Where have all the cowboys gone?

Last Sunday, Pastor Josh spoke about koinonia—fellowship. As I listened, I began reflecting on the broader concept of church. In Greek, the word is ekklesia, and its Hebrew counterpart is kehillah. Both translate to “congregation,” which, if you look it up in the dictionary, is defined as “a group of people with a common interest or goal.” That definition highlights two essential elements: a group of people, and a shared purpose.

I once heard someone say, “Church isn’t for lone rangers,” and that couldn’t be more true. The New Testament repeatedly underscores the importance of community. In Acts 2:46 we read, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Similarly, Colossians 3:15 reminds us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” And 1 Corinthians 12:12 paints a vivid picture: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

Throughout the New Testament, the church is never described as a solo endeavor. It’s always about community—plurality, not individuality. That’s why we are called to be in fellowship with others.

Yet, many choose to withdraw, often citing reasons like “I’ve been hurt by people,” “I don’t like the preaching,” or “I just can’t find a church I connect with.” But if we let those reasons keep us isolated, how can we live out the message from Hebrews 10:24–25, which Pastor Josh highlighted last Sunday?

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

How can we encourage others if we avoid fellowship? How will we grow? And how will we receive the encouragement we also need?

I titled this devotional “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”—a nod to the popular song from the 1990s. In the song, the singer asks a series of questions born from disappointment and loneliness. She’s searching for someone to step in, to bring clarity, comfort, and ultimately a happy ending. But no one comes.

At the start of this devotional, I mentioned that in the Christian life, there are no “lone rangers.” Interestingly, the song itself longs for such a figure—asking, “Where is John Wayne? Where is my Lone Ranger? Where have all the cowboys gone?” It reflects a desire for a hero to arrive, like in the old Westerns, to fix everything and bring a resolution.

But in the Christian life, there’s only one true hero—Jesus. And while He is present everywhere, it’s through fellowship with other believers that we most deeply experience His presence. It’s in community that we are encouraged, challenged, and drawn closer to Him. We’re not meant to walk this journey alone. Fellowship is where we find strength, growth, and the clearest reflection of Christ’s love.