In 2000, Gregory Dutcher became Youth Pastor and eventually became Senior Pastor. Dutcher stepped in after Richard Shuey left his administrative role. Dutcher left unexpectedly to lead another church. 

In 2004, Pastor Dave Shive stepped back into leadership to assist the congregation in seeking a new pastor. From 2004-2006, Wright Proctor, John Harris, and Roscoe Adams served as substitute pastors while the congregation sought a permanent leader. 

In 2006, Loren Kraft became the lead pastor. Eventually, the church elders terminated Pastor Kraft, which caused a second split. From 2006 to 2008, Bob Vogel and other interim pastors led the church. This time of church division and searching for a new leader proved painful for the congregation.

In 2007, Stillmeadow developed the vision statement (include here). 

In 2008, Stillmeadow hired Pastor Dave Gehret. Pastor Gehret gave a trial sermon and decided to serve Stillmeadow only if 100% of the trustees voted for him.

In 1993, Pastor Joel Freeman stepped down from leadership, and the church appointed Dave Shive as Pastor. This created a church split, members followed Pastor Freeman in his departure. The church was losing members, and there was a significant need for leadership and members.

In 1994, Stillmeadow ended its partnership with Calvary Chapel and became independent again. Between 1994 to 1995, Stillmeadow transitioned into the Evangelical Free Church (EFCA).

In 1997, Stillmeadow became associated with the EFCA.

Pastor Dave Shive led from 1993 to 2004.

Pastor Dan Murill led as Youth Pastor from 1991 to 1995.

Pastor Mark Bogumill led from 1991 to 1995.

Mike Futrell became an Associate Pastor from 1996 to 1998.

In 1984, Pastor Joel and Laurie Freeman purchased a rancher situated on 10 acres of land between Ellicott City and Columbia on Stillmeadow Lane. 

In 1983, Stillmeadow Church won the softball league. The softball league was a form of ministry and a fun outlet for the church to maintain camaraderie. Stillmeadow played against banks, private companies, government teams, and churches. Stillmeadow had a longstanding rivalry with Coldwell Banker and defeated them in the 1983 championship. 

In 1986, Pastor Joel Freeman and members divested themselves from The Bible Speaks and became independent. They became Stillmeadow Church, named after Stillmeadow Lane, where the property was formerly located. 

In 1988, Stillmeadow placed a down payment on the current grand estate on 5110 Frederick Avenue. Stillmeadow sold their 10-acre property on Stillmeadow Lane for about 1 million dollars and made a deal with the Chesapeake Conference Association of Seventh Day Adventists and Chapelgate Presbyterian. Their agreement led to Stillmeadow’s acquisition of their current property, originally owned by the Chesapeake Conference Association of the Seventh Day Adventists on Frederick Avenue.

In 1995, church members paid off the rest of the balance they owed on their church property. Church members raised thousands of dollars by developing and selling bonds throughout Maryland County. To celebrate, they burned the mortgage paperwork in church service. 

On the first Sunday in June 1989, Stillmeadow held its first church service with around 38 members in attendance. The church had a strong preaching and music ministry. Pastor Freeman hand-picked his first elders who became the Ministry Council (who was on the council?). The Board of Trustees continued to be founding members (Lucine Young, Renee Tuck, and Joyce Swayne?).

From 1989-1991, Stillmeadow joined under the umbrella of Calvary Chapel, pastored by Pastor Chuck Smith. The church expanded so much in membership that it hosted two church services.

The Bible Speaks, a Christian nondenominational school and religious organization in Lenox, Massachusetts, is the parent church of Stillmeadow. The founder of The Bible Speaks, Dr. Carl Stevens, and members fled Massachusetts and settled in Baltimore to re-establish themselves. Once in Baltimore, The Bible Speaks split into two groups: one in East and one in West Baltimore. Pastor Steven Duff led the main group, which settled in East Baltimore. Pastor Joel Freeman, who recently graduated from The Bible Speaks training program, led the group in West Baltimore. Lucine Young, a founding member of the organization, opened her home on Belview Avenue for the West Baltimore group to hold church services. Joyce Swayne and Renee Tuck are founding members who led a bible study with praise and worship in Lucine Young’s home. When the church attendance began to overwhelm Young’s home, the members rented a Lantern Hills apartment to hold services. Pastor Joel Freeman, Laurie Freeman, and founding members expanded The Bible Speaks in Columbia, MD, holding church services in several places, including the Howard County YMCA, Waterloo Elementary, and intermittently in the basement of Pastor Freeman and Laurie Freeman’s house. While moving from place to place in Columbia, MD, they looked fervently for church properties to buy. 

Listen to Richard Shuey’s oral history to learn more!(include link here)

The property that Stillmeadow now lives on was built. (who built the property, and is this date correct?)