Pastor Lamar has been lead pastor at Berachah since 1997. He is a graduate of Miami University and received his Masters of Divinity from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Maryanne, along with their two children, Luke and Elley, stay very active in their service to the church and our community. Lamar has a heart to serve, shepherd, and love people in his path. One of his ministries beyond the walls of Berachah is serving as lead chaplain for the Divisions of Police and Fire in Middletown. For pure enjoyment, you may find him golfing, jet skiing, or watching a football game.

Jim Tinch is retired from DMax in Moraine, Ohio. During his tenure he held many positions but ended his career as the lead coordinator and instructor of Team Concept. His certification was through the writings and personal training of John Maxwell.

Jim was saved at the age of 25 and attended Grace Baptist Church, Middletown. Soon after salvation Jim became a deacon, taught in the Youth department and the College and Career class. Jim was called into full time ministry and through the detours of life his ministry would be with the people of DMax. Presently Jim has been called to lead the Clay Pots. Jim’s claim to fame is the introduction of Pastor Lamar and Maryanne.

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Jim is married to Sharon Tinch. Sharon retired after teaching for 30 years at Franklin High School.  Their family includes two sons; Jimmy who is married to Rachel and Matthew who is married to Janelle. They have five grandchildren; Mattilynn, Jozzilynn, Zachariah, Kennedy and Parker.
 

Jim Tinch II is our Community Impact Pastor. He studied ministry through Liberty University Online and has gained a vast experience in leading people through his previous career in the corporate world.

Jim's calling and passion is to reach youth and young families in Middletown and other communities through youth sports, mentoring and family counseling. He has over 15 years of experience in coaching at all levels including football, basketball, wrestling and soccer.

Jim and his wife, Rachel, have been happily married for twenty-one years and have three beautiful children.

Elijah Smoot is a pianist and vocalist from Great Mills, Maryland. He attended Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Worship Leadership and Music Performance.

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Elijah has been practicing the art of music for fourteen years and has served in ministry his whole life. He has a passion for music and teaching.

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Elijah and his wife, Christy, have two children, Maxwell and Mia. Elijah loves playing sports, listening to music, and spending time with his family.

Jake Ferguson is the Life Care Pastor here at Berachah Church. He is married to his best friend and better half, Nicki and she has blessed him with three beautiful children: Hunter, Addelyn, and Asher. 

His family recently moved from Jacksonville, North Carolina. They began living there in 2003 and was medically retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2015. He was deployed numerous times and two of those deployments were to Iraq. 

He and his wife are excited to embark on this journey of ministry with the people of Berachah and beyond.