Recently I was on a flight to Dallas from Kansas City. I had the privilege to sit next to David Harvey, president and CEO of Cowboys for Christ. Like many seasoned Christians, he had a humble and mild-mannered demeanor that made it very easy to converse with him. I enjoyed hearing about his personal ministry, and more importantly, the ministry of Cowboys for Christ. Their mission is to reach out to cowboys and cowgirls, mostly in the United States, to spread the gospel to individuals and families who are following rodeo circuits. These individuals are people who do not get to go to church or perhaps they might not attend a church, simply because it is not ‘normal’ to their cowboy culture. I was pleased to hear that they have Cowboys for Christ chapters in almost every state. Along with the chapters, they have dedicated chaplains who follow the rodeo circuits, and people are hearing about Jesus Christ.
There is organization and design to the cowboy church. At times, it may seem impromptu — they might assemble for church on the bleachers at a rodeo, or perhaps an assembled row of hay bails. The important concept is – like a ‘city’ church: they sing; they get a sermon/message; they fellowship; they pray. They have opportunity to celebrate their creator.
I have a fondness for all the resources and amenities that are available with city life. More importantly, I have a deep love for my savior, Jesus Christ. It is a major part of our Christian life to celebrate Christ in all the ways we can. I love hearing about a culture that I do not readily think about as a city guy, but this other culture represents people that need Christ.
The verse that comes to mind is the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
While steadfast commitment is my motto, the conversation with David H. was a helpful reminder that commitment includes a call to reach out to the people around us, whenever we can.
The organization website is Cowboysforchrist.org
