Our Purpose
We exist to gather, nurture, and equip disciples of Jesus Christ for ministry and mission in the world.
Like every human being on the face of the earth, you were created for community. You are destined to be a part of something greater than yourself – God’s family, the Church.
God is good. God lovingly pursues us and desires to be in relationship with us. God’s love is most clearly shown in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
OUR CORE VALUES
At Berkley First, our core values are grounded in God’s unconditional love. Everything we do represents our Christ-centered response to God’s grace. We strive to:
We have an invitational spirit. We open our hearts, minds and doors, to all with warmth and sincerity. We seek diversity, respect variety in experience, and promote independence of thought.
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
We are deeply committed to helping those in need locally, nationally and globally. We serve others in the name of Christ through generous sharing of who we are and what we have.
For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Matthew 25:35
We proclaim the presence and power of God through worship, music and programs that inspire, enlighten and transform. Our wealth of resources, talents and skills are given humbly in God’s service.
From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. Luke 12:48
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce. Proverbs 3:9
We have the courage to act on God’s leading. We welcome new challenges which cause us to stretch and grow.
Where there is no vision, there people perish. Proverbs 29:18
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. I Corinthians 16:14
We provide many avenues for spiritual formation for all ages through practical application of scripture and wisdom for daily living. We invest in our children and youth, as they are an essential part of the church.
Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6
Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5
We nurture genuine, caring relationships within our faith community. We respond with love to one another’s needs.
…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love… Ephesians 4:2
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. Galatians 6:10
PASTOR ZACK DUNLAP
A true wordsmith, Zack seeks to bring Scripture to life and ensure that every person is valued as God’s beloved. When he’s not preaching and leading in the church, you might find him connecting with the community, networking through Cub Scouts and the Pattengill Elementary Dads Club, antiquing, hunting, or fishing. Zack is married to Rachael and they have four kids and a rescue dog named Molly.
Contact: zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org
RACHEL ALPERT
Community Connections Coordinator
Rachel (she/they) supports hospitality and volunteers at Berkley First while managing the calendar and all events. She loves singing and playing guitar during worship with the incredible artists of Berkley First. At home, they enjoy low-key nights with their wife, three cats and chinchilla.
Contact: ralpert@berkleyfirst.org
ANDY FYKE
Buildings & Grounds
BRIAN WHITE
Brian White is our Director of Berkley Worship and Youth. He is extremely humble for the insane amount of talent he has, and is always interested in lifting up those around him. Married to Julie White, our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, and with a house of five boys, Brian is the king of collaboration.
Contact: bwhite@berkleyfirst.org
JULIE WHITE
Julie White is our Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Berkley First. She grew up in Royal Oak and moved to Berkley when she and her husband started a family. An active mom of five, Julie is always ready for an adventure. Her organizational skills, creativity and an eye for safety help her lead ministry for infants through elementary aged children.
Contact: jwhite@berkleyfirst.org
As a church with two campuses, if you need assistance specific to the Birmingham First campus, don’t hesitate to connect with a member of our dedicated staff. Click the button below to access the Birmingham staff contact page.
WANT TO WORSHIP WITH US?
We’d love to send you information to help your first visit be that much more meaningful.
HISTORY AND BELIEFS
Berkley First is old and new. We’re just getting started as a brand new church campus, but we are a sister church of Birmingham First and part of the United Methodist Church. We seek to draw from the deep well of Christian tradition as we apply the timeless truths of Scripture to the everyday realities of life in the 21st century.
