Student-Led Worship

Worship can happen anywhere — there are no parameters when two or more are gathered. In 2009, a group of Baylor students came together in a living room to pray on a weekly basis. Soon, others joined them to study scripture and worship. Today, Vertical Ministries is a non-denominational, student-led ministry that seeks to challenge college students to actively pursue an authentic and “vertical” relationship with God.

“Vertical’s mission has always been the same for the past 15 years: to reach the campus for the gospel,” Executive Director Myles Olenski, B.A. ’18, said. “Our mission statement is to ignite a passion in college students for Jesus Christ, His church and His mission around the world. We want people to know Jesus, we want people to be connected to His body, His church, and then we want people to go be effective missionaries wherever they go after they graduate.”

The 2024-25 academic year marked the 15th anniversary of Vertical and an anniversary celebration at Waco Hall. The evening included some of the original founders of the ministry along with volunteers, staff, friends and family from the last 15 years. 

The ministry continues to be led by students who are passionate about the gospel. 

“I love Vertical because it’s a beautiful place to truly worship and meet with God during the week. The volunteers and staff care so deeply about the gospel, Vertical’s mission and the community that is formed in this place,” junior Sarah Davis said. Davis serves on the student executive team as the vice president of compliance. “It’s such a powerful community at Baylor, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”