Free Republic

There are more churches and denominations than anyone can keep track of ... So what draws a group of believers together, and keeps them together over time? Fellowship and commonalities. An excellent example of this cultural phenomena is found in today's Cowboy Churches. Although it could be argued that nearly every rustic church house founded in the Western states was a "cowboy church" due to the number of real life cowboys in attendance, the Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches is a structured organization whose headquarters are located in Waxahachie, TX (pronounced "walks-uh-hatch-ee") whose membership is currently 161 churches strong. Their...

GEORGE WEST—Wearing a dust-covered cowboy hat and a pair of boots, Pat Traxler immediately made a connection with needy people in Africa even before he gave them food and water. Monty Hill, men’s ministry leader at Rafter J Cowboy Church in Terrell, welcomes worshippers who relate to the congregation’s laid-back worship style and affinity with the western heritage. (BGCT photos by Barbara Bedrick) “It was amazing what that old Stetson could do,” said Traxler, pastor of Brush Country Cowboy Church in George West. “They were fascinated. The image struck a chord. Although the people didn’t speak English, they knew enough...

BOAZ, July 26 (UPI) — The newest iteration in the U.S. church growth movement's drive to boost attendance on Sunday mornings is something called "cowboy churches." As evangelical Christian congregations within the country and western culture, cowboy churches often meet in a barn or western-themed building. Some have their own rodeo arenas and country bands. Oftentimes, cattle tanks are used for baptisms. During the recent Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., a "stampede event" aimed at highlighting cowboy churches showcased cowboys and cowgirls from across North Carolina. Jeff Smith of the Cowboy Church Network of North America attended...

A county in Virginia has cited a farmer there because he hosts Thursday night worship services in his barn on a 900-acre farm. According to a statement from Liberty Counsel, which is representing the man, Garland Simmons recently received a Notice of Violation from Bedford County stating that his barn cannot be used for religious services. Simmons' 900-acre piece of property apparently isn't zoned for such meetings. "Barns in Bedford County can apparently be used for dancing to the tunes of Toby Keith or Reba, but a church service reciting the Psalms of David or praise and worship with Casting...

Finding a wrangler's heaven By Michelle Dynes rep2@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle CHEYENNE - Cowboy Church opened with a foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of "Amazing Grace" at Frontier Park on Sunday morning. "How many (people) applaud at church," asked Marty LaVor of Alexandria, Va. The six-time Cheyenne Frontier Days visitor said he didn't know why he hadn't attended Cowboy Church before. "It's the atmosphere," he said. "It's Frontier Days right at the arena. But it's much more personal than what you get in a normal church." LaVor said the experience allowed him to see the friendliness of the West up...

MIDLAND, NC (ANS) -- The Carolina Cowboy Church will open at the Southern Winds Arena in Midland, North Carolina, on Thursday, May 5th. It is one of eleven cowboy church organized by Pastor Jeff Smith and the Cowboy Church Network in less than two years. Smith is the senior pastor at Young Memorial Baptist Church in nearby Concord. (Pictured: Preaching at Cowboy Church). “I get a kick out of sharing the gospel -- saddle to saddle,” said Smith in a news release from Christian Wire Service. “The only problem is I can't get cowboys to come to our traditional church...