EVERYTHING BRANSON: Cowboy Church of Branson

This Sunday we visited the Cowboy Church of Branson. Cowboy Church is located at the Branson Central Theatre at 625 Highway 165 next to the New Shanghai Theatre. Services began at 10:30 with the first hour being a combination of special performances along with some praise and worship.

This Sunday special performances were given by Steve Anthony, the Bransonaires and Paul Wagner who played wonderfully on the twelve string guitar and sang a number of songs. Some of the lyrics sung included: “People get ready it's the train to Jordan'” “He is an unidentified flying object, “ and “Life was filled with guns and wars, wished we all had gotten ready.” Lovely singing and right out of the 1960's for those of you who remember the early 60”s. However, I can't remember Jesus being called a UFO despite the fact that I was in High School in the early 60's.

The people at Cowboy Church were friendly and came by to introduce themselves before the service as did the pastor. We were impressed by their friendliness. After the service Janene got a hug from the pastor's wife. Cowboy Church of Branson originated with Pastor Al Martin who passed way this past April. The current pastor is Ray Revill who is ably assisted by his wife Brenda Revill.

Unlike many of the Show Churches we have visited there was congregational singing and a number of congregational praise and worship songs were included. Steve Anthony, who was leading the music, appears to have recognized the difference between the Show Churches and other churches when he exclaimed : “This Church is not a stage show.” Cowboy Church of Branson appears to recognize the tension between being an actual church and a show church. It appears to be honestly trying to bridge the gap.

All that being said, Cowboy Church is not set up for all ages including babies, children and teenagers. At the same time, it attempts honestly to minister to those who attend it.

After the music, an offering was taken using cowboys hats and a baseball cap. Despite, less cowboy hats than other cowboy churches, this church has more of a cowboy feel to it.

The gospel was proclaimed clearly and simply by Ray Revill. The topic was “Sow a seed in the time of your need.” For instance, if you need prayer, pray for someone else. I do not know much about Pastor Revill; however, he came from the Pensacola area and at one time worked as a millwright. That being said, I remember that Jesus was a carpenter and many of the disciples were professional fishermen. So Pastor Revill is in good company.

The preaching began about 11:30 and was over about 11:45 (a pretty short service). After the preaching was personal ministry and prayer for the sick and those who had other needs. This segment of the service was led ably by the pastor's wife, Beverly Revill and concluded about 12:10.

Would we go back to Cowboy Church? You betcha, buckaroo! We then headed out to the Chuck Wagon (actually a local restaurant) to get our fill of vittles for the journey back to the condo.

Below are a few pictures from our morning adventures: