The Transform Church congregation has now gathered at West Philadelphia High School for more than a year, and congregant Terry Lawson says he discovered it by accident as he walking by one day.
What made him stay and come again for the Easter Sunday service was the outpouring love, he says.
"I go in, I got welcomed with open arms. People getting hugs and stuff from people. I was like really shocked, because a lot of times people kind of distant, they don't know they don't wanna be bothered but it was a nice experience from the beginning," Lawson said.
Pastor Bode says all are welcome just as they are at Transform Church, and the location helps serve that goal.
"That is the message of Easter, right. God's love shown, if you wanna belong here you're welcome. You don't have to believe what we believe, but we'll love you, accept you and teach you as we go," Bode said.
Chrystal Daniels of West Philadelphia said that love-first feeling has kept her coming to Transform almost every Sunday.
"It's just a wonderful place full of good people. Everybody is genuine. Everybody is such a loving church and a friendly church so it made me want to just keep coming," Daniels said.
As part of the celebration, the congregation was also invited to take part in free family portraits and an Easter egg hunt.