Student-led worship service

For the past few Saturdays, 50 or more college students have met at Lakeview Wesleyan Church to come together and worship.

ALTAR meets every Saturday at 7 pm and looks to college students from Indiana Wesleyan to lead their services.

Garrett Howell (fr) started the venue at his father’s church out of obedience to a vision that God gave him several months ago.

“Months ago, God began to put the picture of ALTAR in my mind. From that point on, He showed me what it was to look like, a little on how it should be structured, and who should lead it. It’s my job to tell others about that vision so it can be completed obediently,” said Howell.

Rather than a typical chapel service or worship venue, ALTAR has chosen to deviate from the norm.

“Our goal is to find the heart of God; it’s different than the regular chapel service, with its structure. We’re very intentional about seeking out God’s heart,” said Jeff Stuttler (jr) who helps lead worship for the ministry.

Through the endeavor, Howell’s prayer is that God brings students to a revival.

“I decided to start this ministry because I honestly felt God ask me to. God saw the need of this community, and I believe He called us to start ALTAR to help bring revival to Marion,” said Howell.

Lisa Massey (jr), one of the leaders in the ministry, felt God working in her life immediately at the meetings.

“God has given me a huge burden for the students here at IWU to know God’s goodness and abandon their lives for Him. And these last couple weeks at ALTAR, God has been able to fill my inadequacies with His love and grace, and I am left longing for more of Him,” said Massey.

Massey also sees how God works in other students attending the Saturday meetings.

“ALTAR has given students who are seriously hungering and thirsting for God’s presence in their lives a place to be encouraged to do that,” said Massey. “The power of the enemy has been broken in lives, amazing friendships have been started, and hearts have begun to long for more of God. He is so worthy of all the praise.”

Participants of ALTAR come from several different colleges and represent different classes.

“I was happy to see a good amount of freshmen there,” said Stuttler. “It is good to see that they are not waiting to seek Him. Many freshmen make the mistake of waiting.”

ALTAR will also look to get out into the community through prayer walks, work at the rescue mission, and clothing drives for the homeless.

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Tags: ALTAR

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 8:00 AM and is filed under News.
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