FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Approximately 200 Soldiers, Family Members and Fort Drum community members gathered Sunday at the Main Post Chapel to worship in what is called Chapel Next, the post's newest service.

Chapel Next is a contemporary, casual and Christ-centered chapel service that has found a following at several Army installations, including Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Jackson, S.C.; Fort Campbell, Colo.; Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Lee, Va.

"Church shopping sometimes can be as challenging as shopping for a car," said Chaplain (Maj.) Darrick Gutting, deputy division chaplain. "It's important to find a good fit. After a permanent change of station, finding a faith community like the one you just left can take some time. Many folks at Fort Drum are happy to welcome Chapel Next to the North Country community."

"The Chapel Next Fort Drum community started last spring with a small core group of people who were dedicated to strengthening their Christian faith and living as sincere Christians in the midst of their community," Gutting commented.

The current lead pastors, Chaplain (Capt.) Dave Christensen and Chaplain (Capt.) David Arthur, are excited to see people growing in their faith together.

"While it's always exciting see numerical growth and new faces every Sunday," Christensen said, "what's been most exciting is seeing the spiritual growth that has taken place at Chapel Next over the last six months. In fact, some of the most encouraging signs of this growth are the volunteers who have stepped up and taken on leadership roles. It shows us they look at Chapel Next as their chapel and not just a chapel they attend."

One person excited with the service is Lexie Brasswell, 17-year-old daughter of Chaplain (1st Lt.) Daniel Brasswell, who plays guitar with the praise and worship team.

"I think we've been coming here for about six months now," she said. "The way we worship and the music make Chapel Next different from any of the other services here at Fort Drum.

"I like how the services are laid back. It's pretty cool, and the music is great!"

Another person who enjoys the Chapel Next service is Chaplain (Maj.) Cody Vest, Family Life Center chaplain.

"I started attending Chapel Next in 2002 at Fort Bragg, N.C.," Vest said. "After a few PCS (moves), I ended up in Fort Lee, Va., where they didn't have a contemporary Christian service, so my wife and I started a Chapel Next there."

"What's interesting is that some of the people from Fort Lee are here now, and they got plugged into the Chapel Next service here," Vest said. "We try to encourage people that may not have a 'church background' to come and not feel uncomfortable. They can come in casual attire, and everyone is welcome here."

Before the sermon, newcomers were welcomed by Chaplain Arthur. All newcomers received a token of appreciation and a book titled "Tender Warrior," by Stu Weber.

Weber's bestseller paints a dramatic and compelling picture of balanced manhood according to God's vision. Written in a warm, personal style, Weber presents the characteristics of tender warriors -- including learning to speak the language of women, watching out for what lies ahead, and keeping commitments -- in an upfront, straightforward style that challenges readers to realize God's plan for men.

Afterward, Arthur spoke on Psalm 146: 5-10, and he titled his message "The declaration of God's kingdom," in which he challenged the congregation to get involved by helping others who are less fortunate.

"Psalm 146 paints a picture of a God re-establishing peace," he said. "As citizens of God's kingdom, He calls us to follow his example. When you leave here today, our goal is that you not only go as a Soldier or a Family, but as a missionary that has been equipped and challenged to continually build God's kingdom."

The service concluded with a benediction and refreshments.