History

Pastor Danny Sweatt received a phone call in 1990 from Dr. Otis Holmes of the Gospel Fellowship Association asking him if he would consider planting a new church. His response was, “never in my wildest dreams!” From that early conversation, a visit resulted to a small group of people interested in starting a church in Lilburn, Georgia. It was quickly apparent that God indeed did want a new work started, and the new congregation called Pastor Sweatt to be their Pastor. From those humble beginnings, Berean Baptist Church was incorporated several months later in October of 1990 with approximately 45 members. The infant church occupied two facilities prior to the completion of its new facility in November of 1991. It now resides on seven acres of property at 1405 Hewatt Road in Lilburn, Georgia.

Within two years a large fellowship hall was added for the growing congregation, and several years later the balcony was completed in the main auditorium. This provided a total of approximately 15,500 sq. ft. of space. The total indebtedness of approximately $567,000 was paid off in 1997. Volunteers from the congregation were very involved in the building and finishing of this project.

In March of 1999 it was time to expand once again, as the Lord continued to send in new folks. A new building totaling 32,000 sq. ft. (finished and unfinished), and seating for approximately 450 downstairs, was completed. The balcony in the new auditorium was completed, seating an additional 170, and several large classrooms and a new youth area were completed. This renovation was accomplished with no additional borrowing.

An additional evidence of God’s blessing has been those called from Berean into full-time service. Jeremy Sweatt was the first person called into ministry, and is planting a church in Cherokee County. Randy and Karen Wilkins and Jimmy and Sharon Watson have been called to the mission field.

Berean Baptist Church is very grateful to God for what He has accomplished. We are thankful for the dedicated, sacrificing people who have made it possible to provide for all of the facilities mentioned above.

From its beginning, God has richly blessed the congregation from a charter membership of 45 people to an average of 550 people today. Gwinnett County is growing at a rapid pace and families need to be reached with the gospel. We are working in anticipation of His guidance and blessing. There is yet much to do and many people to reach.