WELCOME TO THE J-BAR-M 
WESTERN GUEST RANCH
AND HORSEMANSHIP CAMP

Message from John Sterling: I have been a lot of things, but I am a Christian first, and a cowboy, second. The ranch vision is something that God put on my heart almost 30 years ago. I have always been a cowboy (even when I made a living as a soldier or a cop) and I have always seens a connection between the Christian lifestyle, and the "Cowboy Way". The "Cowboy Way" means having character traits of strength, courage, action, loyalty, humility, and integrity. Those traits are "Christ-like" traits so the better I can follow Christ, the better cowboy I can be.
What is a Christian? A Christian is one who submits to Lordship of Jesus Christ and that acknowledges His grace and provision in all that we do. In short, a Christian is a "follower of Christ". You can't FOLLOW Him, if you do not KNOW Him. When I buy a new horse, and put him in the corral at the ranch, he does not know who I am. If I call that horse to come to me, he generally backs away (or runs the other direction). That's because he does not KNOW me. That horse does not understand that if he obeys me, I will take care of him. I ask only a little of him...that is, to allow me to saddle him and carry me (or my guests). That is easy for him to do. I do not ask my horses to do more than they are able. In return, I provide good quality feed, regular hoof care and de-worming, and first aid if they require. This is a better life than they would have in "the wild". That is how I see my relationship with God, in Christ. He calls to me but I do not recognize His voice until I KNOW HIM! I try to run because I think it is better to be "free". But, through His constant, loving "pressure" He shows me His nature and His divine plan for my life. Once I ACCEPT His Lordship, I begin to get to KNOW Him, and them my life becomes meaningful. I now have PEACE, and HOPE, and JOY that I did not have before.

I describe myself as a non-demoninational, theologically conservative, Christian. Because I am a recipient of the GRACE of Jesus, I am better able to extend grace to others. I am more "tolerant" of the theological "position" of others as I understand that God deals with people at different times, and in different ways, than He has dealt with me. Organized religion, and religious activity has usually left me with a bad taste...I don't enjoy (and am not much influenced by) "regular" church services. In most services today, you will see a lot audio-visual presentation with images of mountains, streams, forests, flowers, and other images designed to usher you into a state of worship. When I see that stuff though, I think, "I am not made more "worshipful" by seeing artificial images, in an artificial environment! I want to BE where those pictures represent! I want to BE by the actual stream, or in the actual mountains, etc. THAT is when I feel a special closeness to God...when I am in HIS creation (rather than in a building of stained glass and steel made by the hands of man!)

Why Cowboy Church?I have talked with a lot of men and women who are like me in this respect: They are NOT "anti-God" and, in fact, they WANT to know Him better, but the trappings of "traditional worship" services seem to only get in the way. So, the idea of "Cowboy Church" has been in my heart for many years. Now, many Cowboy Churches are springing up all over. That is a good thing. Reaching people with the message of Jesus is exactly what God wants His people to be doing. I was made in the image of God, and I have always loved horses and being out-of doors. Since I have been a Christian, I have been able to teach people about Jesus by connecting with them, and helping them connect with God, through our common interests. That is the fundamental mission of The J-Bar-M Ranch. It is an environment where people can get away from the 21st Century for a few hours, or a few days, and re-connect spiritually with their Creator, or discover for the first time WHO they are in Christ Jesus.

Church Services Church at the Ranch is never the same twice. If there are not guests on a Sunday Morning, Melanie and I ride our horses over to the nearby Dyllis Baptist Church where we are both members. It is a small community church with warm, wonderful people who are sincere in their pursuit of a more Godly life. Guests who wish, may saddle up and ride with us for a very traditional small-church worship service. OR, if guests at the Ranch prefer a more rustic, very informal setting, we will get out the guitar and harmonica and our Bibles, and we will do church around a campfire (or in a tent, or under a tin roof, if its raining). The bottom line is, plan to meet with God have your soul fed.

If this sounds like something that might interest you- call, or e-mail, John or Melanie and ask for more information. You can get the answers to your questions, and then fill out a Reservation Form (or, Click here for a printer-friendly version of the form).
Complete and return via E-mail attachment to us at this E-mail address: mailto:trailboss@j-bar-m.com
Our Address is: J-Bar-M Ranch, 3997 Sugar Grove Valley Rd, Harriman, TN, 37748
Or call us at: (865)435-0380 (office) or (865) 640-7737 (cell)

IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS- SEE IF YOU CAN FIND THE ANSWERS AT

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The J-Bar-M Ranch 
is SERIOUS about having fun... and
giving our guests a  "one of a kind" cowboy experience in
THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD WEST. 

We offer three unique western experiences for adults and children:
COWBOY SHOOTING, TRAIL RIDING, and COWBOY CAMPFIRE COOKERY
(Bacon, Beans, Biscuits, and Beef!)
We Offer Summer Horsemanship Camps Monday Through Friday,
during the months of June, July and August
(see 2008 Schedule of Events for exact dates)

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