STAFF & LEADERSHIP
We have a passion for people, our area and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.
RICHARD BERRY
PASTOR
Pastor Richard was born in Indianapolis, IN into a preacher's family. At age 11, the family moved to Elkton, MD in 1971, where his father (Rev Tom Berry) accepted the call to pastor Baptist Bible Church. Richard came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as a teenager, surrendering his life to God while a junior in high school and became a leader in the church youth ministry.
After graduating from Elkton Christian School, Richard attended college at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN, graduating in May of 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible. During that time, he pastored his first church, "Monteagle Mountain Baptist Chapel." The August after his graduation, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Shepherd of Elkton, MD. In January of 1986, Richard and Sandy moved to Forth Worth, TX, enrolling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Richard was licensed to the ministry by Rosen Heights Baptist Church in November of 1986 and served in several different ministry roles, including single adults, youth and music. He graduated in May of 1989 with a double master's degree: Master of Divinity and Master of Religious Education. In March of 1989, they welcomed their first child, Justin, who tragically passed away shy of five months later from a serious heart condition. Richard and Sandy moved back to Elkton, MD and began serving alongside of his father at Baptist Bible Church and was ordained in July of 1991. Their family was blessed with four more children: Jessica, Austin, Julia and Jeanette.
Richard and his father planted "Truth Chapel" in 1997 and he was bi-vocational until becoming lead pastor after his father's retirement. Richard has served as a volunteer chaplain for Union Hospital for 20 years, served 18 years in the Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary) as a squadron chaplain and wing chaplain for the state of DE, obtaining the grade of Major. Currently, he serves as volunteer chaplain for the Cecil County Sheriff's Department and president of Truth Helpers, Inc, a non-profit organization supporting mission work around the world. Before accepting the pastorate at Faith Southern Baptist Church, Richard worked fulltime for seven years as a hospice chaplain in Cecil County.
His hobbies include hiking the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor activities: hunting, shooting sports, NASCAR and "working with my hands" in several trades.
RICHARD GRANT
HEAD DEACON
Richard has been a member of Faith Southern Baptist Church since it started over 30 years ago. He has faithfully served the church in many different areas, especially during the course of selecting a new pastor. Richard served on our Pastoral Search Committee and was the lead individual who organized all of the details during that process. We are thankful he's part of our body of believers; he has been the glue that held us together.
PEGGY HEVERIN
CHURCH TREASURER
Peggy not only is the Church Treasurer with all that entails, but she performs many behind-the-scenes tasks ... too many to list here. (Pastor Richard has referred to her as his "Go to person.") Peggy served on our Pastoral Search Committee and took care of all of the correspondence required, financial needs/questions and many other duties. She truly is a blessing to our many areas of ministry. Peggy herself is a "treasure."
MONICA RICHARDSON
CHURCH SECRETARY
Monica volunteered to fill in as Secretary shortly before the previous pastor retired in October of 2022. She majored in business classes at Temple Christian School and has worked in the field of business since 1977. She also serves on the P&W Team and has loved music since she was a child.
DONNA SHELLENDER
MUSIC/WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Donna has been involved in church music most of her life. She started singing in church when she was six years old; she sang in the church choir, a youth girls' trio and led the music in her youth department. While in college she was the soloist for the college choir and sang in a ladies' trio. She graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO with a degree of "Graduate of Music." For over 50 years, Donna has worked in the church, both in the capacity as music director and as church secretary, in several local churches. She leads our Praise & Worship Team every Sunday and puts many hours into our music program, as well as plays the church keyboard. She also serves on our Leadership Team.
BILL RICHARDSON
SOUNDMAN
Bill takes care of all our audio needs by running the church soundboard, as well as helps with some of the video. He has worked in this capacity in churches for over 45 years. He loves music so this is a great spot for him. Bill recently spent several weeks assisting on installing a new sound system for the church. He also serves as a Deacon Assistant and was part of the Pastoral Search Committee. One word to describe him would be "faithful."
ERIC ELDRETH
IT PERSON
Eric takes care of the church needs dealing with our FB cameras and FB page, wi-fi upgrades, PC upgrades, helping with the website, as well as other audio and video needs as they arise. He also serves on the Leadership Team. Eric always finds time to help with the needs of the church even though he runs his own FT business.
PASTOR RICHARD & WIFE, SANDY
Pastor's wife, Sandy, works full-time for the Cecil County School District; however, she also helps in areas of his ministry. She assists with the Ladies Bible Study/Prayer Meetings when available, as well as helps the ladies organize our church events/functions. Sandy also sings special music and occasionally with the P&W Team. The area of prayer is most dear to Sandy's heart and she leads a group on Sunday mornings before the service in praying for the Holy Spirit's presence and power to move in our midst.
