Cowboy Church at New Hope West is an annual event that blends church and Western culture, drawing hundreds of attendees to worship in a unique setting. Held at the Lane Events Center in downtown Eugene, this service features live music with a country twist, a message from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, high-tech production elements, a petting zoo, carriage rides, and a free lunch. With thousands of attendees, Cowboy Church is not only a community favorite, but also a hands-on learning opportunity for students in the creative arts and ministry leadership programs.
Several attendees commented that this was the best church service they’ve ever been to and wished we could have a cowboy church every month. However, Cowboy Church is always a huge feat involving over a hundred volunteers. It takes an army to transform a livestock arena into a welcoming space with state-of-the-art LED screens, hundreds of chairs, a stage, lights, sound, and more.
Our church’s tech team, which includes both professionals and students, worked tirelessly from the end of our regular Sunday service until the morning of the event. Our goal is to create a distraction-free environment where attendees can focus on worship and God’s presence. High-quality technology enables us to deliver clean audio and visuals, dim lights, and enhance the experience for both regular churchgoers and visitors. For many, the excellent production draws them in, especially those who might not attend a traditional church service regularly. Above all, we believe God deserves our very best, and we offer Him excellence in every setup as an act of worship.
This event also serves as a valuable training ground for our students. Working in a new environment and alongside professionals, our creative arts students had the chance to adapt and produce in a non-traditional setting. They worked with expert musicians and technicians, making this event an incredible hands-on experience. Our ministry leadership students, many of whom lead teams on campus, learned firsthand what it takes to coordinate an event of this scale in a different setting and were able to lead teams of volunteers at the Lane Events Center. Cowboy Church isn’t just a fun change of pace; it’s a learning and growth opportunity for everyone involved.
