About Us
_______________________________________________________
Our Church
Our Purpose
Our History
Our Beliefs
Our Leadership
Pastor
Elders
Deacons
Our People
Our VisionOUR CHURCH
Berean Bible Church is located on Byberry Road, east of Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia. We are a church modeled after the first century "Berean" believers. Acts 17:11 says the people in the town of Berea, "received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." We endeavor to study the Bible, apply its truth to our lives and shine the light of God's love and forgiveness to the world. Times change, but our mission remains the same: reaching people with the life-saving message of eternal life through Jesus Christ.OUR PURPOSE
Berean Bible Church exists to reach our community and the world with the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to encourage growth in believers through fellowship and study of God's Word, the Bible.
OUR HISTORY
In 1675, before the arrival of William Penn, four Walton brothers moved to a place where game was plentiful and streams abounded with fish. According to our church records, the Walton brothers named their settlement "Byberry," meaning "castle upon a hill." By 1860, the population grew to over 1000 people. Holmesburg Baptist Church established a part-time mission named Byberry Baptist Chapel to reach the people in the Byberry area with the message of Jesus Christ. In time, the chapel became a full-time, independent, Baptist church. In 1986, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Zweitzig, the church adopted a biblical constitution, changed its name to Berean Bible Church, and established a "lighthouse" logo.OUR BELIEFS
The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God and the only rule of faith for each believer's conduct.
"God is Triune. There are three eternal and coequal Divine Persons in the Godhead: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; these three are one God.
"Jesus Christ's eternal Deity and His sinless humanity. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
"Christ died for our sins and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) We believe the only way to be saved is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ's shed blood.
" Jesus rose up bodily from the dead. The saved will be resurrected to live with Christ and the unsaved will be resurrected to face the judgment.OUR LEADERSHIP
Our pastor and board members humbly submit themselves to Christ's authority and leadership as they seek to do God's will, acknowledging that Christ, not any man, is the one true head of the Church. They strive to serve with honesty and integrity, knowing that all believers are sinners saved by God's grace.Berean Bible Church abides by the Biblical qualifications for both elders and deacons set forth I Timothy 3:2-12. In order to serve, an Elder or Deacon must be upright, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, patient, responsible, and one who does not say one thing and mean another; must not be a brawler, greedy, or a new believer; must rule his own house well and have obedient and respectful children; and must have a good reputation with those outside the church."
PASTOR, Robert Zweitzig, Th.D.
Robert Zweitzig and his wife Ruth have been serving the Lord in Northeast Philadelphia for thirty years and have four married children who are active at Berean. He was born in Philadelphia and as a teen made a personal commitment to Jesus during an evangelistic crusade. His educational background includes two Masters degrees and a Doctorate in Theology. God's been teaching our pastor the importance of trusting God in everything by allowing Proverbs 3:5 & 6 to become real in his life. With a passion for the lost to know Christ, he is active in door-to-door evangelism and encourages worldwide missions outreach. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he teaches at Philadelphia Biblical University and Faith Theological Seminary. He invites those who seek a deeper understanding of the panorama of God's Word to share with us at Berean."Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6
What is a Pastor's Ministry?
The Pastor is the overseer of Christ's church. He is the Chief Officer and Elder who preaches the Word of God and administers New Testament ordinances. He shepherds the church and supervises all teaching in, and organizations and operations of, the church including the educational committees, missionary societies and church leadership. He is a member of all boards and counselor to all departments. To find out more about our church leadership, its offices and its standards, please see our constitution.ELDERS
The Board of Elders assists our Pastor in teaching, preaching, and evangelism. They help the Pastor maintain order, aid in overseeing our worship services and are responsible for all organizational decisions, including budgeting. Helping those in need, visiting and praying for the sick, maintaining personal contacts with present and prospective church members, and leading in discipleship are some of their many responsibilities. Each Elder also works with an assisting Deacon in caring for an assigned small group of people in our church.Who are our elders?
Harold Crouch:
After serving in the Army in Okinawa and Vietnam, Harold Crouch became a Philadelphia Firefighter, retiring in 1992. Harold and his wife Barbara have lived in the Parkwood section of Philadelphia for forty-one years where they have raised four sons. Harold accepted Christ as a teenager and he desires for all people to experience God's free gift of eternal life. Harold is our Leading Elder and he is thankful to serve the Lord at Berean. He's discovering that God provides the energy, the boldness, and the time for ministry. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13Jim Kelly:
Jim Kelly accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at a young age and has grown up under Bible teaching ministries. Through Bible studies, conversations, and personal friendships, he communicates God's love and plan of salvation. Jim owns a home remodeling business, serves on the board of Elders, and is the father of two college age children. Psalm 25 is special to him because it speaks about trusting the Lord and seeking His direction. These verses contain God's promise of faithfulness to those who love and obey Him.
"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4,5
Dave Elitz:
Dave Elitz was raised Roman Catholic and attended Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia. He works as an electromechanical designer and in 1984 he was challenged by a coworker to find prayers to the virgin Mary in the Bible. After reading the Word of God for himself and discovering no such prayers, Dave prayed to receive Jesus as his personal Savior. The truth of Proverbs 3:5 & 6 is special to Dave as he's learning the importance of patiently trusting the Lord. Dave serves as an Elder at Berean because he loves God and wants to do His will. He and his wife Mary have three college-age children.
Larry McElwain:
Larry McElwain is a certified public accountant. While providing accounting services to a rescue mission, the director shared God's plan of salvation and Larry soon accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. Philippians 1:6 is meaningful to him because God initiates our salvation and God continues and completes a good work in us. Larry counts it a joy to work and serve as an Elder with a caring family of believers at Berean. He is learning that God wants only the best for us and our job is to simply trust Him and obey. Larry and his wife Bernice live in Philadelphia and they have a grown son.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Philippians 1:6
Ray Zweitzig:
World War II veteran Ray Zweitzig grew up in foster care on a Bucks County farm. Ray never heard about God's love until a young woman named Betty Flysher introduced him to the Lord. Ray accepted Christ during a Gospel invitation at Betty's home church in Philadelphia. Married to Betty for sixty-five years, Ray is a father of two, a grandfather of seven and a great-grandfather of twelve. Through the years, Ray has been discovering the reality of God's never-ending faithfulness. One of his favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 2: 4 & 5 because it proves God's love for us. He serves as an Elder to help uphold the truth of the Gospel.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ (by grace ye are saved)," Ephesians 2:4,5
DEACONS
The ministry of the Deacons concerns both people and property. They superintend church property maintenance and repairs, and guide volunteers who wish to assist with such projects. Working cooperatively with our Elders, they care for our flock of believers, help those in need, bear witness for Jesus Christ and assist in discipleship.Who are our deacons?
Eric Crouch:
Eric Crouch grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and he serves in the Philadelphia Fire Department as a Paramedic Lieutenant. He has been attending Berean since he was a child and accepted the Lord at the age of eight during a school chapel service. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 is an important Bible verse for Eric as he has been learning to trust God's perfect will for his life and not lean on his own understanding. As Leading Deacon, Eric considers it a privilege to serve God and the people at Berean by maintaining the Lord's building and property. Eric lives with his wife Pam and their three young children in Torresdale.
Frank Ray:
Philadelphia Police Officer Frank Ray lives in the Northeast with his wife Sara and his two daughters. Frank grew up in Parkwood and received Jesus as his Savior during a Youth Group meeting at Berean. Frank serves as a Deacon because of his experience of being brought up in a Christian home and growing up under Pastor Zweitzig's ministry. Frank is involved in Berean's youth ministry and he is presently working toward a Bachelors degree in Theology. Like the Scriptures promise in Isaiah 40:31, Frank is learning that as he waits on the Lord, God gives him strength.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Jim Skitt:
Jim Skitt lives on the third planet from the sun with his wife Susan and their two sons. At nine years old, Jim accepted Christ as his personal Savior during devotions at a summer Bible camp. Jim is glad for the universal invitation God extends in John 12:32 for all to be saved. Through the years, Jim's been learning that he needs the Lord Jesus Christ to get through each day. With a background in electrical engineering, he works in the information technology field as a service rep. As a Deacon, Jim serves the Lord with his experience in electro-mechanics.
"And I, (Jesus) I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me." John 12:32
Stephen Stoltz:
Raised Episcopalian, Stephen Stoltz heard God's Word, learned the prayers and verses, sang the hymns but didn't realize God wanted more for him. Through the people and ministry at Berean, Stephen realized he needed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Isaiah 53:5 reminds him how much the Lord loved him to go through what He did for his soul. Stephen's background in architectural drafting and his work in technology facilities enable him to contribute as a Deacon through building and project initiatives. Stephen and his wife Kathleen have three school-age children.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Steve Watson:
Steve Watson graduated with a Bible degree from Philadelphia Biblical University and furthered his education at Regent University School of Law. He works as an attorney for the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Isaiah 26:3 has recently become a special verse for Steve, his wife Wendy, and his three small children. Even though he was saved at a young age, Steve is discovering that we cannot have peace in our lives unless we fix our minds and hearts on God. Steve sees his role as a Deacon as an opportunity to be accountable in working to foster growth in God's church.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3Dan Zweitzig:
At the age of five, Dan asked Jesus to be his personal Savior. Dan grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University. He is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular biology and is involved in cancer research. Through studying God's creation, Dan is learning a new appreciation for God's majesty. Deuteronomy 31:8 is Dan's family verse and it has proven true in his life as God directs him; never failing him. Dan and his wife Carrie have a toddler and another baby on the way. He serves as a Deacon to help our church function as a unit.
"And the Lord, he it is who doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8OUR PEOPLE
We are an ordinary people with one thing in common: an extraordinary God. Together, we are learning about God's love, growing in God's love, and sharing God's love with our city of brotherly love-Philadelphia! The Scriptures declare that true freedom comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We agree with William R. Newell's song At Calvary: "Mercy there was great and grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied to me. There my burdened soul found liberty-At Calvary!"OUR VISION
The vision of Berean Bible Church is to study the whole counsel of God in the Bible from the perspective of God's plan for the ages and to reach our community with the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Home Directions Schedule Contact Us
Sunday Services
Sunday School 9:30am
Worship 10:45am
Worship 6:30pm
__________________
Wednesday Evening
7:15pm
Prayer & Bible Study
Kids Bible Club
Youth Group Meeting
__________________
*Nursery
provided,
Sunday morning,
Sunday evening, and
Wednesday services.
