Yeehaw Be to the Lord

"Even the rugged seek the cross..."

Either I've been living under a rock, or y'all will be surprised by this too, pardners. 

Any of you belong to a Cowboy Church?  Or have a friend who is?

Didn't think so.  I passed Bar None Cowboy Church yesterday on a small state highway in East Texas and had to google it to understand just what it is. 

In their own words:

"There are no steeples, no stained glass and no padded pews, just a group of ordinary folks that care enough to get to know you and help encourage you in your walk with the Lord. The only finger pointing is at Jesus on the cross.  Cowboys, cowgirls, or anyone who enjoys the western culture in any way, even if you just like good old western movies or country music, will enjoy Bar None Cowboy Church. Simply put, Bar None Cowboy Church is a come-as-you-are, relaxed church atmosphere with faith-based ministry straight from the Bible.  We are committed to reaching the cowboy/western culture and those who love it for Jesus Christ." 

Turns out there are Cowboy Churches all over Texas and beyond!  There's a Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches.  And wouldn't you know, there is a Cowboy Church in Austin.  The Cowboy Church of the Hill Country's mission is to "round up and train people in our cowboy heritage community to be in the possie for Christ to make sure they are on that eternal trail ride in heaven."  This church held a bluegrass festival and fish fry last month that gave away free fish to the first 100 people "unless Jesus returned early and fed 5,000." 

I'm not religious, but this tickles me pink.  I guess it really all comes down to marketing, and in rural Texas this seems to do the trick.   Cowboy Churches also hold such festivities as chuck wagon races, bull riding competitions, roping, and barel racing.  Next time my Aussie friends come to visit, this will definitely make the list of crazy Texas stuff to see :)