Who we are
Our Story: A Legacy of Love and Unity
In 1881, a group of men and women from across major Christian denominations grew weary of religious division, legalism, and prejudice. They longed for unity—Christian unity—and a return to the simple, transformative message of Jesus. Inspired and led by visionaries like Daniel S. Warner and Mary Cole, they began a movement grounded in four core commitments:
Trusting the Holy Spirit as their sole guide.
Taking the Bible as their ultimate authority and Christ as their only creed.
Depending on God’s Spirit to unify Christians, beyond denominational lines.
Restoring holiness to the Church.
This humble yet powerful movement became known as the Church of God (with general offices in Anderson, IN). Today, it has grown into a global family with over 8,000 congregations, united by the same vision of love, faith, and unity. Among them was Oakland Mills Church of God in Columbia, Maryland—a congregation with a story of its own to tell.
On October 6, 1987, Rev. Dr. Marc A. Farmer and his wife shared a bold and God-given vision with a few faithful families:
“To serve and teach the Gospel to the meek, the brokenhearted, the captive, the bound, and the mourning” (Isaiah 61:1-3, John 12:32).
With Jesus as the foundation, these families formed a steering committee, committed to building a church that would continue the ministry Jesus started. On November 1, 1987, they gathered for their first worship service—a small but passionate community determined to witness the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ.
The Movement Reimagined
In 2015, Pastor Richard M. Smith, alongside his wife Camille and their family, answered the call to build on Rev. Farmer’s legacy. Through prayer, strategic vision, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, the church began re-positioning itself to become what it was always meant to be: a movement of love and transformation.
At the heart of this renewed vision is a profound and life-changing message:
“You are loved. You are worth dying for.”
In 2017, the church was officially restarted and became The Movement Church—a name that reflects its mission to continue the love movement that Jesus began and to disrupt the status quo with His radical love. Strategically located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., The Movement Church serves a diverse community, unified by its call to:
Teach uncompromisingly.
Love unconditionally.
Live unwaveringly.
Our goal is simple but life-changing: to mobilize passionate Christ-followers who will influence the culture, embody God’s love, and bring healing and hope to their communities.
A Kingdom Collective: United for Impact
In 2017, Pastor Richard forged a partnership with Pastor Rod Stafford of Fairfax Church, recognizing a shared Kingdom focus. This bond expanded into a collective that includes Clarksburg Church (Clarksburg, MD) and Fairfax Church (Fairfax, VA).
In 2020, The Movement Church joined the Fairfax Church Collective, a unique partnership of three churches with one mission:
To mobilize Christ-followers to love their neighbors and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven has come.
Though each church serves its distinct local community, we are united in vision, mission, and accountability. Together, we share resources, support, and a commitment to see our everyday places look more like heaven than earth.
Join the Movement
From a humble vision in 1881 to a powerful movement today, The Movement Church continues to proclaim and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. Whether you are searching, hurting, or ready to join hands in making a difference, you are welcome here.
Together, we can bring the message of hope, unity, and love to the world.
Will you join us on this journey?
