Cowboy Church: Patriotism and the Cowboy Way
After months of planning and training, the East Mountain Cowboy Church opened in Edgewood.
In September last year, Cowboy Up International Ministries contacted Ralph Hill, suggesting that Edgewood had great potential for a cowboy church. Because Hill had attended a cowboy church in Oklahoma and loved the relaxed atmosphere and being surrounded by people who appreciate the Western lifestyle, he decided to pursue the possibility of bringing a church to town.
Cowboy Up then reached out to David Crosby, an ordained pastor from Estancia, and together with a core group—and under Cowboy Up International Ministries’ guidance and start-up training—they began the process of establishing the church.
According to Hill, starting a church is the same as starting any other small business: One has to acquire non-profit status, register with state and federal entities and carry insurance. The East Mountain Cowboy Church is not under the direction of any organized denominations.
In the seven weeks the church has been offering services at the Estancia Valley Classical Academy in Edgewood, the congregation has grown to well over 100. The church leadership team attributes the rapid growth and success to the churches’ western, friendly and nonjudgmental atmosphere, and by not having a collection plate or altar call.
Hill, who was drafted and joined the Air Force in 1966, says what drew him to the cowboy church was his love of country and the patriotism of cowboys.
“The Lee Greenwood song ‘God Bless the USA’ says it all for me as a veteran.” He adds, “It seemed today’s churches were moving away from the church I grew up in, and were focusing on the urban young crowd, especially the music. The feel [of the church] is kind of like old country, plain English, and old music favorites.”
When asked about the church’s mission statement of “reaching the lost and unchurched people,” Hill replied, “The terms ‘unchurched’ and ‘lost’ means the outreach is to those who never attended church, but need support, and to those who were likely driven away by a restrictive or judgmental church in their past. The cowboy church is nondenominational, and while similar to some Baptist traditions, it is not under the Baptist control.”
Pastors for the East Mountain Cowboy Church come from a cowboy, ranching or farming background, and the church relies on church elders for guidance and feedback.
Pastors receive a stipend, but also must rely on outside income. The team leaders provide relief to the pastor’s work responsibilities.
In a recent sermon, Pastor Curt Miller said 80 percent of new churches fail. The East Mountain Cowboy Church is committed to attract and retain members through its hospitality, music, children’s ministry and prayer team.
Future plans for the church are to purchase 10 acres and to construct an arena for hosting rodeos, ropings, barrel races, gymkhanas and other activities.
“I grew up loving horses and the Western lifestyle. I got my first horse, Haddie, at age 8,” said Susan Hill. “I love the plain language and simplicity of the cowboy church, and especially the old hymns and country music. At last I have a chance to give something back to the One who gave all. We are especially excited about developing the church’s arena team, and hopefully drawing some young ones into the arms of Christ through their love of horses and the Western lifestyle.”
Church services are held Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Estancia Valley Classical Academy in Edgewood. For more information, call 505-306-3687.