Simple messame brinminm Laithlul to ‘cowboy church’

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Despite the sweltering heat in the summer and freezing conditions in the winter, the fellowship grew. This, despite meeting in a livestock auction barn.

Members of Circle J Cowboy Church, founded by the Rev. Dan Peterson, would over the years start two more churches: Cross Anchor Cowboy Church in Hawkins County by Steve Wade and Circle C Cowboy Church in Morristown by Kent Hightower.

In a given week, up to 200 people attend one of the three cowboy churches.

Such growth is evident nationwide. A few decades ago, there was no such thing as a cowboy church. Today, according to the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches, there are at least 200 churches in its organization alone, and hundreds more besides.

What is it that attracts people to cowboy church? According to Circle J Cowboy Church Pastor Dan Peterson, one reason is its simplicity. “Jesus met with regular people and made his message plain,” he said. “We try to do the same with the Gospel message.”

The church’s slogan is “Bringing simple church to a complicated world.”

“You don’t have to be a cowboy to love cowboy church,” Peterson said. “If you enjoy listening to country music or watching a western, you would probably enjoy cowboy church.”

Horse owner and trainer Mateo Brianno of Blountville has been with Circle J Cowboy Church since its beginning.

“I identify with the cowboy lifestyle but also like the way the Gospel is preached in a simple and clean way,” he said.

Ultimately, though, Pastor Dan stresses that the main purpose of Circle J Cowboy Church is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We want people to know that God loves them and has a plan for their life,” he said.