Pastor Chuck Bernal was born in Nashville, Tennessee and grew up in south Florida. 

He grew up in a dysfunctional family with two alcoholic parents. He became a Christian during the “Jesus Movement” in the early 1970’s and was radically transformed. 

With a newfound purpose for living, Chuck embarked on a journey of following Christ. He finished high school and began college not really knowing what the future held for him. 

In 1976, he entered the ministry as the youth pastor of his home church in Lake Park, Florida where he worked until graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1979. It was during this time he met his wife, Carolyn, who was a widow with three daughters. Falling in love and sensing God’s leadership, they married in 1980. 

Chuck and Carolyn moved to Fort Worth where Chuck began graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. During his seminary years, Chuck served in several churches, and ultimately became the pastor of B. H. Carroll Baptist Church in 1982. During this same period of time, he and Carolyn became the proud parents of two daughters – bringing the total number of girls to five – with two female dogs! He graduated with a Master’s of Divinity degree in 1983. 

In 1987, Chuck and Carolyn moved to Michigan where they started two churches in seven years. Their time in Michigan was very special and it was difficult to leave the many wonderful friends they had made over the years. But God was leading them back to Fort Worth. 

In 1994, Chuck formed a team to begin Discovery Church which officially opened on Easter Sunday, 1995. In the ensuing 11 years, Chuck and Carolyn have had some great joys and some personal challenges. The four oldest daughters are all married and there are nine grandchildren to keep track of. A fifth wedding is planned for 2007. 

Beginning in 2000, Pastor Chuck faced some severe physical challenges with the onset on an unknown neurological disease that left him with weakness and some mobility problems. At the onset, the disease left him confined to a wheelchair, but with continued therapy and hard work, he is now able to walk with a cane. 

In 2006, Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. With surgery, she has been declared “cancer free”. Although these challenges tested their faith, Pastor Chuck and Carolyn have emerged stronger and more committed than ever. In 2006, Chuck began teaching Middle School English and Reading in the Fort Worth Independent School District. As with every new challenge, he has grown personally and professionally in this role. 

Pastor Chuck has always loved sports and before his physical problems started, he was active in playing tennis, racquetball and golf. He is an avid singer/songwriter and plays guitar. He loves to read and surf the net. Carolyn loves antiques, cooking, sewing and others “crafty” pursuits. Their greatest joy comes from knowing God, having a close, loving family and seeing people’s lives changed. 

PASTOR CHUCK – FAST FACTS

Favorite Movie – It’s A Wonderful Life
Favorite Band – The Beatles
Favorite Food - Everything – but he likes a good steak!
Favorite Fun Activity – Playing Guitar
Favorite Authors – Max Lucado & Chuck Swindoll
Favorite Songwriter – Paul Baloche
Favorite Vacation - Family Trip To California

Music he's listening to: The Beatles  – “LOVE”

What you never knew about him:
Used to run 5 miles everyday

Person he’d like to spend a day with
(besides family!) – Rick Warren