LAKE ZURICH, Ill. -- A new church plant outside Chicago is targeting a generation that traditional churches have failed to reach, said Eric Lerew, one of the church's three pastors.

Fusion Church uses multimedia presentations, singing and small groups in fellowship, all in an effort to reach people in their late teens, 20s and early 30s, according to the Daily Herald.

"We want to do church differently without changing the orthodox Christian message," Lerew said. "We want people to feel it, taste it, touch it, smell it…with it being God's presence."

Fusion Church, which started holding services in homes and movie theaters in the fall of 2002, is an outreach of non-denominational Northwest Family Church in Lake Zurich, Ill. Northwest has committed to fund operational expenses for Fusion for the next two years.

Almost 100 people have been gathering for Sunday preview services, Lerew said. Regular Sunday services begin Jan. 12 at the Lake Zurich Theaters.

A typical service begins with songs, includes a theme for the morning and a message from the Bible, communion, more songs and prayer. Some of the Bible-based discussions include relationships, how to grow together as Christians, how people should treat each other and the meaning of God in people's lives.

Gary Collins, a former professor at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill., for 20 years, and who now works and coaches leaders in emerging churches, said beginning churches for youth is a trend.

"People in (their) 20s have a strong interest in spirituality," Collins said. "They recognize that there is an emptiness in their lives, and they want to connect with something."

Fusion Church is a mix of college students and people just starting their careers. Some come from Catholic or other religious backgrounds, but have not attended church services in years.

"There is a real intention of embracing people from different traditions," Lerew told the paper. "A fusion is kind of the idea."