Real Stories from The Altar Fellowship

Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Palmetto

Astrid Victoria

I've grown up participating in the Altar Fellowship's ministry and have been greatly honored to do so. It is a community-oriented fellowship that desires to honor the Lord through intentional care for the people in that community. I've learned so much about outreach and personal responsibility as a follower of Christ through the faithful leadership of this church. The Altar Fellowship is particularly interested in the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of youth, which is incredibly honorable and fruitful. I have personally seen the transformation of many lives and have myself been poured into by this ministry.

God bless the Altar Fellowship, and may the generous people of God continue to support this mission given by Him!

Eden

I had an unfortunate, life-changing circumstance when I was only 12 years old. I’ve known Gene McIntyre and some of the church members here for years but never actually had the opportunity to have a proper relationship until this event in my life. At this time I was a LOT to put up with (not exactly pleasant), yet this church family has welcomed me more than anybody has before- even more than my own family who I’ve lived with all my life. There’s truly no words to quite describe how grateful I am for The Altar Fellowship. If it weren’t for this group of wonderful leaders ministering to me, I would have still been in that same dark place which I’ve despised much. Not only did they show me the light of God and the Word, but they also helped me gain confidence (which I’ve always struggled with) and even taught me useful life skills. So thank you The Altar! I look forward to the future of this ministry!!

Amellia

Hi! My name is Amillia and I’ve been a supporter turned member turned leader of the Altar fellowship for about 3 years now. 4 years ago I met became friends with the person that would become my fiancé and soon to be husband! Upon meeting Jc I got introduced to the church that he had been apart of his whole life. At the time of meeting Jc I believed God was real but I couldn’t say I had a personal relationship with him, I was confused by all the “rules” of Christianity that made me uncomfortable and had pretty significant doubts but this guy I had met was not a “normal Christian” he was open minded and listened to my concerns and invited me to a small family church, and I went! When I went to this family church I realized non of them were my interpretation of “normal Christians” and this was no “normal church.” We were allowed to ask questions, have doubts openly without being criticized, we read the Bible in context and applied to history and modern day thinking all while having fun. I left FL after I visited church to finish high school in KY and I missed it everyday. When I finally graduated and moved to FL permanently, I got to work in the church, I love to sing but singing in church was a different experience, it was nerve racking but also freeing and gave way for true expression of the gift and passion that God gave to me. Singing and serving in church for Jesus brought a peace over me and my gift and quickly that peace spread to my entire life. I had never wanted to LIVE for Jesus but after learning about him and his will for us how can I not want to! In 2024, based on a growing relationship and deeper understanding of Christ I got baptized again at the Altar fellowship youth camp. The youth camp was another pivotal moment in my and many others lives. I gave us the opportunity to be raw, vulnerable and organic in our growth with God, youth and young adults with little to no relationship with Christ and some with a firm relationship with Christ got together to learn and play and understand God but also each other and the importance of having a Community. The Altar has been a home for me and my fiancé to foster a better relationship with God and each other and I want us to flourish again! Let’s work hard and open our doors! Love yall :)

Joeina

I have known Pastors John and Gene McIntyre since I was 16 years old, and I have always considered them my spiritual parents. They have walked beside me through every season of my parenting journey and every chapter of my life. They stood by me as a teenage mother, celebrated my accomplishments as I graduated from high school and college, and, most importantly, knelt beside me in prayer when the Almighty called my precious baby home.

Their love has been unwavering. They loved me when I was difficult to love, celebrated me when no one else did, and extended grace, compassion, and honor in ways that forever changed my life. Their faithfulness has been a living example of Christ's love, and I am deeply grateful for the countless ways they have poured into my life.

It has truly been one of the Almighty's greatest blessings to have John and Gene in my life. Pastor John leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and servant leadership that will continue to inspire so many. I miss him with my whole soul, and I will forever cherish the memories we shared. Those memories will remain close to my heart until we meet again!

JC

This church has blessed so many lives throughout the years and I believe through God’s will we can continue to make that happen. I pray that we can raise enough money to get this building and continue touching people’s hearts!

Every Journey Has a Place Here.

MB

When I first found Altar Fellowship, I was living in Florida. The pastors asked me to lead a Wednesday night emotional healing study, and honestly, I wasn't quite sure what I was walking into.At the time, the church met in their living room. It was small. It was simple. And it was exactly what I didn't know I needed. What I found wasn't just a church—I found a home away from home. From day one, I felt seen. I felt heard. I watched pastors who genuinely loved the people God had entrusted to them. They knew their congregation, cared about them, prayed for them, and walked alongside them through real life—not just on Sundays. Some of my closest friendships began in that living room, and years later, those friendships are still part of my life. If you're looking for a church where you can grow in your faith, be loved and supported, serve the Lord, and actually feel like you belong, stop looking. There's a place for you at Altar Fellowship.

Matthew

I attended the Altar Church's youth events while I was in middle and high school. It was at these events that I learned more about God's Word and plan for my life, as well as made lifetime friends that I still talk with and pray for. The Altar Church is already impacting people for the Gospel, and, Lord-willing, will be able to do so on a larger scale if their goal is met. I know God will work in others lives as He has in mine.