Jared Doty, a junior at Cornerstone University majoring in youth ministries and Bible, is working through Evensong as a Spiritual Formation intern.

Doty grew up in a catholic home, but it wasn’t until he was 16 that he became serious about his faith.

“[My faith] wasn’t just a head knowledge of God, but it really started transforming me,” Doty said.

As he started seriously living out his faith day-by-day, his interest in leading worship grew.  He taught himself how to play guitar in high school and got involved leading worship as soon as he could.

“I got involved in my youth group doing worship leading, and learned a lot through that. I got to learn a lot from [my youth group leader] in high school. He taught me a lot of things,” Doty said.

In the church he grew up in, musically worship was more structured. When Doty entered Cornerstone University, he experience a new way of worshipping God through music.

“When I was a freshman, I basically had my jaw dropped with Evensong, because I never had worship experiences like that in high school, coming from a pretty small area. Seeing this big level but still focused-on-God worship gathering was a really cool thing for me,” Doty said.

Evensong had such an impact on Doty that he decided to get involved as soon as he could. He became an intern in Spiritual Formation.

“It’s been a blast this year, working with great people; crazy, passionate people, and being together with them is really sweet,” Doty said.

Doty has learned a lot through his three years as a college student and through being an intern.

“I am very passionate about worship. Not just musical worship, but worshipping with my life, and just learning and continuing to grow in a life of obedience to God. Not just this mediocre Christian life where its Christian in name, but no fruit in the life, but actually living for the glory of God in everything I do,” Doty said. “It’s one of those things that God continues to reveal to me. I’ve learned that life is very humbling,” Doty said.

Those who work with Doty in Evensong can see God working through him.

“He tells us the truth, whether good or bad, when necessary. Our group is strong and he assists in keeping the group connected and encouraging us when we are slacking every once in a while,” said Travis Wesseldyke, a junior majoring in business management, and also the bass guitarist in Evensong.

Doty was considered a “class clown” in high school because he has a fun-loving, goofy nature.

“He knows how to have fun!  He just knows how to keep things breathable while still getting down into uncomfortably serious territory. Even when he’s had to give me a pep talk or two he’s been able to not leave me without a good laugh,” said Dave Geroux, a junior majoring in Bible. He plays the cowbell, keyboard, and vocals in Evensong.

Doty is very passionate about people; He loves going to lunch with various people and just getting to know them.

“I think one thing that separates him from the pack is that even in his busy schedule, he takes time for others. He has classes, Evensong, homework, and all these other things, but he still takes time to hang out with his friends,” said Jeffery Bodtke, a junior in the business marketing program.

One of Doty’s primary focuses has to do with wedding bells ringing in the near future.

“My next step is being married, which I’m really excited about,” he said. “God has placed a wonderful, beautiful woman in my life for me to love and cherish, and I’m looking forward to doing that,” Doty said.

Cali Sherwood and Doty will wed on June 6, 2009.

“He is so sweet, so gentle, so patient, so loving towards me. He is strong, and he’s trustworthy of my heart,” Sherwood said. “He’s shown me over the past two years that he loves Jesus so much more than he loves me, and I am so excited to follow him as he follows Christ.”  Cali Sherwood is a junior majoring in Family Studies. She plays the keyboard and sings in Evensong.

Others also see his Christ-centered relationship with Cali.

“He serves her in such a Christ-like way that sets a great example for all men on campus to take note of when and if the Lord leads them into such a season like engagement. I know I’m taking notes in case that day comes,” Geroux said.

Though their future is uncertain, Doty doesn’t hesitate to trust God with what he will do after college.

 “I could see myself jumping into a music ministry or youth ministry type position in a church while going to seminary. That’s a possible option. Most likely, I’m considering seminary. Wherever God leads Cali and I, I am willing to go,” Doty said.