NORWICH – In 2014, Pastor Andy Doyle along with his wife, Tracie, ambitiously set fourth on a new a path to answer their calling and bring their faith downtown Norwich, a year later the humble church is still going strong.

Congregating on Sundays at 20 South Broad St., As I Am Church operates beneath the banner of breaking tradition; so much so that they've adopted the slogan “Breaking down the walls of Tradition.”

“We are still a small church, and still growing,” said Pastor Doyle. “We have a very relaxed atmosphere, and just want people to feel free to come as they are and explore this life, and their faith.”

“The non-denominational format of the bible-based church is designed for todays living,” said Tracie Doyle. “We have had a steadily increasing attendance, with anywhere from a handful up to 25 or more showing up for sunday service.”

According to the Doyles, all sermons are concise and short, and there are no long periods of standing or keeling.

Beth Moore recently began attending worship service with the Doyles, indicating that she and her family feel “more at home” at As I Am.

“My family and I are so happy we found this church,” said Moore, “We had been members of a very traditional church but for several reasons we stopped attending and were without a church for far too long.” Moore said that after visiting the Doyles and their As I Am Church, her family quickly realized “we found our church.”

“While it doesn't have all the frills as a big church, it has heart and soul, and In my opinion that's all a church should need,” said Moore. “There is no need to dress up and be fake, you can just go and be yourself,” she added.

“All of our teachings are based on a lesson straight from the Bible; and last no longer than 25-30 minutes, said Tracie Doyle. “We feel that all of our messages should come directly from the Bible and nowhere else, and should keep people engaged and attentive – so we keep things high-energy and exciting.”