The Rev. Ben DeLong, left, and his co-pastor, John Brassell, display a sign at the Heritage Square Professional Building in Adams Township where the new Focus Community Church held its inaugural service on Sept. 9. About 60 people attended services at the nondenominational church.

ADAMS TWP — The focus of Focus Community Church will be the Bible.

The Rev. Ben DeLong, who left the staff of Mars Alliance Church to start up the new church, said about 60 people attended the inaugural service and lunch Sept. 9 at Heritage Square Professional Building on Crider Road.

DeLong said the casual, nondenominational services will center on biblical tenets.

"A lot of religion is mixed with the rules of man," said DeLong. "Our church will be based on the Bible and who Jesus is and having a relationship with God."

DeLong said services will be in the evangelical Christian style with an emphasis on multigenerational worship. DeLong will play keyboard, and his wife, Danielle, will be one of two singers to offer praise music during services.

He said former Roman Catholics will appreciate the services.

"It's a non-Catholic church for the Catholic family," said DeLong, explaining the service contains some liturgical elements but is more free and exciting than a typical Mass.

Joining DeLong on the staff of the fledgling church will be co-pastor John Brassell. DeLong explained that Brassell, who will act as the teaching pastor, also was interested in forming a new church in the Cranberry Township area.

DeLong said he has advertised Focus Family Church on the Internet and through word-of-mouth.

"Everyone is welcome," said DeLong.

Elwin Weaver of Gibsonia said he is excited about the new church because services and Christian education will be based on prayer. Weaver said he also respects DeLong after praying with him for one year.

"I see the hand of God (in DeLong)," Weaver said.

Weaver said southwestern Butler County is in need of a vibrant, Bible-based new church because residents are in the early stages of a much-needed spiritual awakening. He said many are tired of "doing church" and that churches that truly reach out to people are bursting at the seams.

"People want a church where Scripture is being preached," said Weaver.

Heritage Square Professional Building is near the intersection of Route 228 and Crider Road. Sunday services will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the building's lower level.

For more information on Focus Community Church, log onto www.focuscommunitychurch.org or call 724-612-4411.