Ministering to OSU students

Ecclesia is not only the Greek word for "church", but also the name of a new opportunity at First Baptist Church in Stillwater.

At 8 p.m. Sunday nights, the main auditorium of First Baptist Church is transformed into an intimate meeting place for young adults. A message from the Bible and worship music is provided. No slacks or dresses needed: come as you are. All are welcome at Ecclesia.

Jonathan Myers, a finance and accounting junior, is a member of the church's worship band and also one of the founders of Ecclesia.

Myers, along with his band members, said he approached Daniel Caceres, the youth pastor at First Baptist Church.

Caceres said they proposed an idea to start something that didn't feel like a typical church service, specifically for a college-age group.

Myers then conducted a survey for friends and acquaintances to ask what made they comfortable, or perhaps uncomfortable, at church.

"We read the answers and were able to see if people really wanted to be at a place where they could hear the Gospel (as well as) Bible stories but not necessarily be subjected to the man-made traditions of church,"

Caceres said. "On the surface we wanted a place where people don't have to dress up and where people aren't going to feel like they're being judged when they walk in the door."

Both Myers and Caceres encourage anyone interested should attend Ecclesia and bring friends as well; no church membership is required.

The later time is for those who don't enjoy waking up early on Sundays for church.

Ecclesia, which began Feb. 14, is held in the church's main auditorium but candles, rugs and dim lighting create a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, Caceres said.

The message presented by Caceres or Myers, who switch off each week, is from the Bible. Worship music is played afterward by the church worship band, Myers said.

Ecclesia lasts no longer than an hour.

Kristin Spaans, a marketing senior, attended Ecclesia and said she enjoyed the experience.

"Ecclesia is geared toward college students," Spaans said. "It's more personal for those who may be intimidated (of church); there's a greeter at the door and the speaker stands close to the group instead of far away at the podium."

Spaans said that Bibles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own. The Scriptures for the message are also displayed on a projector screen to easily follow along.

"We wanted to reach out and serve people in the community," said Myers.

Caceres said he hopes people feel welcome at Ecclesia even if they may have never been to a church before.

"We wanted to create an intimate space where people feel like they're coming to hear a story," Caceres said. "There are no expectations and no pressure; you can just listen."

Ecclesia will continue through the semester and possibly next fall depending on its growth, Caceres said.

"We'd like to spread the word (about Ecclesia)," Caceres said. "I want to get rid of the negative feelings about the church and focus on the message of the Gospel."