BUTLER TWP - The Rev. Dave West is one example of how churches are changing.

"Modern churches are no longer the building:

the church with the steeple pointing upward," he said, using the term "sanctunasiums" to explain how it is becoming increasingly common to meet in buildings where you can "move the chairs and play basketball."

As new groups form, many are meeting in non-traditional locations such as schools, shopping malls and other sites that accommodate the new groups during off-hours.

On Sunday, West officiated the first meeting of GraceWay Community Church, which met in the Days Inn on Route 8. West was formerly on staff at Christ's Outreach Church on Walker Avenue.

The new church, which West defines as an independent, nondenominational group, held its first "blended" service in the hotel's Heritage Room.

A blended service is halfway between a traditional service and a contemporary one, explained Peter Miller of Center Township, a member of GraceWay's music team.

A more traditional service would include standard hymns, while a contemporary one would utilize a praise band with drums. "Blended is halfway between the two," he said.

GraceWay currently has two electronic keyboards with vocalists, West said.

As far as the style of the services, West said his approach reflects his background, which includes 35 years with the Nazarene church.

"The only difference is this church is not attached to (the Nazarene church). Other than that, I would use the same doctrine, the same approach."

"My ministry is essentially about teaching and preaching. Those are probably my best skills," West added, noting GraceWay's first service reflected the upbeat enthusiasm he had envisioned.

"I want the church to be a church that teaches accurately - what we believe the word of God says. That presents a service and a message that brings people in the direction of God."

Edith McCandless of Connoquenessing Township is one of about 120 people who attended GraceWay's first service.

McCandless attributed the high attendance to word of mouth and West's reputation as a pastor.

"It was exciting. It was inspiring," she said of the service. "It was full of wonderful music, and a very, very well prepared message on the Pentecost."

McCandless said she also observed a promising coincidence surrounding the group's first meeting.

"The first chapter of Acts says there were 120 people with Peter, who was the founder of the first church. … And there we were having our first meeting of our (newly) founded church - and we had 120 people," she said.

As for future services, West said GraceWay will take shape as time progresses.

In addition to the meeting room, the first service was equipped with rented space for

infants and toddlers, and West said the group is working toward providing leadership for children.

"This is a wagon we build while we ride in it. If we want a youth group, we have to rent a room. … If we want a children's ministry, we have to rent a room.

"But already the demands for these are there. So we have to rise to that occasion somehow. We have to meet that need somehow.

"My ultimate goal would really be a positive spiritual force in our community," he added.

As far as what people can expect from GraceWay, West said, "They can expect to be addicted to the service. It's fun. It is literally fun. When people go out the door they are laughing. … It's a very positive upbeat service."

"People are generally very happy, enthused excited about what they believe," West also said about his views on religion and the church.

"I don't think religion is just a feel-good thing, but I do believe that if you can't feel good about what you believe, then you need to change what you believe."

When he is not pastoring, West works as a sales agent for American General Life and Accident Insurance. He is also a crisis outreach worker for Beaver County Disaster Recovery. West and his wife, Jeannie, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

GraceWay will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays at the Days Inn. For more information, call 724-283-1482.