Our History

Everything God builds begins with a vision and Freedom Church Baltimore is no exception. In July 2009, our founder, Pastor Michael Crawford, followed God's call and moved his family from California to Baltimore to plant a gospel-centered church. A few weeks later, Freedom held its first public meeting at the YMCA on 33rd Street.

On September 6, 2009, Freedom began meeting at Garrett Heights Elementary School, and in January 2010, Freedom Church was officially launched.

In 2013, God provided a permanent home. Hazelwood Baptist Church, a once vibrant congregation, graciously gifted their building to Freedom. On November 3, 2013, Freedom held its first service at 5310 Hazelwood Avenue in Rosedale, Maryland and has been worshipping there ever since.

In November 2015, Pastor Jeremy Dickson joined Freedom Church as Campus Pastor, and that same year the elders cast a vision to plant a church and God honored that vision. In May 2018, a worship location was secured in Windsor Mill, Maryland, and the church plant was officially launched on August 26, 2018. On December 1, 2019, Pastor Jeremy Dickson was installed as Lead Pastor of Freedom Church.

Under Pastor Jeremy's leadership, Freedom continued to grow in depth, discipleship, and gospel impact throughout the Baltimore region. His tenure strengthened the church's commitment to making disciples through D-Groups, expository preaching, and community engagement. During this season, Pastor Gregory L. Barnes, Jr. was appointed Executive Pastor, joining Pastor Jeremy in providing leadership, pastoral care, and shepherding the day-to-day ministry of Freedom Church.

In January 2024, Pastor Jeremy concluded his tenure as Lead Pastor, finishing well after nearly a decade of faithful service to Freedom Church. That same month, Pastor Gregory L. Barnes, Jr. stepped forward in his role as Executive Pastor to provide continuity, stability, and gospel-centered leadership for the congregation during this season of transition.

Today, Pastor Greg leads alongside a team of gifted preaching and teaching elders who share the responsibility of opening God's Word each Sunday bringing diverse voices united around one gospel, one mission, and one church. Together with a dedicated ministry staff, they are committed to shepherding Freedom Church with integrity, collaboration, and a deep love for the people of Baltimore.

From meeting in a YMCA to becoming a thriving gospel community in Baltimore, Freedom Church continues to press forward, rooted in its founding DNA of Christ, Community, and Culture.