Bronc Riding Minister

In addition to all of the exciting things happening in the Covenant Brethren Church regions, from time to time we at CBC like to feature some of the many talented individuals that make up the leadership. Welsh Run Congregation, in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in the Mid-Atlantic region recently celebrated the Covenant agreement and became one of the newest members of CBC. During the same ceremony, the church officially licensed to Christian Ministry 37-year-old Timothy Kent from Chambersburg, Pa.

While the ceremony itself was a time for rejoicing, there was nothing unique about it except that when Brother Timothy Kent isn’t in the pulpit or fulfilling his numerous duties at Welsh Run, he is a star bronc rider on the professional rodeo circuit.

A lifelong member of the Welsh Run Congregation, Brother Tim explains that he became interested in rodeo at the age of thirteen when a friend from church invited him to attend the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Farm Show. From that time on he became hooked.

For about seven years, Tim participated in numerous amateur association events before turning professional at the age of 25 and joining The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as a bareback bronc rider. According to the PRCA website, they are the largest rodeo organization in the world and sanction events in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

Over the years, Brother Tim has traveled extensively on the rodeo circuit, taking home numerous awards, trophies, and cash prizes. It takes him away from home one weekend a month, he says. His wife Jeanie accompanies him on occasion providing moral support. To find Tim’s information, please visit the PRCA website and click on his name.

Brother Tim has served the Welsh Run Congregation in leadership positions over the years. Today, his wife and family join him in fulfilling a vital part of their church services. Tim and Jeanie have faithfully served as term deacons, Sunday school teachers, and song leaders. Additionally, they team up on occasion to perform musical concerts at Welsh Run. Sister Jeanie is a professional in her own right: an accomplished singer and voice coach.

Bronc riding is a tough, demanding sport. In a telephone interview, I asked Brother Tim if he saw any conflict between his two jobs and if there were opportunities to minister on the circuit. He explains that, first of all, throughout his life, his mind and heart have been turned toward God He says he is confident that God has called him into both professions.

He explains there are always opportunities, to minister during the various rodeo events. On Sundays, a religious service, known as Cowboy Church is held, and he is often called upon to speak.

After a couple of telephone interviews with Brother Tim, it is clear to this writer that he is highly motivated by an all-consuming trust in God that lies at the core of his beliefs. He instinctively knows that the Lord has always been foremost in his mind, and he looks upon his licensing as a breakthrough moment in his journey.

His church leadership and rodeo activities contribute mightily toward strengthening his faith and allowing him to discern his calling and grow stronger in his convictions.

Undoubtedly, here is a young man whose faith fuels his strength of character and self-discipline, enabling him to discharge both responsibilities.

Brother Timothy Kent provides yet another glowing example of the dedication and seriousness of purpose characterized by the many leaders within the Covenant Brethren Church. We wish him and his family God’s most abundant blessings. To God be the Glory!

By Steve Jennings, CBC editor.