Cape County Cowboy Church exists to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to make disciples among people who live and long for the cowboy way of life. Our church was born out of a desire to meet people where they are—especially those connected to rural life, cowboy culture, agriculture, and the equine community.

From the beginning, our aim has been simple: use the Bible as our guide, love people well, and create an environment where the gospel can take root in everyday life.

Today the church ministers across two campuses—Oak Ridge and Gravel Hill—each with its own personality but united in mission, leadership, and doctrine.

Our Story

Cape County Cowboy Church began in 2004 meeting on Thursday nights in the Fruitland sale barn. The church quickly connected with people from a variety of denominational backgrounds as well as with many who had no church background at all.

As attendance grew, services expanded to additional venues including Flickerwood Arena, eventually reaching 1,000–1,200 attendees at times across multiple services. In 2009, the church moved to its current primary location, then just 3 years later, it added a second campus at Gravel Hill. These two campuses reach a geographical area that spans across 6 school districts. The Oak Ridge and Gravel Hill campuses each reach a 60 mile radius. Yet, even as the number of people continued to increase, the church has intentionally maintained a ministry style that reflects the people it serves: authentic, relational, and rooted in everyday life.

A Multi-Background Church Family

Our church reflects a wide range of life experiences and spiritual journeys. Some members grew up in church and came to Cape County Cowboy Church after years in other congregations. Others have roots in many different denominational traditions. Still others came to our church with little or no previous church background at all. This diversity has created a congregation that values unity in the gospel while allowing room for people to grow in their understanding of Scripture and the Christian life.

Many who attend Cape County Cowboy Church are connected to the rhythms and culture of rural life. Families involved in agriculture, horses, rodeo, and other aspects of equine culture make up a significant portion of our church family. Many work in blue-collar trades or operate small independent businesses. Hard work, practical skills, and personal responsibility are values deeply embedded in the lives of many who attend.

At the same time, a common theme we hear from many people is that they once felt uncomfortable in traditional church environments. Some felt they just didn’t fit, while others felt uncertain about church expectations or unfamiliar with church traditions. Cape County Cowboy Church has become a place where many people have discovered that church can feel both welcoming and spiritually meaningful, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Our Sunday morning gathering includes people who are new believers, long-time followers of Christ, and individuals who are still exploring faith. This diversity of background creates opportunities for discipleship, mentorship, and spiritual growth as believers walk together in their journey with Christ.

Scripture as Our Authority

At the center of our church’s identity is a clear commitment to the authority of Scripture.

The Bible serves as our guide for faith and practice, shaping our preaching, teaching, discipleship, and decision-making.

We believe that God’s Word speaks with clarity and power to every generation and every culture. Because of this conviction, the teaching ministries of our church seek to present Scripture faithfully and clearly so that people can understand its meaning and apply its truth to everyday life, evidenced by a strong emphasis on application and our church slogan: Come as you are, Leave changed. We encourage people to allow scripture to reshape their thinking, align their character with the character of Jesus, and root their relationships in truth and grace.

Hospitality at the Center

If the culture of Cape County Cowboy Church could be summarized in one word, it would be hospitality as it is deeply woven into who we are as a church family. It reflects both the biblical call to welcome others and the natural spirit of hospitality that exists within cowboy culture. Throughout Scripture, believers are instructed to show hospitality generously and without hesitation, and we seek to embody that spirit in practical ways.

At Cape County Cowboy Church, hospitality is more than greeting visitors at the door. It is expressed in how we relate to one another and how we open our lives to those around us. It means welcoming people as they are, without expecting them to first conform to any preconceived expectations. It means creating an environment where individuals can come honestly before God and begin exploring faith without fear of judgment.

Hospitality also means sharing life together. Meals, fellowship gatherings, and informal conversations play an important role in the life of our church. Many meaningful relationships and spiritual conversations begin around a table or during time spent together outside formal church activities. It is not uncommon to have groups of people linger for 30 minutes or more after church services or events.

Another expression of hospitality is the open-handed use of our facilities for the good of the community. Our church seeks to be a place where people feel welcome and where the community can gather for events, celebrations, and times of need.

Ultimately, this culture of hospitality flows from the gospel itself. Because we have received grace, mercy, and welcome from Christ, we seek to extend that same grace to others. Our hope is that everyone who enters our church will experience the love of Christ through the genuine care of His people.

Relational Ministry

Our ministry approach is intentionally relational rather than program-driven. We often describe this as a “soft-sell” approach to ministry. This does not mean the message of the gospel is softened or diluted. Rather, it means that we seek to share the truth of the gospel in ways that grow naturally out of authentic relationships.

Evangelism remains central to our mission. The gospel is clearly presented through preaching, teaching, and personal conversations. Invitations to follow Christ are regularly extended. However, many of the most meaningful spiritual conversations take place outside formal worship services.

In our church culture, people often come to faith through relationships. Conversations over meals, discussions during community events, and time spent together in everyday life frequently become the context in which individuals begin to understand the gospel and respond to Christ.

Discipleship likewise takes place through relationships. While Bible studies and teaching gatherings play an important role, spiritual growth is often strengthened through life-on-life mentoring, shared experiences, and believers walking together through the challenges of life and faith.

Another distinct aspect of our ministry philosophy involves giving. During worship services we do not pass an offering plate. Instead, we provide opportunities for individuals to give as they feel led by the Lord. This practice reflects our desire to remove potential barriers for guests and to emphasize that giving is an act of worship that flows from a willing heart rather than obligation.

Overall, this relational approach to ministry has helped create an environment where many people encounter the gospel in a way that feels genuine, personal, and unpressured. It allows individuals to explore faith honestly while experiencing the love and community of the church.

Current Opportunities and Challenges

As Cape County Cowboy Church continues to grow and mature, we recognize both meaningful opportunities and important challenges that come with that growth. Like many churches that have experienced steady development, we are seeking wise leadership that will help us preserve the relational culture that defines our church while also strengthening the structures needed to shepherd people well.

One significant opportunity lies in developing stronger care ministries. Our church family has always valued caring for one another through relationships, but as the congregation grows, there is a growing need to organize and expand pastoral care in ways that ensure individuals and families receive consistent support during times of illness, loss, crisis, or transition. Strengthening these ministries will help the church continue to reflect the compassion and shepherding heart of Christ.

Another opportunity involves expanding ministry to senior adults. Many faithful members of our church family are in later seasons of life, and there is a desire to create more intentional avenues for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth among senior adults. These ministries also provide opportunities for older believers to invest their wisdom, faith, and life experience into younger generations within the church.

The church also sees an opportunity to strengthen discipleship pathways. Because many who attend Cape County Cowboy Church come from limited or nontraditional church backgrounds, there is a continual need to help people move from initial faith to deeper spiritual maturity. Developing clearer pathways for discipleship—from new believers to growing leaders—will help members grow in their understanding of Scripture and their commitment to Christ.

Closely related to this is the opportunity to enhance leadership development. As ministries expand, the church desires to identify, train, and empower more leaders from within the congregation. Developing new leaders will help ensure that the ministry of the church continues to grow while remaining rooted in its relational culture.

Alongside these opportunities, there are also challenges that come with the church’s growth. One challenge is maintaining strong relational connections within a larger congregation spread over two locations. A defining strength of Cape County Cowboy Church has always been its sense of community and personal connection. As attendance grows and each location further develops, it becomes increasingly important to cultivate structures and leadership that help preserve this relational environment, within and across

locations.

Related to this is the concern that individuals might feel overlooked or disconnected if intentional care is not maintained. The church desires to remain a place where people are known, valued, and personally shepherded rather than simply attending services anonymously.

Finally, there is an ongoing need to build sustainable structures that support pastoral care and discipleship without losing the simplicity and relational warmth that have characterized the church from the beginning. Thoughtful leadership will be essential in balancing these needs—strengthening ministry systems while preserving the authenticity and hospitality that define Cape County Cowboy Church.

These opportunities and challenges represent areas where faithful pastoral leadership can help guide the church into its next season of ministry and growth.

1. Rural Identity, Lifestyle & Shared Culture

This community is made up of down-home, practical people shaped by rural life. Many grew up on farms or in the country, and even when work or residence has shifted off the land, the rural mindset remains. There is a deep appreciation for open spaces, hands-on competence, and the rhythms of country living.

Music with a country sound resonates strongly because it reflects deeply felt emotions related to loss, resilience, freedom, loyalty, and perseverance. These are independent, self-reliant people who value personal responsibility and resist being told who they must be or how they must live.

Hunting, outdoor skills, and hands-on know-how are normal parts of life. An unspoken code guides relationships: your word matters, respect is earned, and character is proven over time. Authenticity is valued far more than polish, and people quickly recognize when something—or someone—is not genuine.

2. Work, Economy & Rhythms of Life

Work is central to identity. Agriculture remains foundational, even for those employed outside farming. Many people balance two jobs—farming alongside another income source—to support their families. The local economy is primarily blue-collar, with employment tied closely to agriculture and its supporting industries such as sale barns, implement dealers, feed stores, veterinarians, and service trades.

Procter & Gamble plays a significant role in regional employment and income stability, shaping work schedules and family rhythms across the area. Life here moves in seasons. From September through March or April, horse events slow down, creating an off-season rhythm with greater availability. During peak seasons, weekends are often spent traveling to rodeos and equine events, which directly affects patterns of community and church involvement.

3. Cowboy, Rodeo & Equine Way of Life

Cowboy culture functions as a shared language in this community, even among those who are not active competitors. People are drawn to the grit, discipline, and values represented in horsemanship and rodeo. Ropers, barrel racers, and equine enthusiasts in general form natural relational networks centered around their shared life with horses.

Horses are more than a hobby—they are a way of life, connecting people like family. Weekends often involve hauling trailers, camping at events, and spending long hours in arenas and barns.

These spaces serve as gathering points where trust is built, stories are shared, and life-long bonds are formed.

This culture naturally values mentorship, perseverance, loyalty, and accountability, creating strong relational bridges for discipleship when the gospel is expressed in familiar language.

4. Core Values & Belonging

The character traits respected most in this community are integrity, justice, and a strong work ethic. People admire those who show up, do what they say they will do, and treat others with fairness and respect. There is little patience for hypocrisy, arrogance, or pretension.

People are not interested in titles; they want leaders and churches that are real—who acknowledge struggles, speak plainly, and live consistently. Outward appearance carries far less weight than inward character. Respect is earned by faithfulness and humility displayed over time.

5. Ministry Opportunity

Many in the community are not currently connected to a church. The sale barn, arena, and job site often function as primary social spaces. Because a genuine sense of belonging is essential, the ministry opportunity is significant: cultivate a church environment where people are welcomed and known, inviting them to enter into a transformational relationship with Jesus.

“Come as you are” is not a slogan but a necessity, recognizing that real life includes complexity and brokenness. These realities are part of people’s stories, not automatic barriers to spiritual curiosity. When trust is built, this community is deeply loyal and receptive to the life-changing work of the gospel, otherwise known as discipleship, resulting in them leaving changed each time they gather with the church as a whole or in a small group.

I. Core Identity: Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a pastor who is first and foremost a biblically qualified shepherd, but also a relational leader who understands and genuinely fits the culture of the people we are called to reach.

This pastor must:

• Love Scripture and preach it faithfully and clearly

• Lead with authenticity over polish

• Build trust in a community where respect is earned over time

• Shepherd people who value relationships, not religious formality

• Engage a culture shaped by rural life, hard work, and cowboy values

This is not a role for someone who merely adapts to the culture—but for someone who can live in it, love it, and lead within it.

II. Biblical Character (Lived Out in This Culture)

The pastor must embody biblical character in ways that resonate with a practical, no-pretense community:

• Authentic and real — not performative or image-driven

• Humble and teachable — open to counsel and correction

• Steady and trustworthy — a man whose word can be relied on

• Gentle, not domineering — leads without arrogance

• Free from self-interest — motivated by service, not status

• Compassionate and approachable — especially toward those hurting or skeptical

In a culture that quickly recognizes what is genuine, the pastor must be a man whose life backs up his message.

III. Preaching & Communication

Because many in our church and community come from non-traditional or limited church backgrounds, the pastor must:

• Preach biblically faithful, gospel-centered messages

• Communicate in clear, everyday language (non-“churchy”)

• Emphasize application to real life (work, family, hardship, faith)

• Speak with clarity, conviction, and relatability

The goal is not just to inform—but to help people: “Come as they are and leave changed.”

IV. Relational Shepherding (Primary Ministry Mode)

Our church is relational, not program-driven, so the pastor must excel in:

• Building trust-based relationships over time

• Being present in everyday life (arenas, job sites, homes, hospitals)

• Leading through influence, not just position

• Practicing intentional listening and personal engagement

• Loving people across a wide range of spiritual backgrounds

Key Expression:

• Shepherding through conversations, not just platforms

• Discipleship through life-on-life relationships

V. Cultural Competency: Cowboy & Rural Life

The pastor must understand and embrace the rhythms and values of this community:

• Respects independence but earns trust relationally

• Understands seasonal rhythms (rodeo schedules, farming life)

• Values hard work, resilience, and loyalty

• Comfortable in environments like:

o Sale barns

o Arenas

o Outdoor gatherings

• Able to connect with:

o Blue-collar workers

o Agricultural families

o Equine/rodeo communities

This is essential—not optional—for effective ministry.

VI. Leadership in a Growing, Multi-Location Church

The pastor must lead with both relational warmth and organizational strength:

Vision & Direction

• Casts clear, compelling vision aligned with mission

• Helps the church navigate growth without losing identity

Leadership Development

• Identifies and develops leaders from within

• Builds mentorship-driven discipleship pathways

Team Leadership

• Works effectively with:

o Staff

o Leadership team

o Volunteers

Multi-Location Leadership

• Maintains unity across Oak Ridge and Gravel Hill

• Ensures people feel known, not lost in growth

VII. Strengthening Key Ministry Areas

Based on current opportunities, the pastor must help lead:

• Pastoral care systems (without losing relational feel)

• Senior adult ministry development

• Clear discipleship pathways (new believer → mature disciple)

• Leadership pipeline development

• Relational connection in a growing church

VIII. Shepherding Responsibilities

The pastor faithfully carries out core pastoral duties:

• Preaching and teaching the Word

• Leading in baptism and the Lord’s Supper

• Conducting weddings and funerals

• Praying regularly with and for the people

• Providing biblical counsel and care

• Engaging in relational evangelism

All of these must be done in a way that is:

• Personal

• Accessible

• Rooted in relationship

IX. Cultural & Ministry Fit Summary

The ideal pastor will be:

• Biblically grounded – anchored in Scripture

• Relationally driven – leads through connection

• Culturally aligned – fits and loves cowboy/rural life

• Authentic – real, not polished or distant

• Missional – committed to reaching those far from church

• Equipping-focused – develops others, not just leads alone

X. Defining Statement

“We are seeking a pastor who will faithfully preach God’s Word, genuinely love people, and lead in a way that fits the real lives of those we are called to reach—building trust, equipping others for Christ’s mission, and helping people encounter Christ in everyday life.”

“A faithful shepherd who leads with truth, loves deeply, and equips others for Christ’s mission”

I. Biblical Character Traits

The pastor must demonstrate Christlike character consistent with the qualifications of Scripture:

• Spirit-filled and faith-driven (Acts 6:5)

• Above reproach with a strong reputation inside and outside the church (1 Timothy 3:7)

• Gentle, not quick-tempered or domineering (Titus 1:7)

• Free from greed; motivated by service, not personal gain (Titus 1:7)

• Committed to truthfulness and integrity (Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:15, 25)

• An encourager who strengthens others through the Word (Titus 1:9)

• Hospitable and welcoming (Titus 1:8)

• Compassionate and benevolent toward others (Ephesians 4:32)

• Teachable and humble, open to correction and growth

(2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 9:9; 1 Peter 5:5)

II. Biblical Elder Qualifications & Competencies

The pastor must meet the biblical qualifications of an elder and demonstrate spiritual maturity:

• Leads his household well (1 Timothy 3:4–5)

• Spiritually mature—not a recent convert

(1 Timothy 3:6; Hebrews 5:11–6:2)

• Able to teach and preach effectively (1 Timothy 3:2)

Teaching Integrity:

• Teaches with integrity and dignity (Titus 2:7)

• Faithfully communicates sound doctrine

• Able to refute false teaching (Titus 1:9)

III. Shepherding Responsibilities

The pastor serves as a shepherd who cares for the spiritual well-being of the congregation:

• Leads in ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

(1 Corinthians 11:23–34)

• Conducts funerals and weddings, providing biblical guidance and care

(Genesis 2:21–25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)

• Prays regularly for and with the people

(Acts 6:4; James 5:13–16)

• Functions as a relational evangelist, engaging people personally

(2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23)

• Demonstrates genuine love for the church body

(John 13:34–35)

• Practices intentional listening and wise counsel

(James 1:19; Proverbs 18:17)

• Communicates biblical truth in a clear, relatable, non-“churchy” way

IV. Leadership & Overseer Skills

The pastor must provide strong, biblically grounded leadership and organizational oversight:

Vision & Direction

• Casts clear, compelling vision

• Leads with a proactive ministry mindset

• Guides the church through change with wisdom and stability

People & Team Leadership

• Motivates and mobilizes the congregation

• Identifies, equips, and develops leaders

• Builds and sustains healthy ministry teams

• Demonstrates strong team management and delegation skills

Organizational Leadership

• Practices effective time management and prioritization

• Provides personnel oversight

• Maintains strong organizational systems

Conflict & Care

• Handles conflict with biblical wisdom and grace

• Promotes unity and reconciliation within the body

V. Ministry Context Competencies

• Ability to lead in a multi-location church setting

• Strong understanding of and ability to engage cowboy culture and rural community values

• Relational, authentic, and culturally aware in ministry approach

VI. Summary Statement

The ideal pastor is a biblically qualified shepherd and visionary leader who:

• Lives with integrity, humility, and teachability

• Faithfully preaches and applies God’s Word

• Loves and shepherds people relationally

• Leads with clarity, courage, and wisdom

• Equips others to grow, serve, and multiply disciples

04/12/2026 

Dear Church Family: 

For more than twenty years, this church has been our home; whether in the auction barn, at Gravel Hill or at Oak Ridge. Serving you has been one of the greatest joys and callings of our dad's life and we have seen God exalted in so many ways. 

However, living with Parkinson's disease the last three years has been a battle - both challenging and humbling for our dad and for our family. 

One of the most difficult realities of Parkinson's is how strongly it is affected by stress. Stress doesn't cause the disease, but it acts like a volume knob on symptoms—making tremors worse, increasing fatigue, disrupting sleep, and impacting focus and balance. Recently, a severe symptom spike led to hospitalization and has made clear that stress must be reduced for his health and safety. 

Over the past few years, as Dad's symptoms have progressed, your patience, grace, and kindness have meant more to us than words can express. We want you to know this: one of Dad's greatest fears has been the fear of letting go and letting you down. Your love and graciousness have helped ease that burden more than you may realize. 

After much prayer and discernment, our family has made the decision to prioritize Dad's health, for the time being. He will be stepping away from day-to-day church leadership, to seek greater peace and stillness-space to heal, rest, and be with the Lord without the pressures his body cannot sustain at this time. To surrender and trust God's will. So that he and we, can be obedient and ultimately like Psalm 46:10 ends, so that God can be exalted - even in this. 

This decision is not made lightly and does not reflect a lack of love for this church. It is quite the opposite – it is made out of faithfulness—-to God, to the calling of ministry, and to the church body that God has entrusted to him and to the rest of the leaders within this church, who will continue to lead and love each and every day. 

Thank you for loving us so well, for walking with us through every season, and for being the kind of church that reflects Christ's grace so beautifully. 

We wrap up with this reminder from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God knows everything. He has plans, GREAT plans for you and for our church. Never to harm us - only to prosper us. To give us such sure, confident hope and to give us all a future. A future greater than our past. We can't wait to see where He leads next. 

With so much love and gratitude - The Family of Pastor Jim & Debbie Matthews 

CAPE COUNTY COWBOY CHURCH 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Is Pastor Jim retiring?

As conveyed last year by Pastor Jim, he had a desire to pull back and start the process of bringing on the next lead pastor of Cape County Cowboy Church to work alongside. While his current health situation has pulled him back, the charge he laid out to seek the next Pastor is still on. We are honoring Pastor Jim in this season by letting him take the time to discern what his next role looks like and to allow the church to continue on with the search. 

2. Who is going to preach?

Our church has been abundantly blessed with a body that has multiple people with many gifts. Ephesians 4:11-12 states that "11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." These roles serve to mature the church, ensuring unity and strength in faith. We will lean on current ministerial staff, other ministers from our Cowboy Church network of sister churches, and from time to time, those who are in consideration from the Pastor Search Team. 

3. Who is leading the church?

During this transition time the church voted on John Vernon to serve as our Transitional Pastor to provide pastoral leadership when Pastor Jim needed to step away from his day-to-day church leadership responsibilities. John will assume those responsibilities at this time. 

4. Who do I call instead of Pastor Jim?

Please call the church office at (573) 266-3570. A ministerial staff member will be in the office and answer that phone Monday through Thursday between 10:00am and 2:00pm. If it is an emergency and cannot wait for a scheduled time a staff member is in the office, please call John's church cell phone, (573) 

270-4148. 

5. What is the long-term plan for our church leadership?

A Pastor Search Team was formed in October 2025. The team members are: Scott Golden, Jim Matthews, Jan Randolph, Daniel Sexton, Denah Siebert, Robin Tolbert, and John Vernon. They have been meeting and working through a process to discern the man God has for our church as its next Lead Pastor. This process has involved creating a community profile, church profile, and a pastor profile. All three of these are currently being finalized and the Pastor Search Team will begin seeking applicants this month. If you have someone you believe the Lord might be calling to serve as our next Lead Pastor, please encourage them to submit a resume by email to 4Cpastorsearch@gmail.com or mail a printed copy to CGBA, Attn: John Vernon, 5103 Old Cape Rd E, Jackson MO 63755. 

Please keep praying for our church and the search for our next Lead Pastor! 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

GRAVEL HILL UPDATE: April 19

What an exhilarating week it has been at the Gravel Hill / 4C Arena! The progress is nothing short of divine, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share the latest advancements with you all.

Here's the scoop on our monumental strides:

- Concrete Transformation: We kicked off the week by removing a 22' x 26' section of concrete floor! This crucial step allowed our skilled plumbers to lay down the groundwork for the new sewer and water lines. Plus, we’ve successfully extended the propane gas main through the main section of the Arena.

- Fresh Foundations: The following day, fresh concrete was poured, leaving us with a beautifully smooth finish that sets the tone for what’s to come!

- Entrance Enhancements: We dug a trench footing for the outside entrance pad, and the concrete footings are now in place, solidifying our commitment to a grand entrance.

- Curb Appeal: A new concrete curb has been added to the Arena, expertly designed to prevent any spillover of arena dirt onto the pristine new walls.

- Framing New Spaces: We’ve framed in a new Housekeeper closet, along with an adjacent small storage closet, enhancing our organizational capabilities.

- Roof Repairs in Sight: Our dedicated Mike Putz has pinpointed the source of the pesky roof leak, and the roofing company is on it, ensuring we're protected from the elements.

- County Road Repairs: Kudos to the county for their excellent work on road repairs! Your smooth travels to the Arena are now guaranteed.

- Community Spirit: Despite the high winds bringing in dust and pollen, our incredible group of 12 volunteers sprang into action yesterday morning, sweeping the area and cleaning all chairs and tables for church! Your dedication shines bright!

This week was a testament to teamwork, resilience, and community spirit. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to elevate the Gravel Hill / 4C Arena to new heights!