The New Faith of Branson
by Cindy Shorey
June 6, 2006
(AgapePress) - - The Branson story is not a new story to many: quaint historic town becomes a tourist mecca, seemingly overnight. That line could be true of several great travel destinations, including Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Myrtle Beach. But what sets Branson, Missouri, apart? Branson has seen its share of successes and even a few failures. That is the normal ebb and flow of business in a tourist-driven economy. Beyond the economics, what has remained is the faith in the heart of Branson and, to many, a faith in a higher purpose for the area. On the surface a new face is evident -- but dig deeper and you will find a rich vein of faith in God, and faith in family. Branson is a town where God, flag, and country take center stage. Perhaps that was the heart of Branson all along.
Back in 1990, Branson saw the arrival of a cavalcade of stars including Mel Tillis, Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Wayne Newton, and comedian David Brenner. All big names to be sure! But the muscle of the bigger names didn't keep the smaller shows from surviving. They have survived and thrived ... and have proceeded to remain atop the list of "must-see family shows" in Branson. The shows you wouldn't be embarrassed to take your family to. And that is a common denominator that 99 percent of the shows share.
It's 2006 and families are expected to pour into Branson. What does the new Branson offer? It no longer caters solely to the stereotypical Branson tourist: the "country music loving, Larry the Cable Guy tourist." Branson has found a way to embrace sophisticated baby boomers. New attractions in 2006 include a $300 million waterfront development known as the "Landing," a new Titanic exhibit, and Silver Dollar City's new expansion, The Grand Exposition.
Some 16 years after the "boom years" of the 1990s, many of the theaters also cater to a new audience -- that of church member. Many theaters in Branson have also become home to several churches. It's not uncommon to find services every Sunday morning at your favorite theater.
Mel Tillis sold his 110,000-square-foot building in 2002 to the Assemblies of God, and it has become home to one of Branson's fastest growing churches and event centers. The center plans to host Christian events and conferences year round. This summer it will host its first children's show, "God Rocks!"
On the other side of town, Keith Moore pastors the popular Faith Christian Church, formerly known as the Tony Orlando Theater. Tourists flock to these and other churches each Sunday, in search of services away from home. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church has expanded their facility thanks to benevolent tourists each year.
Branson has also become a popular destination for religious meeting planners, conferences, and ministries. Religious conferences are one of the fastest growing meeting sectors nationwide. Speakers such as David Jeremiah, Kenneth Copeland, John Hagee and James Dobson have all appeared at one time or another in Branson. Brannon Howse, director of Worldview Weekend conferences, has indeed been pleasantly surprised at the success of his ministry conference held each year in Branson. "Branson represents a destination that I could not have dreamed up: faith, family, flag," says Howse. His event for 2006, which celebrated the birth of our religious freedom, sold out.
It is safe to say one of the biggest successes of the past 15 years in Branson has not been the "star factor," but the ability of the community to withstand the knock of gambling at its door. The year 2005 saw a successful, and some say surprising, victory against a Rockaway Beach proposed gaming initiative.
When you visit Branson this year, expect to see some familiar sights, marvel at some new ones, and listen closely to the strength of the heartbeat of a new Branson.
Cindy Shorey manages the Tri-Lakes Center for the Assemblies of God, and has been a resident of Branson since 1989. A freelance writer, she often writes "on assignment" for her dad Mel Tillis and sister Pam Tillis. She especially enjoys writing about her faith and is working on a devotional book for single moms.
