Cowboy Church

During our trip to East Texas we had the chance to visit my parent's new church. It is a Cowboy Church. For those Yankees reading this entry -- Here is what Wikipedia has listed as the description of a Cowboy Church:

"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, such as Thousand Hills Cowboy Church in Kerrville, Texas. Emphasis is placed on the "no barriers" model developed by Ron Nolen of Waxahachie, Texas, where he planted the first and the largest "cowboy church" in the world. 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, many have sprung up in other states across the Southwestern United States."

What an amazing way to worship. Cowboy Church is just that -- a church to help people in agriculture, specifically the cowboy, obtain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I told my dad it felt like they cut out the middle man and went straight to God. I truly felt the presence of Jesus and his work in the lives of those there. It was an amazing experience. And, we all got to wear our boots and jeans! I LOVE my church here in Austin, but I have to say there truly is something special going on in the Cowboy Church. I truly can't wait to visit again.

The picture above is of Jackson practicing his bull riding skills before the service!