By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Morgan Moses was looking to restart her life when her uncle, Perry Moses, invited her in early March to attend Cross Branded Cowboy Church in Pineville.
She found a loving church family and the Holy Spirit guided her to a spiritual rebirth that culminated with baptism on her physical birthday, June 29. Steve Speer, pastor of His Church in Pineville, performed the baptism because the church is without a pastor at this time.
“I felt like this was meant to be,” she told the Baptist Message. “While I didn’t plan to be baptized on my birthday, God knew exactly what was going to happen and I’m so excited that he allowed me to share my joy with so many people.”
Morgan Moses was among two new converts who participated in a baptism service during Cross Branded’s weekly Monday night service, which averages 70-80 people inside its worship center.
Steve Speer baptized Shannon Granger June 29, 2020. Speer is pastor of His Church in Pineville, performed the baptism because the church is without a pastor at the time. Brian Blackwell photo
COWBOY-STYLE MINISTRY
While Cross Branded opens its services to anyone, it especially draws in those who are part of the cowboy culture.
Started in 2008 as a mission of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Ruby, this cowboy-style congregation began with 20 people, and a year later grew to 30 members.
Four years later, the church added an arena that allowed the congregation to hold “Prayer and Practice” Thursdays, when horse enthusiasts pray together and then practice various horse riding skills, and a rodeo on the third Friday of every month from March through October. Between 200 and 300 people turn out for the monthly rodeo which also includes a message delivered on horseback and sometimes a baptism.
Beyond the arena and church building, the congregation has an on-mission attitude to reach its community, state and world with the love of Christ.
Through its coupon ministry, items are purchased at area stores for delivery to needy individuals.
Other outreach efforts include holding benefit rodeos to raise money for needy individuals, packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and receiving clothing, coffee and other supplies for distribution at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Alexandria and Veterans Affairs hospital in Pineville.
