Berkley First | 2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley, Michigan
Get to know Berkley First
Want to get to know Berkley First? There’s no better way than jumping in! Whether you serve on a mission team, join the United Women in Faith, attend an event or Journey Group, or check out our Kids & Youth programs, you’ll quickly discover what makes this place feel like home.
Click the buttons below to explore how you can connect, grow, and serve alongside us.
Click the buttons below to explore how you can connect, grow, and serve alongside us.
Meet the Berkley First team.
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr, Senior Pastor
Contact: cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. serves as Senior Pastor of Birmingham & Berkley First, bringing decades of leadership, pastoral care, and connectional ministry experience within the United Methodist Church. Dr. Boayue previously served as District Superintendent of both the Detroit Renaissance District and the Greater Detroit District in the Michigan Conference. Before his district leadership appointments, he served for many years as pastor of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Detroit. He is best known for his thoughtful preaching, community engagement, and global perspective on ministry.
Brian White
Contact: bwhite@berkleyfirst.org
Brian White is our Director of Berkley Worship and Youth. He is extremely humble for the insane amount of talent he has, and is always interested in lifting up those around him. Married to Julie White, our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, and with a house of five boys, Brian is the king of collaboration.
Rachel Alpert
Contact: ralpert@berkleyfirst.org
Rachel (she/they) supports hospitality and volunteers at Berkley First while managing the calendar and all events. She loves singing and playing guitar during worship with the incredible artists of Berkley First. At home, they enjoy low-key nights with their wife, three cats and chinchilla.
Julie White
Contact: jwhite@berkleyfirst.org
Julie White is our Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Berkley First. She grew up in Royal Oak and moved to Berkley when she and her husband started a family. An active mom of five, Julie is always ready for an adventure. Her organizational skills, creativity and an eye for safety help her lead ministry for infants through elementary aged children.