Wade Berkey was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, attending the Belmont United Methodist Church and graduating from Richland High School. It was at Belmont that Rev. Wilson first recognized God’s call upon Wade’s life.

Wade entered the work-world as a draftsman—when draftsmen used real pencils, T-squares, and triangles! One of the gifts of a draftsman is to be able to conceptualize a project before it is built or even designed. After a successful career as a draftsman, a move into production management, and graduating from Robert Morris University with a degree in management, Wade came to the realization that God was indeed calling him to ministry.

In 2004, Wade accepted his first appointment in the church as a student pastor. He attended Asbury Theological Seminary and graduated in 2010. He was ordained an elder in 2012. He is currently appointed to First United Methodist Church in Kittanning and has previously served in the Grampian UM Charge, Karns City/Chicora UM Charge, and Faith Community Charge in Bruin, PA.

Wade’s gifts for ministry include preaching and teaching God’s Word, prayer and intercession, administration, and visioning—being able to conceptualize ministries even before they have been “built”!

Wade is the father of a beautiful daughter Natalia, who attends Asbury University and is in her junior year of studies. Natalia has served on mission teams in Zimbabwe, Egypt, Beirut, Lebanon, Arizona, and Haiti. Wade is married to Ali, and as a clergy couple, they serve God not only in their churches, but in their lives together.

Ali will be appointed to Calvary and Plumer United Methodist churches in Oil City. Wade enjoys spending time with Ali, their rescued dog Shirley and their deaf cat Nilla. He also enjoys bicycling, photography, cooking, and listening to music.