Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
As a new church in the community, only performing its first service on Feb. 19, 2023, Grit-N-Grace Cowboy Church has had humble beginnings. However, since that day, the church has grown exponentially in members, now even holding its first baptisms in a water trough. What is it that draws members to Grit-N-Grace Cowboy Church?
The Story of Grit-N-Grace Cowboy Church begins with Eric Bittman, the founder and sole pastor.
“I'm originally a hillbilly,” Pittman says.
He was born in northern South Carolina, and from his beginning, he has always had a love of the country lifestyle. When he graduated from high school at the age of eighteen, he joined the military, where he “served Uncle Sam” for 31 years. Despite the challenges Pittman endured during those years, he worked hard to maintain his spiritual outlook on life. This lead him to serve as pastor in a United Methodist Church in Georgia, where he made it his goal to preach using God's word as the sole base.
He married his wife, Cristen Pittman, on Nov. 11, 2022, and decided to move to Monticello with her. After moving, Pittman noticed a dissatisfaction in the community.
“Many people do not like organized religion,” Pittman says, “'cause it was getting away from the only truth, Biblical truth.”
This inspired Pittman to create the Grit-N-Grace Cowboy Church, a nondenominational Christian church where he uses the Bible as its sole doctrine. One of the most valued principles of the church is non-judgement.
“We're not about formalities,” states Pittman, “'cause you can come in after going turkey hunting early in the morning, all in camo, and it doesn't matter; maybe you got a good catch. 'Cause it's not about dressing up; it's about the Word.”
The church is open to all people, but especially those who are unfamiliar with the Bible. Its mission is not to take members from other churches, but to introduce people to the Bible and help them down their spiritual path. In the words of Pittman, “It's a chance to watch them grow in the community and support them.” All are welcome to “just show up” to the church.
“There is not judgement; we welcome everybody, 'cause God's Word says the Word will not fall on deaf ears,” Pittman explains.
The church also values love in the congregation.
“It's about spending time with your heavenly family, 'cause we're all brothers and sisters in Christ,” Pittman expresses. “Anyone can pick up the phone and anyone will be there in a moment's notice. We love them.”
Time before and after the service is dedicated to fellowship, with coffee before and a meal afterward. The Pittmans plan to move a large barn on their property to Aucilla Shores in two to three months, which will become the church's permanent home. There, they also hope to make a center for equestrian events to enjoy with their spiritual brothers and sisters. Until the permanent venue is completed, the services are held at Robinson Gunworks & Range at 705 S. Water St. every Sunday, beginning with 10 a.m. fellowship and a 10:30 a.m. service.
Above all else, the Grit-N-Grace Cowboy Church is meant to be a place where people can learn about the Bible and grow from its teachings, which Pittman expresses in simple words: “People are hungry, searching for something. They're searching for truth, something that gives them peace. And oftentimes, they just need to be shown the way.”
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