Cowboys for Christ: An Interview with Chaplain David Gillett
by Gina McKnight
No Duplication Without Permission
Born in Dover,
Florida, Chaplain David Gillett serves as the State Director for Cowboys for Christ, where his leadership, steady faith, and deep love for Christ come
together in a ministry devoted to reaching people where they live and work.
Known for his warm presence and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel,
Gillett brings ministry experience to arenas, ranches, trail rides, and
community events across Florida.
His work centers
on building relationships, offering prayer and support, and bringing Christ’s
message to cowboys, ranch families, and all who find their strength in the
saddle. Whether he’s ministering at a rodeo, visiting a barn, or guiding new
believers, Chaplain Gillett embodies the mission of Cowboys for Christ: to
ride boldly for the Lord and serve with compassion, courage, and integrity.
Welcome, David!
GM: What first
inspired you to champion Cowboys for Christ, and how has your role evolved over
time?
DG: I grew up on a
farm/ranch. My grandfather owned Wishing Well Farms of Dover, Florida. He grew
watermelon and had about 30 head of cattle. After his death, the family was
forced to break up the ranch. All the family currently has one acre lots of the
former ranch.
I was inspired to
get Cowboys for Christ FL started when I was driving commercially through Zolfo
Springs, FL and I saw a Cowboys for Christ sign. They no longer have a chapter,
but it inspired me to get involved and rebuild CFC FL, which lead to me becoming
a Chaplain and then eventually the State Director.
GM: Tell us about
your current ministry and outreach…
DG: We minister at
rodeos, horse shows, and local community outreaches - we have two Food Missions
providing food needs. My primary focus is youth rodeos working with young
people and families. We don't try to become famous through the professional
rodeos. We also work one-on-one with local saddle clubs and the National Barrel
Horse Association.
GM: In a world
facing so much uncertainty, how do current events influence the way you
minister to people?
DG: I try not to
let current events bother me but the uncertainty in this world has helped me
find compassion for people I might not have had for certain people before I was
saved by the grace of God.
GM: How do you
weave faith into your everyday routine, whether you’re in the pulpit, at home,
or working with others?
DG: I have had to
practice what I preach and rely on the Lord for my needs. I work overnight
part-time for Amazon and full-time for my home church as a Deacon, teacher, van
driver, nighttime preacher and more plus the director of CFC FL. I don't get
paid for those roles so when finances and health issues come up, I have to rely solely on Him.
GM: What
challenges have you encountered in your ministry journey, and how have you
found strength to overcome them?
DG: Some of the
challenges to ministry is trusting the Lord on my busy schedule. What do I do?
Do I trust him? Or do I try and handle everything myself? Balancing work,
family and ministry is challenging enough. I find strength by taking it one day
at a time and knowing God is not surprised.
GM: What advice
would you give someone who feels called to serve through a faith‑based or
equine‑based ministry?
DG: For one who
feels called to a ministry like this, they need to pray about it for it is not
as easy as it looks. Country folks can see real people. They know when someone
is a phony. But once you area committed, stay the course for this is a
relationship ministry.
GM: What hopes or
goals do you have for Cowboys for Christ in Florida as you look toward the
future?
DG: My goals are
to see people come to Christ but also to see Believers grow. Spiritual maturity
is not taught much anymore. I would love to see CFC grow as we only cover about
80% of Florida and one day I am praying to establish new teams in Georgia and
South Carolina.
GM: What does
horsemanship mean to you?
DG: Horsemanship
is someone willing to learn and follow instructions even when it is hard or
doesn't make sense. We have to be teachable and eventually be willing to
teach.
Connect with David…
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