ENUMCLAW, Wash. -- The expectant crowd of about 50 people clapped their hands to a Randy Travis tune at the Enumclaw Sales Pavilion.

Then Paul Jerome stepped up to the microphone, a pastor carrying a guitar and a Bible, wearing cowboy boots and hat.

"The protection you need is the protection of the Lord Jesus Christ," said Jerome, 50, of Marysville.

According to the Associated Press, it was the first night of worship at the new Cowboy Church at the pavilion. On weekdays it's an auction barn whose walls bear ads for farm equipment, a stallion service and meat-packing facilities.

By day, Jerome is a forklift operator. He graduated from the now-defunct Northwest School of the Bible of Bothell and was ordained at a Cowboy Church International Conference in Laughlin, Nev., in 1996.

He now travels the country preaching at cowboy churches -- "come as you are" fellowships with Western music that are cropping up across the country.

In the past few months, cowboy churches have emerged in Enumclaw, Marysville and Ferndale. There are more in Ellensburg, Buckley and Quincy.

Coy Huffman of Tucson, Ariz., founded Cowboy Ministries International in 1980. The ministry is connected to America's professional rodeo circuit.

With Huffman's advice, Gary and Sharon Peetz of Auburn founded the Cowboy Church in Enumclaw after several months of planning.

"It's real people for a real God," Huffman said. "It's not complex. We keep it simple, keep in fun. My mission is to help people in life."

Sharon Peetz was an outspoken Pentecostal, whose lively style of worship clashed with her husband's sedate and solemn Lutheran worship style. When Gary Peetz experienced a spiritual renewal, Sharon decided they were called to start a church in Enumclaw, with Gary as its pastor.

"I thought, 'Why me?'" said Gary Peetz, a 48-year-old truck driver. "I'm no preacher."

But a cowboy church seemed like a natural. Both Peetzes love country-western music, own horses and identify with the lifestyle.

Gary Peetz attended a Cowboy Church International Conference and was ordained, but asked Jerome to handle the initial service.

Jerome looked over the crowd and told them he was just trying to get to know them, likening the inaugural service to a first date. He reminded them that Jesus is the "champion of champions."

Mary Lou Murray, 63, of Buckley said she was delighted with the church, with the hats, boots and Western music. She may be a teacher by day, she said, but "I'm a cowgirl at heart."