dr. Margean. Ford accepted the position of Interim Pastor.