The Breath of Life Service had its small beginnings in the fall of 1996. Pastor Wesley Howard, along with Lay Leader Kevin Caraway, compiled a group of surveys that had been turned in from the congregation and saw a need for a casual, contemporary, “praise and worship” service. From the spoken needs of the church family, the Breath of Life Service was born. The service would begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m. Initially, the service was held in Heritage Hall and consisted of: “canned music” for praise and worship; a prayer request and praise time (when the offering plate was passed through the rows and gave each person present the opportunity to give a prayer request or praise); and a message of short, but powerful impact. With an average attendance at first of 15-20, a group of attendees gathered to give input on a mission statement or motto, and “Imperfect People Seeking God’s Perfect Peace” was agreed upon.

Shortly after the first year, a small group of musicians/singers started The Breath of Life Worship Team. From its beginnings, the group has evolved into a 10-member worship team that not only leads in worship on Sunday mornings, but has also traveled to area churches for revivals and special appearances and events for youth. The group has recorded and produced several CDs.

The Team is just that -- a team of many combined talents, of many ages, from many backgrounds and from several churches. What is evident is that when they all come together to lead in worship, everything works -- the Holy Spirit flows through the worshippers in sometimes joyful, sometimes peaceful and holy praise.

According to worship leaders Kevin and Debbie Caraway, “the Breath of Life Service evolved out of a desire to worship God in a contemporary, informal atmosphere and to reach out to people who might not otherwise set foot in a church. Many of the worshippers seek a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ. We believe that as we experience the reality of God’s presence in our lives, the natural response to God is worship. Therefore, the focus of the worship team is ‘vertical’ as we strive to express our love for God in the intimate and loving language of song.”

The early service has become a vibrant, growing, and important part of First United Methodist Church of DeLeon, with new visitors regularly appearing and an attendance record of 118. The service has proved flexible and moldable in line with our church’s guidelines and with the movement of God’s Spirit.