In response to what would become known as the Asbury University Revival, a pair of John Brown University student-athletes felt called to lead the campus body into its own form of spiritual renewal. What began by word of mouth, aided by a little bit of technology, and a group of students that wanted to provide a spontaneous opportunity to everyone to gather and worship, the 16 Minutes of Worship phenomenon at JBU was born in February 2023.

Inspired by his brother’s time in ministry at Wheaton College and the spiritual rejuvenation in Kentucky, men’s basketball guard Malachi Reeves, along with a few friends, felt an urge to create a space for authentic, unfettered worship. But how, amidst the demanding schedules and packed calendars of college life? Carving out an hour for structured worship, they realized, might feel like a luxury most students couldn't afford.

Enter volleyball middle blocker Julia Dinwiddie, Malachi's partner in this endeavor. With a practical perspective – but a passionate vision, she helped shape the nascent idea. "Sixteen minutes," she proposed, "that felt reasonable. It was a time commitment most students could manage, a short break from the academic grind that could provide a much-needed spiritual recharge." Those 16 minutes, they hoped, would be a seed, something that could blossom into a deeper connection with the Lord for students yearning for it.

The strategy for spreading the word was equally innovative. Forget flyers and posters – the pair leveraged the immediacy of the Remind app, sending out last-minute notifications about the location and time of each worship session. This spontaneity, coupled with word-of-mouth promotion, tapped into the student desire for something fresh and unexpected. It was an invitation that offered those interested a chance to break away from the routine for a brief, but transformative encounter with the Lord among their peers.

The first gatherings were tentative. A handful of students, drawn by curiosity or a yearning for something more, gathered on a townhouse porch, their voices hesitantly weaving together in simple songs of praise. But something remarkable happened. The tentative whispers grew into a chorus, the awkward silences filled with a palpable sense of reverence. So much so that “16 minutes” often extended to an hour. Malachi and Julia often heard those in attendance admi, "I was only planning to stay for 16 minutes," they would confess, "but I don't know why, I just couldn't leave." It was a sentiment many shared. 

As the chorus of those wanting to worship together grew, the balcony of Walker Hall became a resonant space, with voices raised in praise echoing across the campus quad. But the impact wasn't just about the music.

"An unexpected benefit was the sense of community that blossomed,” Dinwiddie admits. “What was so cool was that people were just longing to worship God, out of their free will. I think chapel and The Gathering are great things, but there is just something about seeing people worship God outside of those settings that just make it that much more beautiful."

For Malachi, the journey was one of personal growth and building new connections through shared worship. "Leading 16 Minute Worship stretched me in many ways," he reflects. "I had to trust the Lord, even when we weren't sure if things would work. I built a lot of relationships at these worship nights, and have been able to witness serious spiritual growth. I’m grateful to witness so much impact through such a simple thing.”

“All praise to God for listening to our cries and we will continue to pray that he will heal our generation.”

But the greatest reward, for both him and Julia, came from witnessing the transformation in others. "Seeing fellow classmates falling down in worship has truly just been a beautiful sight to see,” Julia beams. “People are longing to worship God. Since the Asbury revival, I have truly seen a change in peoples hearts.”

While the future of 16 Minute Worship remains uncertain as Malachi and Julia move on, the impact they've made is undeniable. The tandem led an effort to create a space for open expression of faith, fostering a sense of community and igniting a spiritual hunger within the JBU student body. Whether it continues in its current form or evolves into something new, one thing is clear – the 16 Minutes of Worship have left a lasting mark on the hearts and souls of many JBU students.

It's a testament to the power of faith, community, and the unexpected ways the Lord works in the lives of those who seek Him. It all started with a simple idea born of inspiration, a leap of faith, and 16 minutes carved out of a busy schedule. And what emerged was JBU’s own version of revival, a testament to the transformative power of shared worship in a community of believers.