Heaven Bound Cowboy Church continues to serve the area

It’s been three years since Boyd Williams left this earth for his heavenly reward, but his legacy continues to thrive. Heaven Bound Cowboy Church has changed a little over the years, but their mission remains the same: Our mission is to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

The church moved to the old Orschlen building in November 2010 and they continue to hold regular services in that location at 1202 S. Second Ave. in Dodge City.

Jay Stapleton has served as pastor since early 2012. The regular Sunday services are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. They also have a Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the regular services, they usually hold an evening outside event on the first Sunday of the month. The church is also active at various events throughout the year. The church is also visited frequently by special guests, including area musician Barry Ward. The recommended dress attire is “whatever you’re wearin;” including hats, boots and spurs. (But remember, we take our hats off when we pray.)

HBCC is an inter-denominational, Bible based, Baptist way, new testament church affiliated with the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches and the Western Kansas Baptist Association. Sunday morning services also feature music by a country/gospel band. As you might expect, attendance varies according to the farming/ranching work schedules. Attendance ranges from 30 to 90. Jay added that the church has also been blessed with about 15 baptisms annually.

The focus of the church, according to Jay, is on the area’s western culture. Jay says, “I am just the next piece of the puzzle in God’s plans for the church. He has been preaching in Southwest Kansas for 13 years and he says that only God knows the future of the church. In describing the church, Jay adds, “It is very rewarding to see God get a hold on members and to watch the change in their lives.” He continued, “People often come to an event, not for a church service, and it’s great to see how God can change them.”

He adds that the church has been a great blessing to him. HBCC is a “church family” and he wants to share the family aspect of the church. He says that people, and especially kids, want to be connected and to belong. That’s where the western culture of the church bonds members and visitors. He also says that members who might not normally hold a serving position within a traditional church can serve God in different ways through the church’s cowboy events. Some share their musical talents while others can teach cowboy skills; all within a Christian atmosphere. Jay concludes that “I am only an instrument, it’s God’s church.”

Even though HBCC is a cowboy church, everyone is welcome. Aall kinds of folks attend, including lawyers, law enforcement, sales people, truck drivers, medical professionals, farmers, ranchers, and cowboys.

Cowboy Ten Commandments

1. Just one God

2. Honor your Ma & Pa

3. No telling tales or gossipin'

4. Get yourself to Sunday meetin'

5. Put nothin' before God

6. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal

7. No killin'

8. Watch your mouth

9. Don't take what ain't yours

10. Don't be hankerin' for your buddy's stuff

For further information about the church, you can call Jay at (620) 353-9487 or (620) 675-2051. For those with computer access, His email address is stapletn007@sbcglobal.net. The church also maintains a website at http://heavenboundcowboychurch.com/.