VOICED: American churches hit the road

Pastor J Avante leads services at the Milltown Cowboy Church in Florida, incorporating cowboy culture into religious practices. Services were moved to Wednesdays to accommodate rodeo schedules, initially attracting 38 attendees. Prayers for animals, like a sick horse, are common, reflecting the community's bond with their animals. Cowboy churches, part of a network across North America, often hold baptisms in cattle troughs and encourage western attire. Linda Yorks, a rodeo competitor, appreciates the church's down-to-earth atmosphere. The church is multi-denominational and has seen a steady increase in attendance.

Why did Pastor J Avante move the church services from Thursday to Wednesday?

• To reduce travel time for attendees

• To align with traditional church days

• To accommodate a larger venue

• To avoid conflicts with weekend rodeos

What is a unique aspect of the prayers offered at the Cowboy Church?

• They include prayers for animals

• They are conducted in silence

• They are sung as hymns

• They are only for people

Where are baptisms held in some cowboy churches?

• In a traditional baptismal font

• In a river

• In a cattle feeding trough

• In a swimming pool

What type of attire is encouraged at cowboy churches?

• Casual beachwear

• Cowboy hats, blue jeans, and boots

• Traditional church robes

• Formal suits and ties

What trend has Pastor J Avante observed in his church services?

• A steady increase in attendance

• No change in attendance

• A shift to online services

• A decrease in attendance