Isabella Andrews, a passionate and dynamic young leader, has been serving as the Director of Student and Worship Ministries at Faith Evangelical Free Church since the fall of 2024. From a young age, Andrews, the youngest of three siblings, was encouraged to develop her leadership skills, particularly since both of her parents were involved in ministry. She was given opportunities to lead and use her gifts in ways that honored God and in middle school, Andrews joined the worship team at a church plant in her hometown, where she began to hone her musical and leadership abilities. As she continued to serve on the youth worship team, Andrews realized that leading worship was the calling the Lord had placed on her life. Though she gave her life to Christ at the age of five, Andrews shared that much of her early life was spent going through the motions, without fully understanding the depth of what Christ had done for her. These struggles now help her connect with young people who are facing similar challenges.
“I struggled in middle school and questioned my faith. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I truly made my faith my own,” she admits.
Andrews shares her vision for the youth of Faith Free Church, saying, “My vision for the youth ministry over the next year is to see the youth use their gifts to serve the church.” She emphasizes, “I believe the biggest part of being a leader is to train up other leaders. I want to encourage students to recognize their gifts and find ways to use those gifts to bring glory to God.”
As she leads the youth in worship, Andrews is eager to see what God has planned for them. “What excites me the most about leading the youth in worship is when they respond in outward expressions of worship,” she says. “I love to see them worship through service, sharing the Gospel with their classmates, prayer, and using their gifts to better the Kingdom of God.”
Andrews continues, “My biggest goal for the youth group is to see most, if not all, of the students, be willing to go therefore and make disciples, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20. I firmly believe that if we are believers in Christ, we have a duty to spread the Gospel in word, deed, attitude, and action. However, many Christians, especially young Christians in their early teens and twenties, struggle to do so for fear of being judged or ridiculed by their peers. My ultimate goal is to encourage the youth not to be afraid of what people think but to be excited and confident in Christ Jesus, who lives in us.”
Andrew’s role as Worship Director will allow her to lead the congregation in praise and worship, bringing her musical gifts to the forefront. She will be guiding the church’s worship team in creating meaningful and powerful worship experiences as she aims to provide an atmosphere in which people can approach the Lord in true, expressive worship, not caring what people think or how they may be perceived.
“I think we, as human beings, tend to get caught up in what we look like, what other people are doing, and what other people think, so we are afraid to be outwardly expressive in our worship. My vision is to provide a place on Sunday mornings where people can leave their discomfort at the door and let loose in worship,” she explains. She shares that her biggest goal for the worship team is to see a majority of the congregation feel free to engage in outward expressions of worship. “Part of worship is setting aside your worries to approach the Lord in true humility,” she states. “That goes for all forms of worship, whether that be prayer, service, or music. I think of David in 2 Samuel 6:14-22, who danced before the Lord with all his might, not caring if he was judged or ridiculed.
While recognizing that everyone has their own way of worshiping, Andrews encourages others to embrace a more charismatic expression.
“Jesus died and rose for you. He gave His life to save you just because He loves you. That’s a big deal—you don’t have to be afraid to dance in the joy and freedom given to you through Christ.”
A recent graduate of Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota where she double majored in Worship Ministry and Christian Studies with a minor in Psychology, Andrews has already made a significant impact in the Faith Free Church community with her energy, creativity, and dedication to serving others. With a deep-rooted faith and a natural talent for leadership, Andrews’s appointment is seen as a blessing by many in the congregation and they are thrilled to have Andrews join the team and looks forward to the bright future ahead with her leadership. Pastor Matt Miklas shares that Andrews has brought a passion for worship and energy to the youth program.
“I appreciate her heart and love for the teens specifically and the Church overall. We are blessed to have her.”
Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jaime Barth agrees that Andrews is a great addition to the youth at Faith Evangelical Free Church.
“She can connect with the kids on their level as well as showing a strong sense of Godly leadership to the young generation.”
“The people at Faith Free Church have been a great encouragement,” Andrews said of her time at the Church. “When I first arrived, they greeted me with cards, gifts, and words of encouragement. They have supported me through their kind words and prayers. It’s a blessing to see the love of God move through the people at Faith Free.”
With her passion, talent, and heart for service, Isabella Andrews is sure to make a lasting impact on Faith Free Evangelical Church, helping to guide the next generation in their faith and leading the congregation in powerful worship experiences.
Andrews warmly invites any teens interested to join the youth group. Youth in grades 6 through 12 meet on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m., where they take part in games, small group discussions, and other activities designed to foster a strong sense of community and faith.
For more information about Faith Evangelical Free Church or their Youth Group meetings, call 715-644-2001, visit their website at faithfreestanley.org, or follow them on Facebook at Faith Evangelical Free Church Stanley.