Finding Faith on the Rodeo Trail
A Conversation with Pat Linger In this engaging episode of "Conversations of Faith," host Sarah Rose sits down with rodeo legend Pat Linger.
A decorated bareback bronc rider, Pat has spent decades both in and out of the rodeo arena, sharing his journey of faith that intertwines with his illustrious career.
Growing Up Tethered to Rodeo
Pat's journey begins in Burkburnett, Texas, where he was born along the banks of the Red River. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in rodeo, it was only natural that he would follow in his father's footsteps. His father, a bull rider and saddle bronc contestant, later managed the Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company. Pat recalls, “I was pretty much born into rodeo.” From the age of sixteen, Pat rode bareback broncs professionally, competing for eight years and earning the title of the Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Finals Champion three years in a row from 1978 to 1980. His journey led him to Miles City, Montana, where he would meet his wife, Lori Herzog, and build a life fueled by love, family, and rodeo.
The Intersection of Faith and Rodeo
Throughout our conversation, Pat reflects on how God has woven his faith into his life’s tapestry. Though he grew up in a Christian environment, it wasn’t until he began traveling with other rodeo cowboys that he encountered the true essence of faith. With all the grit and glory of rodeo life, temptation was rampant, and it was easy to get lost in the excitement of it all.
However, it was a simple gift from a fellow cowboy that first opened Pat’s eyes to the Word: a cowboy New Testament that he was casually handed one day. He tucked it away for some time, but it remained a beacon of faith that eventually drew him in, especially during the highs and lows of the rodeo circuit.
The Moment of Transformation
Pat’s epiphany came on March 2, 1982, during a cowboy preacher convention in Houston, Texas. Surrounded by fellow cowboys and anointed speakers, Pat finally felt the Spirit's tug on his heart. “For two years, I read that Bible,” he shared, “but I never really acted on what I learned.” In that moment of revelation, he made a decision that would change his life forever. However, before that moment, Pat struggled with a fear considering salvation: the belief that giving his life to Christ would mean he’d have to serve as a missionary in Africa. He laughs as he recalls, “I thought, ‘If I commit my life to Jesus, He’ll send me to Africa!’” This thought was a significant barrier that kept him hesitating to fully embrace faith. It wasn't until later in life, during discussions with missionaries, that Pat found clarity. He learned that while some are called to go, others are called to support through prayer and encouragement. “It struck me that I could be used right here, exactly where I am,” he said. “God loves the Mavericks out there just as much as He loves the missionaries.” This realization lifted the weight off his shoulders, allowing him to embrace his faith without fear.
A Platform for Sharing
Since that pivotal moment, Pat has dedicated himself to sharing the Good News with others. He emphasizes that it’s not just about knowing Jesus—it’s about knowing Him as your Savior and having a deep, personal relationship with Him. “God’s discipline is not about punishment—it's about love,” he explained. Pat encourages those who may feel unworthy or worried that God might send them to Africa as a missionary. He reassures them with a simple truth: God loves you where you are. As he dug deeper into scripture, he found affirmation in Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Closing Thoughts
As the conversation winds down, Sarah and Pat take time to pray for all those listening. It’s a heartfelt moment filled with an invitation for a new relationship with Christ. For Pat, the journey of faith goes beyond mere words—it’s about living out that faith daily among friends, family, and the rodeo community. Pat’s story is a testament to God’s grace, illustrating that our past doesn't define us; it's our choices moving forward that shape our legacy. He reminds us all that no matter where we are in life, God has a plan, and He meets us right where we are.
To listen to the full conversation, which is teeming with humor, wisdom, and genuine faith, tune into "Conversations of Faith" with Sarah Rose and Pat Linger. Whether you’re a rodeo lover, a person of faith, or simply seeking hope, their discussion is sure to resonate, encouraging each listener to embrace their journey with God.
For those who have found a connection through Pat's story and are seeking further guidance in their own faith journey, feel free to reach out to him on Facebook. His story is a reminder that no one is too far from God’s reach, and there’s always room to grow in grace and love.