Berean Bible Church Shoreline berean header05

Suzy Bates

Suzy Bates
Director of Christian Education
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Suzy Bates has been Berean Bible Church's Christian Education Director since 2001. She developed her expertise in education over 20 years as a Christian school teacher and administrator. Suzy oversees Sunday School and other Christian Education ministries for children and adults.

From I-5 Southbound

  • Take exit 177 (NE 205th St, Lake Forest Park).
  • Turn right (west) onto N 205th St.
  • Turn left (south) at the first light onto 1st Ave NE.
  • Follow 1st Ave for about one mile to NE 185th St.
  • Berean is on the southwest corner of 1st and 185th.
  • If our parking lot is full, you are free to park across the street at the Shoreline Center (on the northeast side of the intersection of 1st and 185th).

From I-5 Northbound

  • Take exit 176 (NE 175th St, Shoreline).
  • Turn left (west) onto 175th.
  • Turn right (north) at the second light onto Meridian Ave N.
  • Follow Meridian for about .5 mile to N 185th St.
  • Turn right (east) onto 185th.
  • Berean is on the right about .25 mile down the street.

Visitor FAQ

Where does your church’s name come from?

Berea is an ancient Macedonian town discussed in the Bible. In Acts 17, Luke describes the Bereans as a people who eagerly studied the scriptures to verify the accuracy of the messages they were hearing from the Apostle Paul. Our church has appropriated this name because as “modern Bereans” we desire that everyone seek to know God and understand truth by studying the Bible both corporately and personally.

What does Berean believe?

Our church believes God reveals Himself through His Word the Bible and that, by grace, He lovingly offers the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ to all who believe. Please refer to our Statement of Faith for more information about our non-denominational, evangelical church.

Has Berean Bible Church been around long?

The Berean Church was founded by Dr. Lloyd A. Peterson in 1964. Early church services were held at Loyal Heights Elementary, as Pastor Peterson and his elder board stepped out in faith to began planning and constructing a new church in Shoreline. The first services in our current sanctuary were held in 1967. Berean, which officially changed its name to Berean Bible Church in 1984, prides itself on being an intergenerational, family-oriented church. The great-grandchildren of charter members can now be seen running down the halls our church’s founders worked so hard to see built.

Who is on staff at Berean?

Our congregation is blessed by the faithful service of the following people. Links to their bios are included.

Senior Pastor: Jim Shemaria
Youth Pastor: Kevin Lane
Associate Pastor: Gary Hansen
Christian Education Director: Suzy Bates

What should I expect when I visit on a Sunday?

  • For Adults
    Join us at 9:30am for Sunday School or at 11:00 for our morning service in the main sanctuary. Anyone needing help navigating our building should head to the Sunday School office (located downstairs, just inside the west entrance) where volunteers will be happy to answer questions and direct you to the appropriate place.
  • For Youth
    Jr. High and High School students can head to the Youth Room (located upstairs near the northwest corner of the building) at 9:30am for Sunday School. Or, come at 11:00am for our morning service in the main sanctuary.
  • For Children
    Parents can drop off their kids for Sunday School at 9:30am. Anyone needing help navigating our building should head to the Sunday School office (located downstairs, just inside the west entrance) where volunteers will be happy to answer questions and direct you and your family to the appropriate place.

    Children in grades one through six join their parents in the 11:00 service. They may stay for the entire service or they may attend Children's Church or Children’s Choir. Children are typically dismissed to go to these ministries midway through the Sunday morning service.

What should I wear?

Wear whatever your feel comfortable in! Some dress up, some come in more casual attire, but all are welcome at Berean.

How many people attend Berean?

While our Sunday morning services typically have around 300-350 attendees, our greater church family is comprised of around 500.

Can I meet the pastor?

Yes! Pastor Jim makes it a point to be in the narthex to shake hands and greet people after each service. If you would like a more in-depth visit with any of the pastors, please call the church office to set up a time for a personal visit or phone call.