Eric, good post ..... I first became familiar with the movement in the 90s, while preparing an article for the Fort Stockton Pioneer ..... some of the inmates at the local TDCJ unit would 'cowboy-up for Christ' ..... I hope they stuck with it.

My mother tells me that a Cowboy Church is still active in FS. Don't know if it's the same group you knew, but someone kept it going, or at least the concept.

Very interesting. I've noticed a couple of these churches but never thought that "cowboy" was anything more than just a catchy name. I never imagined there were so many or that they could be so popular. Never even realized in fact that "western heritage" was popular.

Never even realized in fact that "western heritage" was popular.

One of the fellows who's active in starting this new church went to Israel this summer on a mission trip. Occasionally, he'd wear his cowboy regalia and was a big hit with the citizenry. As it was explained to me, Israel has a rather large and vibrant "cowboy" community. I guess Kinky Friedman is onto something, after all.

Culturally and historically, though, it's not really surprising. Some of the attributes of the Old West (self-sufficiency, focus on the essentials, emphasis on strength of character) are the same things that have contributed to Israel's continued survival. Well, along with that whole "God's chosen people" thing. ;-)

Eric, when I was visiting the folks in Fort Stockton a couple of years ago, I also visited a pastor friend of mine who pastored the Methodist church at Big Lake and also the cowboy church at Barnhart. Since I was early for our visit I drove on to Barnhart to see the church. A lady was there tending the roses and she showed me the church. I had expected something rustic but the pews were beautifully polished and it was easy to see they love their church. I can't remember how many members she said they have, but I was sorry I wasn't there on a Sunday because it really appealed to me. Pastor Tim has since migrated on to the Austin area so I'm not likely to be back to the Big Lake/Barnhart area.

Margaret, I'm noticing more and more signs for cowboy churches, mostly along the less-traveled back roads, as you might expect. And I think that as with any other "denomination" (for lack of a better term) there's a wide range of facilities. The people make the real difference (as with any church).

Glad to see you got the approval from J. I think it looks great and looks cowboy! Good Job!!!

You added an a but still make "area" on the we believe page. I brought Tamera in to my office to look at the site. She didn't know it was up yet and was really pleased. But... she saw the "A" thing. However, all is well. You have her approval too.

Boy, I can't type and read at the same time. I tried to say inserted an A but still didn't make "Area". Gee