Cape County Cowboy Church

a real cowboy takes his hat off indoors. a real cowboy would certainly take his hat off in the presence of God.

I have to agree with Brad here, is wearing your hat while giving a sermon the way to respect God? How much effort does it really take to separate oneself from their hat during the time they are in a church building (or any other building for that matter)?

On the other hand, I understand some of the intent of this church -- to make people feel comfortable in order to help fill the pews (or strawbales -- whatever is being used). However, when did we lose the idea that when you go to church (no matter the denomination) that you no longer present your best self? If your honest personal best is a clean pair of jeans, boots, and a tshirt -- so be it -- but if its not and you are only doing so to be comfortable, etc. why go?

I have to say I'm proud to attend the Cowboy Church. I was brought up Lutheran and over the years have attend the Baptist, Methodist, Catholic and Nazarene churches and I can say that this is the only church where I have ever felt truly accepted for who I am not what I wear or drive. In most of the churches I attended over the years it always felt like you were in a contest to see would could dress the best or who could drive the newest car. At the cowboy church we don't care what kind of vehicle you drive or if you wear a dress to church or you best bluejeans and boots. I can find no where in the bible where it says you have to dress a certain way to attend church and be accepted by God. I believe God is more concerned with what is in our hearts and not what we are wearing. If more people spent less time worrying about what others wear to church that they don't approve of they might find the true meaning of Christianity. As for people wearing hats in church, I can find no were in the bible that says you have to remove a hat to worship God. I will say that when the prayer is given all hats are removed and heads bowed in respect to God and I truly believe that a group of Christians gathered together praising God is more important to God than if they remove their hats while the pastor is giving the sermon. The music at the church is very uplifting. In the bible it says "Make a joyful noise unto the lord", it doesn't say it has to be a song from the book of Psalms. Who are we to say that a song from an old time traditional hymnal from 200 years ago is more important to God than one that is played in a country style. I believe that God is more worried about what we are getting out of the song than how we sing it. I have been asked by several members of other churches in the area about what makes the Cowboy Church more special than any other church in the area and I have always told them we are no more special than any other church we have just found a way to reach the common folk and make the feel welcome no matter who they are, what they drive or how much they put in the collection plate. If your looking for a church to attend where you will always be made to feel welcome no matter who you are or what you wear try the Cape County Cowboy Church where God is alive and well.

I would just like to add my two cents worth. I have been around "traditional" churches all my life. I was raised in a parsonage and even pastored a church for a while. God is not impressed with the way you dress or if you wear a hat or not. He looks at the heart.

Brad being a cowboy has nothing to do with when and where you wear your hat. I have been around the "cowboy" culture most of my life. From the show ring to the ranches in Oklahoma. I have seen plenty of "rhinestone cowboys" and plenty of "real" cowboys, some wore hats some didn't. When I enter in the presence of God I go there with my heart not my hat. I have included "The Cowboy Code" written by one of the most famous cowboys of all Gene Autry. No where does it say anything about removing your hat.

1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.

2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.

3. He must always tell the truth.

4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.

5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

6. He must help people in distress.

7. He must be a good worker.

8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.

9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.

10. The Cowboy is a patriot.

Tommy I'm sorry but you have no idea of the intent of Cape County Cowboy Church. It is not to fill the pews. It is to worship and share the message of the risen Savior who gives hope to the lost. We are reaching many people that would never darken the doors of a "traditional" church. I'm not sure what you base "the best" you have in clothes. If its money my church wardrobe cost more than any suit I own. I am not able to wear my "sunday best" everytime I go to church, because I work some midnight shifts and have to go in my work clothes one sunday a month. I get just as much out of the service then as I do all the others. In my opinion, my "sunday best" is an open heart not a suit and tie.

When I was a teenager growing up in Lemay, MO my dad pastored a larger church there. We had a boy come to our church by the name of Tom. He came to church in shorts and tank tops. Some of the people actually went to my dad and asked him to talk to Tom about his dress and explain to him he should wear his "sunday best." Dad did not ask him why he wore what he did but instead got to know Tom on a personal level. Tom finally shared with my dad that the reason he dressed the way he did is because his parents would beat him if they ever found out he went to church. So he dressed that way to throw them off. It was bad enough when I went to Tom's house he told me that if his parents asked how we knew each other to say it was from school. After we had grown up and moved away I found out that Tom had accepted the call to preach and was pastoring a church and doing very well. That was a strong lesson I learned from him. Never will I criticize someone for what they wear to church. May God bless each of you.

Mark

we will be in cape in early april on vacation and look forward to visiting cowboy church. can someone give me more of an exact location and service times? thanks!