CULLMAN – Cullman County is home to a variety of unique churches, but there is one that is different from any other. Lonesome Dove Cowboy Church believes in sharing God's love by using their Western and cowboy heritage so that all may come to know God's love and receive the gift of eternal life.
Pastor Tim Collier has dedicated his life to the call of Christ. Each Sunday he comes to church wearing a pair of blue jeans and a pearl snap shirt while keeping a tight grip on his well-worn Bible. Wearing his cowboy hat and boots, he uses Western and rural culture to help explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Collier has been married to his lovely wife Tammy for 25 years, and together they have two daughters, Skylar and Savannah. When Collier is not preaching, he is working at CSX Transportation where he has been employed for the past 25 years.
“I haven't always been in church and certainly not a preacher,” said Collier. “I was lost and in need of a savior. I ran crazy for a long time. I got saved when I was dating my wife, so you might say she lead me to the Lord.”
“I felt God's call to preach when I was serving as Sunday School Superintendent at a local Baptist church,” he continued. “I was 28 years old and I had no idea what God wanted me to do. I knew it was something great, so I answered His call,” he smiled warmly. “I am so thankful for all God has allowed me to be part of and share with so many people.”
Not only did the Lord call Collier to preach, but He also called him to start a different kind of church, a cowboy church.
“God, myself and a few friends started Lonesome Dove Church on June 5, 2011,” he explained. “I have been the pastor there from day one. I wanted to see all my friends come to know Christ, and I knew they would not go to a traditional type church. Cowboy Church is a come as you are church. You might say we are church for the unchurched. It is in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Church is actually held in a barn,” he grinned.
“We have air conditioning, and that's about as fancy as we get. We serve and praise God every time we gather together. But don’t worry, you don't have to be a cowboy to come – but you might be one when you leave!”
School starts back soon. Please be in prayer for the teachers, principles and other leader's, our kids are depending on…
Posted by LoneSome Dove Cowboy Church on Sunday, August 9, 2015
Since Collier began preaching, he has not stopped. Just like a comfortable saddle, his cowboy ways fit perfectly with his rugged church. He is clearly one of God’s humble servants and enjoys seeing how the Lord works miracles in people’s lives.
“The greatest reward, for me, is when you see God start moving and working in someone’s life that everyone else has given up on,” he said. “They might have been an addict and came to know Christ or some old cowboy that's just rough and tough. God takes that heart and a new creation comes forth. It’s an awesome feeling to see what God does,” he chuckled.
God has done awesome and amazing things at Lonesome Dove Cowboy Church through their arena ministry, youth activities, and outreach ministries. Collier will tell anyone that he has been blessed to be a small part of God’s ministry.
Lonesome Dove Cowboy Church is located at 97 Co Rd 1677, Cullman, AL 35058.
For more information call 256-736-3681, e-mail LoneSomeDoveCowboyChurch@gmail.com, or visit lonesomedovecc.org. Follow the church on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/LoneSome-Dove-Cowboy-Church/184956811562390.
