Friday, September 24, 2010

Niche Marketing

I was intrigued by this new appearance on the Marshall by-pass and stopped for a closer look. The cross made of horseshoes is pretty nifty.
And when I got home, Mr. Google informed me that this is a growing movement -- and I wondered, do any other countries have this sort of thing with churches directed to a certain segment of their population -- based on avocation rather than belief??  

I'm not trying to say this is a good thing or a bad thing -- I just find it an interesting phenomenon.

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19 comments:

Unknown said...

Now that is different. I cannot think of a church in New Zealand that is associated with a particular vocation Vicki.

Vicki Lane said...

Actually, I should have said avocation. Not many 'real' cowboys around here -- but lots of farmers some of whom like to rodeo and cowboy on the weekend.

Martin said...

I can think of examples where there is a chapel in the workplace but, the phenomenon you mention is a new one to me.

When you say, it's a growing trend, do you mean, for cowboys or for other occupations too?

Stella Jones said...

I'm not sure if we have that sort of thing over here. There are spiritualist churches and the usual Catholic, Protestant, Methodist etc. but I've never seen a church specifically for a certain type of vocation. It's an interesting idea though, isn't it.
Blessings, Star

Jeannette StG said...

Interesting, since Jesus was a carpenter LOL

Marilyn & Jeff said...

This is very different, I have never seen a church for a type of group or interest. Most unusual I would think.

Pat in east TN said...

That's a new one to me too Vicki.

Brian Miller said...

we have several nearby...but i live in the mountains...i will admit that the first time i saw it i was perplexed...

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

well, I never.
I can't wait to show this to my boss. He's the Chair of the Philosophy and Religion here where I work, and he's a Religion Scholar - his particular area of interest being American Religion and Culture. He'll love this!

bo parker said...

Very intriguing. Makes me wonder about the music; the instruments played, the songs sung?
If such a church existed nearby, I'm not certain I could resist the urge to attend a service to learn more.

Helen T said...

When I used to work at the newspaper I remember somebody doing a story on the Cowboy Church. It looked like a great mix of like-minded people in worship. The only thing I know similar are some biker Christian groups.

BB said...

Hi Vicki...

That is different isn't it? We have more choices of churches here in Myrtle Beach than golf courses. And we have lots of golf courses!! There's an old movie theater here that has been converted into "the Barefoot Church" to attract beach goers I guess? Not sure what that means. Sometimes I think these churches that target a certain following are a little cultish. That's just my opinion. Not trying to put anyone's church down.

Tammy said...

From what I understand much of the Cowboy church is directed towards a more casual atmosphere (often held in arenas and such). I've also heard of churches being formed near truck stops to give truckers the option of worship 'where they are'. I think it's just a growing trend to try and reach people 'where they are'. I think it can be taken to the extremes as all things can, but mostly it seems to be an interesting movement towards incorporating worship into as you say their avocation. On a side note we had a Cowboy Church form here about two years ago. I'm itchin' to go but for one reason and another haven't been able to.
Tammy

NCmountainwoman said...

There's a "Cowboy Church" at the Western NC Agriculture Center near Asheville (across from the airport) every Tuesday evening. They allow dogs and have "Buckaroo" services for the children. Pastor wears jeans and a leather vest which seems appropriate for the services.

Vicki Lane said...

Okay, now I see. An outreach for a group that wants a more casual, down to earth approach. Kind of nice about bringing dogs.

Friko said...

Very American, possibly? I have never heard of a church for a particular group of people.

Vicki Lane said...

Friko --I expect that one wouldn't have to actually BE a cowboy to attend -- just be drawn to the lifestyle, maybe. I know that over here, a lot of churches offer certain types of worship for various people -- traditional or less so, healing, charismatic, etc.

I'm neither a church-goer nor a believer -- just an observer of the passing scene . . .

jennyfreckles said...

I think there are biker churches here, but whether they own church buildings, I'm not sure. Hope they never invent one for civil servants!! I'll stick with my own church, thanks!

Vagabonde said...

I learn so much reading your blog. Churches for avocations – very interesting.