broken cowboy

motorcycle. Instead of pews, chairs are gathered café style around tables, while parishioners chug bottled water and nibble on snacks.
And the collection plate? A Baby Moon hubcap.

Welcome to Broken Chains Freedom Church on Jacksboro Highway, where a gritty past or an arm full of tattoos aren’t obstacles to the Christian life.

Leading the flock is Roy Boswell, a man who splits his time between a job as sales manager of Four Stars Motors in Henrietta and pastor of the new biker church.

“It may be an untraditional atmosphere, but the constant is God’s word,” he said.
The come-as-you-are church held its first services April 10 with a standing-room-only crowd. Since then, services average about 70 people.

“We’re here to knock down walls,” Boswell said. “People want to worship, but they put up invisible walls that prevent them from coming to church like a fancy building, a denomination’s name on the sign and appropriate clothing.”

Pastor Roy Boutwell addresses the congregation during the inaugural service of the Broken Chains Freedom Church.

One visitor looked at the pastor and couldn’t believe he didn’t have to wear a tie to church.
“I told him if he did wear a tie, it would most likely get cut off and nailed to the wall,” Boswell said with a laugh.

Broken Chains hails itself as a “biker church,” but welcomes everyone, whether they drive a Harley or a Honda. Anyone of any faith has an invitation to join.
“We don’t want to limit our attendance to just bikers,” Boswell said. “One of the first couples to join was in their 70s.”

During the inaugural service, Boswell counted 58 cars and 37 motorcycles in the parking lot.
“It’s more about reaching the unchurched and lost,” he said. “We don’t care what you drive, how you dress, where you work, if your hair is a different color or how many tattoos you have. All we care about is where your heart is and where you’re going to spend eternity.”

The nonthreatening atmosphere draws all kinds of people from all walks of life. Many have done hard time, and Boswell said their testimonies would tear your heart out.
“The people I’ve met with the biggest hearts are those people you wouldn’t let in your front door,” he said.