On Sunday, October 23, 2011 Black Mountain Presbyterian Church called the Rev. Berry French to be our associate pastor.  Berry came to us after three years at White Memorial Church in Raleigh as associate for youth and young adults.

Berry graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration and a BA in economics.  Berry has traveled extensively, visiting many of the missions of our church.  It was during these travels and contacts with mission work that he felt called to ministry.  In 2008 he received his Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

Berry  has had experience in working with youth at Montreat and many other camps and conferences, has coordinated mission trips, service projects and fundraising opportunities.  He is admired for his gregarious nature, winsome personality, and energy,  as well as his deep faith and commitment to the church.  Of his hopes for ministry, he says “I believe ministry is a shared endeavor, and I hope my ministry will consist of recruiting and training other to discover, claim, and live out their own unique skills.”

Berry grew up in Lumberton, NC, where his parents still live and are active in the Presbyterian  Church.

Berry is married to Katie, who also graduated from UNC where she recently received her MBA.