Benton ? A life-size cardboard cutout of a smiling Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger stands in the background of the stage. The curtains are made of red handkerchiefs hung over horseshoe-shaped fixtures.

It’s not a normal setting for a worship service, but the Cowboy Church in a theater room on the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper rounds in Benton drew 27 people last Sunday. It’s part of a growing trend to cater to “country folk” who might not be comfortable with the trappings of organized religion.

“We don’t need all the ‘thees and thous,'” said church founder Dan Boyd, whose white beard and suspenders have some confusing him with country singer Charlie Daniels. “People don’t say those King James prayers when they’re hurting.”

The nondenominational church is similar to hundreds popping up nationwide that create a setting for worship that reflects a cowboy way of life.

Boyd said his church stressed a nonjudgmental, come-as-you-are approach. The setting itself makes people feel comfortable, he said.

“Teach us to unload our burdens on you like we do a wagon,” prayed Charles Fische, a Wichita pastor helping with the new congregation.

The sermon Sunday was short and centered on “good, country values.” Latecomers removed their hats before finding a chair.

Local country singer Chris Layton sang Randy Travis and Red Steagall songs with Christian themes. The congregation joined him in singing “I Saw the Light” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Linda Harris of Wichita said it was just the kind of service she was hankering for.

“I love the country feel and the old hymns,” she said.