Who We Are ? A Non-Denominational Church
in Sarasota & Bradenton
The Altar Fellowship began over 17 years ago and has grown under God's mercy and guidance. Today, more than ever before, we are positioned and determined to advance the Kingdom of Heaven in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, and wherever God sends us.
After the unexpected passing of our beloved founding pastor, John McIntyre, in 2021, we grieved — but we did not retreat. Pastor Gene McIntyre and her sister, Pastor Lacey Kramer, now boldly co-lead The Altar as a Spirit-led, Bible-preaching, non-denominational church with a burning desire to see people encounter God and live transformed lives.
You are invited into the story. Whether you join us in person, request prayer online, or simply watch our services — you are part of The Altar family. If God is stirring you to support this mission or help reach the next generation, we promise — your investment in the Kingdom will not be wasted.
At The Altar, the needs of people and the majesty of God intersect — and there is always room for one more.
Sisters on Mission — Spirit-Led Leadership in Sarasota & Bradenton
Pastors Gene and Lacey are sisters — not just by blood, but by calling. When Gene’s husband and The Altar’s founding pastor passed unexpectedly, Lacey had no plans to step into leadership — until God made the assignment undeniable. Today, they lead side by side as a Spirit-led, non-denominational church in Sarasota, Bradenton & Palmetto, committed to preaching the gospel with boldness, restoring biblical truth, and equipping a generation to encounter God and live transformed lives.
In Loving Memory of John C. McIntyre
(1961–2021)
Let’s start like rebels: John didn’t like being called “Reverend.” He was simply John—a wonderful man, husband, father, brother, friend, pastor, and relentless truth-teller who loved God and people with his whole life.
Born August 1, 1961 in Madison, WI, John grew up in Pardeeville/Beaver Dam—playing sports, doing theater (Dr. Caius, no less), debating anyone brave enough, and perfecting the art of the good prank. He earned a degree in Director of Church Ministries from Concordia University, served as a CNA with deep compassion, pastored, and chaplained at Blake Memorial—showing up where pain lived and bringing hope.
At 19, after reviewing world religions like a careful scholar, John got honest with God on his mom’s couch and surrendered. From then on, he walked with Jesus—studying Scripture voraciously, serving with InterVarsity, and later ministering across churches and communities. He loved a good argument, welcomed door-to-door missionaries inside (game on), and pushed everyone to think, test, and truly know the Word.
With his beloved Gene (Lilia Geneva), whom he famously married “four times, no divorces,” John founded The Altar in their living room in 2008. Together—with Astrid Victoria and JC—they fed neighbors, sang carols door to door, crossed denominational lines, and kept the mission simple: “We love God. We change lives.”Â
John delighted in his children’s growth, wrote hundreds of love letters to Gene, and cheered Wisconsin sports like an Irish poet at a playoff game. He was fiercely thoughtful, funny, and faithful.
John stepped into the Heaven he trusted on September 2, 2021. We miss him deeply—and we carry the flame. The mission continues here at The Altar, with the same gritty love and clear Gospel he lived. And yes: we will see him again.
