In June 1988 Pastor Karen was ordained an elder in a Word of Faith Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Preaching since age 17, she went on to minister all over Baltimore and surrounding areas as an evangelist. Her initial sermon was preached in December of 1976 at Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where she had been a member since birth.

December 1999 Pastor Karen came under the covering of Bishop T. D. Jakes in preparation for opening the church doors in April of 2000.

On April 9, 2000, under her leadership, Set the Captives Free Outreach Center (STCF) opened at the Comfort Inn, in Woodlawn, Maryland. The church opened with five adult members and seven children. It continues to grow rapidly to this day. The current membership is 2,000.

On August 8, 2000, God blessed STCF with a 3,000 square foot fully equipped facility at 9816 Liberty Road, Randallstown, Maryland. The Lord continued to show favor, attendance was steadily increasing, the word was alive, lives were being changed, and marriages were being restored. This resulted in the need for multiple services. Even with the new worship schedule of an 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. there was no more room to seat the members, regular attendees and visitors.

In January, 2001, LIBERTY was launched. LIBERTY is STCF’s television outreach which airs every Sunday at 8:30am on the WORD Network Internationally and WNUV channel 54 in the Baltimore-Washington, Delaware and Pennsylvania markets God continued to show favor, increasing weekly viewer-ship from just a few thousand to over 15, 000 today. Pastor Karen was the first woman pastor asked to preach on the local television program “Grace & Glory” which airs on the ABC affiliate in Maryland ,channel 2, Sundays at 7:00 a.m. She is the guest preacher every second Sunday of the month at 7:40 a.m.

Pastor Bethea was reordained at the Potter's House on October 12, 2002. She is a member of PHIPA (The Potter's House International Pastor's Alliance) and is under the covering of her spiritual father Bishop T. D. Jakes of Dallas, Texas.

In November of 2002, Pastor Karen stepped out on faith again as God blessed STCF with a 33,000 sq. ft. facility, located in Woodlawn, Maryland. The building had been a clothing warehouse and was but a shell. With God’s favor and the faithfulness of the STCF church family fulfilling their pledges, part of the building was quickly converted into a 1,000 seat sanctuary.

In August 2005, after renting with the option to buy, STCF purchased the facility. At that time renovation completion began. It was an exciting time as the church family witnessed weekly changes to the former warehouse!

February 2006-Pastors renewed their vows for their 25th wedding anniversary! The ceremony took place on a Sunday morning. It was beautiful and kicked off lots of weddings at the church.

In April 2006, STCF completed the renovation of 7111 Windsor Boulevard. The 33,000 square foot building now contains a 1,000 seat sanctuary with state of the art screens and technology, offices, multipurpose rooms, a kitchen, the church bookstore, the nursery, a baptismal chapel, The Mays-Woodson Christian Academy educational wing complete with brand new child accessible bathrooms, a state of the art television studio and a state of the art recording studio built by a leader in the industry, Jonathan Lesane. God has really been good to STCF!

In April 2006, STCF also launched its record label, “Flow of the Spirit Records.” The first artist, Deaconess Deborah Scott, was signed in May and her first recording is scheduled to hit the market January 2007! It is being produced by Pastor Gary Wyatt of Seattle, Washington. She was featured at the Women’s Conference in May 2006. Her demo, “Center of His Will,”produced by Jonathan Lesane, sold out!

On April 12, 2006 the completed building was officially dedicated to the Lord in a special service with Pastor Karen’s pastor and covering, Bishop T. D. Jakes, of the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. Bishop Jakes wept as he prophesied about STCF’s future and all the lives that will be changed through this ministry!

In September 2006, STCF opened its school, the Mays-Woodson Christian Academy, headed up by Pastor Linwood Bethea. Staffed with state certified, spirit filled instructors and certified by the state of Maryland, the school provides a high quality Christian education for children from Pre-K to 2nd grades. Grades 3-4 will be added in the fall of September 2007. The Summer Enrichment Program which runs June-August is now in its’sixth year and is an extension of the school.

January 2007-Mays Woodson Christian Academy was featured in the Grace & Glory magazine.

March 2007- Former Olympian Dominique Dawes participated in our “Fitness & Wellness Conference!” This conference was hosted by our very own Charles “Chizel-It” Harris (http://www.chizelit.com) and Sister Frances Cuesta .

April 2007-Debbie Scott’s CD-“Getting Your Life Back”-was released on the “Flow of the Spirit” record label.

April 2007-The Nation of Men, Men’s Ministry built a playground for our school, Mays- Woodson Christian Academy

April 2007-Our pastors were featured on the front cover of the Grace & Glory magazine.

May 2007- Dr. Karen graduated with a Masters in Theology and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity two weeks later from Saint Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida.

May 2007 STCF hosted an HIV/AIDS town hall with the NBA’s own Earvin “Magic” Johnson, formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson was the keynote speaker at the town hall meeting held at Set the Captives Free on the HIV epidemic in the Baltimore-Washington Region. This ministry is committed to assisting those living with this health challenge.

June 2007 -Father Snowden’s book of poetry was released!

August 2007 –As a LITE Class project, the church held its first “Back to School Jam” in conjunction with FEED THE CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL. Mayor Dixon and other city officials were in attendance. One thousand families were fed and school supplies were given to children. The One Hundred Black Men of Maryland partnered with the church for this outreach.

August 2007-Enrollment at the Mays Woodson Christian Academy increased by 100%.

October 2007-Our pastors were the recipients of a Faith Based “Vision Award” from their alma mater, Coppin State University. They were honored in a ceremony with special guests Nancy Wilson and Bill Cosby.

December 2007 –A new community partnership was formed. STCF hosted Christmas Galas for 3 area senior citizen homes. Guests were treated to a wonderful luncheon courtesy of the Forum Caterers, ministry performances, and toiletry gift bags.

January 2008-Mays Woodson Christian Academy was featured in Grace & Glory magazine.

February 14, 2008-Pastor Karen’s dvd “Courtship versus Dating” experienced record sales.

April 2008-Apostle Gary Wyatt and the Jackson Sistas were in concert at STCF for the 8th Church Anniversary.

April 2008- “Incense” Young Adult Ministry was birthed. It is an innovative approach to ministering to the 20-30 year old parishioners. It features biblical teaching followed by after parties at area recreational spots and restaurants.

June 2008-The West Baltimore Clergy United was formed. It consists of a group of pastors on the west side of Baltimore who understand that the day of ministry in isolation is over. They have combined their resources to meet needs in the western corridor of Baltimore City/County. They are avid supporters of Coppin State University and other area causes. The WBCU is committed to increasing the quality of life for the residents of Baltimore.

June 2008-Youth weekend was a power packed event. This year’s featured guests were Pastor Glenn Walters, the Mime Boyz, and the STCF Youth Drama Ministry.

July 2008-With an overwhelming number of parishioners attending bible study, (700+) we had to move our bible study to the neighborhood middle school in order to accommodate all of the classes and the summer bible school for youth. We formed a partnership with Windsor Mill Middle School. The principal, Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympian Michael Phelps, welcomed us with open arms.

August 2008-Mays Woodson Christian Academy’s enrollment increased by 12% . The school also added 4th grade and will add 5th grade in 2009.

September 2008-STCF along with the West Baltimore Clergy United held the annual “Back to School Jam” in conjunction with Feed The Children International. The event took place on the campus of Coppin State University. It was a tremendous day. Twelve hundred families were fed and two thousand school supplies were given away to area residents in need. Ministry performances from the combined churches went on all day. In addition to the food distribution, we addressed prayer and health needs of area residents.

September 2008-Frank Clark, from the department of Juvenile Services, came and addressed the problem of gang violence in the community. His presentation made parents and children aware of the dangers of this new epidemic.

October 2008-October is our annual Celebration of the Arts Month. Each Sunday a different ministry was highlighted from dance, to vocal music, to the spoken word, and drama.

December 2008-STCF holds Senior Galas every December at area Senior Citizen Centers. The day consists of ministry performances by the STCF Shekinah Dancers, David’s Daughters dancers, STCF adult choir, the preached word by STCF ministers, meals sponsored by the Forum Caterers, and toiletry gift bags given to each resident. It is something the seniors look forward to each year.

December 2008-STCF formed a partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Health and is now an approved HIV testing site. Free testing is offered on Wednesdays without an appointment.

March 2009-David Miller, of the Urban Leadership Institute, held a panel discussion with Dr. Karen entitled, “Help, I’m Raising My Son Alone.” It was a powerful Sunday as they dealt with the struggles of raising African American males alone. As a result of this powerful time, “Operation Timothy,” a mentoring program for boys ages 12-17, was birthed. “Virtuous Steps,” a mentoring group for young women ages 15-21, was also introduced.
March 2009 our pastors were on the cover of Grace & Glory again.

April 2009-The church celebrated its’ 9th Anniversary with guest preacher Dr. Monique Flemings from Chicago, Illinois.

June 2009-STCF held its annual Celebration of Manhood with guest therapist, motivational speaker, and author of “How To Love A Black Man,” Dr. Ronn Elmore and guest psalmist Kevin LeVar.

May 2009-Dr. Karen formed the empowerment group for women, “Women Who Soar.” It is an international women’s empowerment team of female pastors from around the globe. (www.thewomenwhosoar.com)

May 2009-STCF formed a partnership with the Baltimore Department of Aging. The Seniors Ministry of STCF is now partnering with them to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in and outside the congregation.

June 2009-“Brace for Impact” Youth Weekend featured Pastor Tim Ross, of the Potter’s House and the Mime Boyz of Orlando Florida.
August-WBCU sponsored a prayer breakfast that raised $20,000 for Coppin State University scholarships.

August-The Mays Woodson Christian Academy increased in enrollment once again and added 5th grade.

September 2009-The 3rd Annual “Back to School Jam” was held at Coppin State University and sponsored by the West Baltimore Clergy United. Thousands of families were fed and thousands of school supplies were given away.

November-Newly formed partnerships include: YIT (Youth In Transition) School, Office of Community Conservation/Baltimore County Department of Homeless Care.

December 2009-The Senior Galas were held at the 3 senior centers again this year. The seniors really appreciated the loving attention and generosity.