Dog the Bounty Hunter to preach at Bradenton Church

If you’ve recently jumped bail, you probably shouldn’t attend the Source Church in Bradenton on Oct. 9.

That is the day the church will bring a real-life bounty hunter to its pulpit.

The non-denominational church often has guest preachers for it Sunday service. Former baseball player Darryl Strawberry is a frequent guest. So is Tim Storey, the motivational speaker who’s often on Oprah Winfrey’s show.

Duane Chapman, who’s better known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, and his wife, Beth, will be the guest preachers at the Source for Sunday services on Oct. 9. Services are scheduled for 9 and 11 a.m., and the public is invited.

Ralph and Joanna Hoehne, the founder and lead pastors of the Source, have a mutual friend in common with the Chapmans. The friend suggested that the Chapmans would be a good fit for the Source. The Hoehnes say their church attracts all kinds of people, and that Duane and Beth Chapman can reach some people in a way that the Hoehnes can’t.

Duane Chapman is a devout Christian, and he has been in prison himself, and when he apprehends accused criminals on “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” his A&E reality show, he often mentors them.

“He tells them ‘You have to get out of this life. Your life’s not over,’” Beth Hoehne said. “He can share a story of redemption that Ralph and I don’t have.”

Details: 9 and 11 a.m. Oct. 9, The Source Church, 5412 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. Free. 941-592-4700, tapintothesource.com.

This story was originally published September 28, 2016 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Dog the Bounty Hunter to preach at Bradenton Church."