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Cowboy Churches are local Christian churches within the cowboy culture that are distinctively Western heritage in character. A typical cowboy church may meet in a rural setting in a barn, metal building, arena, sale barn, or old western building, have its own rodeo arena, and a country gospel band. Baptisms are generally done in a cattle tank. The sermons are usually short and simple. Some cowboy churches have covered arenas where rodeo events such as bullriding, team roping, ranch sorting, team penning and equestrian events are held on weeknights.

Contents 1 Cowboy Church Models 2 Cowboy ministries 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Cowboy Church Models

The TFCC^[1] places the emphasis on the "no barriers" model developed by Ron Nolen of Waxahachie south of Dallas, Texas, where he planted the first and currently the largest "cowboy church" within the TFCC. The "no barriers" church model removes from the worship service the traditions that are believed to have no biblical basis, such as the "altar call" and passing of the collection plate. Tithes and offerings are simply placed in a boot, hat, or wooden bird house at the rear of the meeting room. Even though most of these churches are located in Texas and Oklahoma, many have sprung up in other states across the Southwestern United States.

[edit] Cowboy ministries

There are also cowboy ministries that hold cowboy church services at rodeos and other western events. A cowboy ministry may also hold rodeo schools, clinics, or camps.

Roger Mobley, a former child actor affiliated with Walt Disney, pastors a Cowboy church in Newton in Newton County in southeast Texas. His congregation is called "The Good News Buckaroos". Mobley was formerly a United Methodist pastor.^[2]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Cowboy Church Network of North America
• Christian Cowboys at the Open Directory Project - Includes churches and ministries.
• Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches
• Texas Cowboy Church
• Choctaw Creek Cowboy Church