If there are ponies hitched to the rail outside the First Christian Church at 123 N. Ninnescah on Sunday morning, it’s Cowboy Church day. If there are no ponies, it’s still Cowboy Church, but poor weather for horses to stand tied up in the cold.
While their pastor takes a well-earned vacation, the Disciples Men are in charge of the Sunday morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. and they are arranging things to suit themselves — no need to get dressed up, an informal service and a short message in a meaningful service.
They’ve got everything but the barbecue, said Elder Dwane DeWeese, who will lead the service. Cookies and coffee afterwards will have to suffice as a way of allowing people to visit with the speaker and musician.
Gary Moore, Sharon, who describes himself as a “cowboy by choice and a Christian by grace,” will deliver a message titled, “Sorting Alley.” Based on verses in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus talks about sorting the sheep from the goats — the believers from the non-believers — it’s a familiar concept to farmers and ranchers.
Moore and his wife Carroll farmed and owned a cow-calf operation, they have served as missionaries in South Texas and Mexico, and for six years he has had a broadcast each Saturday on KREJ Christian Radio in Medicine Lodge.
He helped start a Cowboy Church that meets every Tuesday night in Medicine Lodge. Meeting now at the Barber County Heritage Center, they started at the local sale barn and have attracted as many as 60 to 80 worshipers, he said.
Many of those who attend wouldn’t go to a church. Some have been “hurt by well-intentioned Christians who pushed too hard,” he said. They like coming to services in their work clothes, meeting somewhere besides a church and singing the old hymns.
Pratt’s cowboy musician Verlan Elliott will lead the singing, accompanying himself on a guitar.
Cowboy Church Ministries is a trademarked non-denominational ministry that follows rodeos, roping events and other activities where cowboys and cowgirls gather. They are “springing up” all over Oklahoma, west Texas and New Mexico, according to Moore, and often meet in a barn. Jeans, boots and western hats are accepted attire, but people are welcome to wear whatever is comfortable for them.
Sunday’s Cowboy Church in Pratt is planned as a one-time event, according to DeWeese and Deacon Leo Kitch, although if it proves popular, it could be repeated again in a few months.
“It’s kind of a ‘come one, come all’ relaxed country atmosphere,” Kitch said.
Pratt, Kan. —
