Cowboy Church at the Buffalo County Fair

So, what is Cowboy Church?

Here's the thought behind it: There are lots of families (including some from our own church family, which is where the idea began) who are busy with 4H and livestock shows and rodeos all summer long. When you get involved in the competitive end of livestock, there is some kind of event scheduled for almost every weekend. While traveling out of town, not everyone takes time out for worship. So we decided to take church to them this past weekend at the Buffalo County Fair.

That's the long and short of it.

So how did it go?
Well, after a rocky start (we had to move our location at the last minute due to a poultry competition that had roosted in our space. But rather than begin on a fowl note...we just flew the coop), we reset and started again.

About 35 folks from our church went along to set things up and help out with the "hug and howdy" portion of the day. Some told me they had invited friends, and a few actually brought friends. Somewhere around 60 folks from the fair and from the community showed up. One couple (early 60's - well past the 4-H stage of life) told me thay had seen our sign and just decided to come check it out. Most all the attenders came from the Kearney area. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and share worship with some beautiful people.

We had a little fellowship time with coffee and donuts for whoever came. Then had a 45 minute devotional and worship time - singing some old favorite "gospel" hymns, sermonizing by Jay, and communion.

Unsolicited comments:

"I loved those old gospel songs. So many churches only have the new praise music. It was nice to sing songs I grew up with."

"The worship today was so relaxed and simple and beautiful. I think this is a lot like it probably happened 2000 years ago."

"How often are you planning to do this?"

"It was a HUGE success!! 
An awesome ministry was started this morning I think. :)"

It was a marvelous day. I'm excited for a couple of reasons:

1) It provided a chance to do ministry and meet some nice folks who probably would never come to us at the building. Most of them were from the Kearney area, so we are praying for lots of open doors.

2) It wasn't my idea. It is thrilling to work with a church that is genuinely excited about the idea of taking our faith out into the streets.