The Cowboy Church of Ellis County (www.cowboychurchofelliscounty.org) calls itself the world’s largest cowboy church, claiming more than 1,000 worshipers each Sunday. The Waxahachie, Texas, church maintains a glossy, friendly site with plenty of information along with appealing photos of outdoor baptisms and church-sponsored rodeos.

The best reading is found by clicking “About Us” and then “Beliefs.” Church leadership explains that everything caters to the seeker, and that’s why many traditional church service features aren’t found: No offering plate is passed. No one calls or visits prospective members — until they’ve given permission. There’s definitely no dress code, and readers have to search awhile to discover the church’s affiliation (it’s an autonomous Baptist congregation, affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas).

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