Whoever said “nothing good happens after midnight” never experienced Midnight Worship at University Baptist Church’s sanctuary on a Friday night. Each week, students who attend different schools and belong to different denominations join in a student-run midnight worship service.
Midnight Worship began last semester when Roy Cervantes, a senior health-promotions major from McAllen, wanted a change in student worship.
“It came about as an attempt to fill a need that I saw in Abilene to unite the body of Christ across the denominational gap,” he said. “After discussing with friends how to go about making change, Midnight Worship was born.”
Students gather to participate in a service of “mixed worship.” Worshiping through art, preaching, communion, a capella and instrumental worship, Midnight Worship’s mission is to not be governed by a specific church tradition, it is simply something extra for students to come together and worship God, said Cervantes.
The after-hours event has a diverse crowd averaging around 70 students.
“The community that students get at Midnight is unreal,” said Cervantes. “It crosses all social barriers and diffuses stereotypes.”
Christian Martinez, junior worship ministry major and Abilene native, also serves in organizing this weekly event. He sees Midnight Worship as a chance for students to worship with a different crowd, powered by spirit and java shots.
“The students are always exhausted, but that’s what I love about Midnight Worship,” he said. “Since the first night we’ve found that God was moving in a very powerful way and it’s based solely on the exhaustion of the people. When you’re exhausted, your defenses are down, your strength is drained and the only hope you have left to get you through the night is your worship to Jesus. God is strong when we are weak, and Midnight Worship is a testimony to that.”
The service is providing students a refreshing and positive activity for an Abilene Friday night, said Cervantes. Midnight Worship meets on the third floor of University Baptist Church every Friday and. They also have a Facebook page displaying updates on the night-owl service.
“It blows my mind that students continue to come out and worship with us at a ridiculous hour on their Friday night, “said Cervantes. “I believe that Midnight Worship can act as a catalyst for college students on their faith journey for becoming fully devoted Christ-followers.”
