| Cowboy church | |
|---|---|
| iglesia vaquera | |
 Cowboy Church in Mineral Wells, Texas | |
| Classification | Nondenominational |
| Orientation | Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical origins |
| Scripture | Bible |
| Polity | Congregational polity |
A cowboy church is a Christian church that embraces the cowboy and Western lifestyle.[1][2][3]
A typical cowboy church may meet in a rural setting, often in a barn, metal building, arena, sale barn, Pueblo/Territorial adobe building, or other American frontier style structure. Often they have their own rodeo arena, and a country gospel band. Some cowboy churches have covered arenas where rodeo events such as bull riding, team roping, ranch sorting, team penning and equestrian events are held.[4]
Common areas of belief are that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, serving as the ultimate guide for faith and a Biblical worldview. They uphold the doctrine of the Trinity, recognizing God as one entity in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Salvation is attained through accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and experiencing spiritual rebirth or what some may express as a born again experience. They practice water baptism by immersion either in the wilderness or in a stock tank, and emphasize the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit. Additionally, they affirm the continuation of spiritual gifts as described in the New Testament.[5][6][7][8]
- ^ Vara, Richard (May 16, 2008). "Church unites preaching with the cowboy way". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Cowboy churches rope in new Christians". NBC News. January 9, 2009. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ Begay, Mesha (March 20, 2024). "Local church honors fallen New Mexico officer Justin Hare". KOB.com. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ McQuerrey, Teresa (January 16, 2024). "Cowboy Church a rodeo tradition". paysonroundup.com. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Pecos Valley Cowboy Church". Pecos Valley Cowboy Church. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Who We Are". American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches. February 2, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Belief". ICCAN. August 11, 2010. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Missions". Cowboy Church of Virginia. March 25, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
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