Origins

Born in Vineland, New Jersey, Pastor Berry Chatas moved with his family to Winter Haven, Florida at age nine. He lived in Polk County until April 11, 2015, when he and his family relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina to launch Faith Rising Community Church.

Education

  • Winter Haven Senior High School, Class of 1986
  • Associate of Divinity (Honors), The Baptist College of Florida (2015)
  • B.A. in Biblical Studies (Honors), The Baptist College of Florida (2020)
  • Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity, Southern Evangelical Seminary (Rock Hill, SC)

A Call to Ministry

In the summer of 2012, while attending a service focused on living a Christ-centered life, Pastor Berry Chatas sensed God’s call into ministry. At the time, he was serving on the worship team, and his wife, Carol, along with their daughter, Suzi, were actively involved in church life. As they responded to God’s leading, the family began preparing for the next season of ministry.

Called to Rock Hill, South Carolina

In July 2014, Pastor Berry Chatas and Carol sensed God directing them to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Having surrendered to go wherever the Lord led, they began taking practical steps—selling their business in Winter Haven, Florida and making visits to the Rock Hill area to build relationships and explore ministry opportunities (Isaiah 6:8). Their son, Steven, remained in Florida to help with the business transition, and their daughter, Suzanne, was accepted to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she pursued elementary education.

On April 11, 2015, Pastor Chatas and Carol moved to Rock Hill and began laying the foundation for Faith Rising Community Church. Early support and partnerships—including Outbreak Church (sending and sponsoring church) and Heartland Church in Florida—helped establish the initial core team and community connections (Proverbs 3:5–6).

2021

In April 2021, Faith Rising Community Church continued forward with resilience and a commitment to live by faith. On April 1, 2021, the church moved into its home at 434 Museum Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and partnered with the York Baptist Association to share building use—strengthening relationships across the community.

Vision

As the church has grown, our desire has remained the same: to follow Jesus faithfully, live out an Acts 2 model of community, and serve as His hands and feet—trusting God with what’s next.

2023

In 2023, Faith Rising experienced a renewed season of spiritual growth and discipleship. Along with growth in attendance, the church deepened in maturity and devotion to the Lord.

  • We prayed for God’s provision of a dedicated facility as our season with the York Baptist Association approached its conclusion.
  • Pastor Chatas welcomed the addition of Pastor Bob Knight to the ministry, strengthening shared leadership and collaboration.

2024

In January 2024, Faith Rising celebrated its seventh anniversary—grateful for God’s faithfulness and committed to continuing to share the gospel locally and beyond.

  • God provided a permanent church building; Faith Rising purchased a facility in York, South Carolina in August 2023.
  • The church continued to grow in spiritual depth and unity.
  • A clear vision emerged for Faith Rising to serve as a catalyst for ministry in York County and beyond.

2026

Looking ahead, Faith Rising is preparing for continued growth and expanded outreach. The church is planning to plant a new congregation in Lancaster, South Carolina, and remains committed to sharing the gospel through local and regional ministry efforts.

  • The Faith family continues to grow in unity and mission.
  • FAITH Riders is expanding outreach across the state, including ministry presence at Myrtle Beach Bike Week (May 2026) and community events such as local “Blessing of the Bikes.”
  • The church is increasing efforts to serve people experiencing homelessness in York and Rock Hill by providing meals and sharing the hope of Christ.
  • Members are also launching local ministry to residents in nursing homes.
  • Faith Rising is now partnering with PATH in York, SC to help the community through the efforts of fund raising and serving along side of this amazing ministry! 

The Future is bright and God is in all of what we do and He will receive all of the glory! For HE IS WORTHY! 

Matthew 5:16-18 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.