AUBURN (CBS13) – A group of churchgoers in the Auburn area found a place that offers more than the Sunday word. Life of Christ church has only one pastor and 30 members, some with troubled pasts, but the pastor says its doors are open to all.

The church is held in a simple building. There are no wooden pews, religious decor, spiritual art or choirs.

“Jesus came as simple, simple gospel is enough,” said Pastor Rodney Waldrop.

But this Sunday service offers more than some are used to.

“We’ve struggled a lot though our lives,” said one church member.

Many of the church’s members have, what Waldrop calls, a troubled past. But at Life of Christ, no one judges a checkered history.

“We just want to make a place where they can come and feel comfortable — come as they are,” said Waldrop.

Waldrop began renting the building on the Gold Country Fairgrounds last month. The worship founder says the church has provided a place where people can find hope and acceptance.

“We want to set them free from something,” he said.

Life of Christ member Michael Pierce spent 20 years in prison. He says the church has been a welcoming environment that provides more than comfort for the soul.

“We’re not in here because of our past. We’re in here because of God and the perspective it brings on our lives,” said Pierce.

Fellow member Fred Rubidoux has had prior struggles with substance abuse and served 10 years in prison. He said the church has given him a new perspective on life.

“The comfort and the peace that I’ve had is unsurpassed by materialistic stuff I got,” said Rubidoux.

For Waldrop and his church members, this is the beginning of what he hopes to become the start of something powerful.

“I’m not going to doubt God. Our God does amazing things. It could blow up to be a huge church, but the main thing is to invest in the ones that are here,” he said.

The pastor hopes to extend service to mission work and helping the poor.

Church services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m.