Reflecting a church-planting trend called “nesting,” which is showing up in a number of area churches, small congregations have found a place for themselves in an already established church that has opened its doors and provided them a space to meet. 

Berean Ethiopian Evangelical Church is a nesting church that meets in the small but charming chapel referred to as “Little Church” in Central Christian Church’ s three story building located on four acres at 4711 Westside Drive in Dallas. 

Nesting has become more and more popular as older churches with large buildings seek ways to utilize unused space in their building in a way that is helpful to both the older church with too much space and the small group looking for a place to meet.  However, nesting is not just a landlord/tenant arrangement, providing space for profit.  It is a treasured tool to bring acceptance and understanding between cultures— allowing each to worship in their own way while getting to know one another. 

Berean and Central have found yet another way to take advantage of the nesting state.  Central member Austin Anderton is teaching Sunday School class to young members of the Ethiopian Church this summer. 

Austin, a recent graduate of Highland Park High School, is looking forward to being a freshman at Texas Women’s University in Denton this fall. 

With nine years of dance experience in ballet and modern dance, Austin will study dance and work toward a degree in dance education. 

In the meantime, Austin is providing a stimulating class for the young Ethiopian members of Berean, sharing love, traditions, (and today birthday cupcakes) between the two cultures.