General Ministries
Skateboard Ministries and Companies

Every ministry runs into an issue with skateboarding equipment. Do I build or buy? Let me tell you what we did and what I would probably do from now on.

We built all of our ramps and boxes out of wood, these were great for a few months. They were solid and skated well it’s just after a few months, wear & tear and the weather would mean we had to replace some wood or re screw some sections. Lots of maintenance and we usually rebuilt most of the ramps every spring. Every year spending hundreds on wood and not to mention all our time.

Looking back this was a waste of time, energy and money. Today I would totally use better equipment, stuff that would last a lot longer. If I spent 3 times as much on ramps one year but could hang on to them for 5 years it would make better financial sense than rebuilding every year.

So if you’re a young skateboard ministry start saving for better equipment. Take a look at fiberglass, metal and mixed material ramps that will last longer than a year and spend time growing your ministry. http://www.ballhitchramps.com/ makes some great equipment.

Twitter is such a great communication tool and so we’re finally on it. Follow us at http://twitter.com/generalskate

After all the excitement with the birth of our new son, shamless plug, we caught up with Freedom Skateboards to find out who they are and what they’ve been up to.

When and how did Freedom Skateboards start?
Freedom started, in theory, in 2000. My wife, while at Eastern College in Philly, was writing her thesis statement on starting a Christian skateboard park. As she researched it and worked on her thesis statement, she came to the conclusion that insurance and rent would be too much. So she switched her thesis statement to starting a Christian skateboard company. After she completed it and submitted it for a grade, she wrote a note on it. The note said, “God if you want this ministry to start, send the finances.” Two years later, God provided everything we needed to get started. This spring will kick off our first touring season.

What was the purpose?
At first, Freedom was started to offer kids quality decks and clothing with Christian graphics. But the purpose and vision of Freedom changed. I have been skating since I was in 5th grade. All my brothers skate and have a passion to see the lost come to Jesus. After prayer and God just moving in our lives, we decided to turn Freedom into a ministry team. We still offer all the products, but more importantly all our riders are ministry minded. We do demos and speak at youth groups, outreaches, youth conventions, in high schools, skate parks and youth camps.

Who’s involved/riders right now?
My wife is heavily involved in the business end of the ministry. If it wasn’t for her, being led by Jesus, Freedom would not exist. Myself, Ben Wenrich. Two of my brothers, Zach Wenrich and Chris Wenrich, are part of the skate team and are involved in leading the company. Shane Nailor, Dustin Pague and Chris Damone are all vital parts of the skateboard team and have a passion and love for Jesus and the lost.

What has been the greatest moments for Freedom?
The great moment was when God brought this Freedom Skateboards into existence. But the best moments for Freedom are when we are at an event and can talk to the people and pray for them. We love building relationships with people and allowing ourselves to be real with them. People are more impressed with attitude and actions, than by doing a technical or big skateboard trick. Through our skateboarding talent, we establish common ground with the people. Through Jesus, lives are changed and that is the greatest moment.

What has been the worst moment for Freedom?
The worst moment is when you are more concerned about pulling off an incredible demo instead of showing Jesus. We like to show up the day before the event and get to know the people that are bringing us in. We like to hang with them, pray with them, be a part of their ministry and serve them. When we are more concerned about us and not the people we are serving, that is the worst moment because Jesus does not shine.

Is Christ important to your ministry?
Jesus is the center of this ministry. The scripture verse that is the foundation of all we do is Galatians 5:1 “it is for Freedom that Christ has set us free.” Jesus brought this ministry into existence and we desire to be an example to all of His love and acceptance. Yes our riders are talented athletes, but more important they are Born Again Believers in Jesus Christ. They have put their Faith in Jesus and are different because of His redeeming work on the Cross.

What is the future direction or goals?
Our future for Freedom is to continue to be servants to those we minister to. God has always taken care of us and I know that He always will. We love to skate for people and to share Jesus with them.

For more info log onto: www.freedomskateboards.com

I always thought I was going to be sponsored or own my own skateboard company, I think that’s everyone’s dream who skates. Sure my life didn’t go that way but I wouldn’t want it any different.

One thing I never thought I would be, so soon, is a father and now I am expecting my second baby, a son, to match our daughter of course. So I want to let every one know that we are still here but this is my wife Nadia’s 9nth month and things are a little crazy. Talk to you soon.

Also if anyone would like a chance to start writing for us, just let me know, I would love to talk to you.

Ron Goff

I was around 6 years old when I received my first skateboard, I’m sure you could imagine what it looked like. You know the old eighties boards with the plastic at the bottom of the tail and the corny picture printed on the bottom. I loved that board, with it I had no limits, and in my mind I would soon be the first girl skater to shake the world of skateboarding.

Well little did I know that God had a plan for my life, with the passion of skateboarding he had placed so deeply in life.

The following years skateboarding was in and out of my life, until I turned 13 I rediscovered my passion. I had a birthday and saved all my money to by my first real skateboard. It was a just a blank board with gullwing trucks. Day in and day out I practiced my olies, kickflips, shoveits, and varilies. That’s all I knew at the time or all I attempted to try. My passion for skateboarding flourished and carried me through my four years of high school, despite all the negative feed back I got.

When I graduated high school I rededicated my life to God and had a burning desire to go into missions. So I went on several missions trips and enjoyed them. But I still felt I had been missing something. I felt as though I wasn’t fulfilling the call God had in my life. Until I stumbled across someone who has told me about a skateboarding ministry, called General Skateboarding Ministry.

As I was told about the ministry I felt excitement with in me and wanted to be part of this ministry. I prayed and spoke to my pastor (my father) about it and he counseled me into starting a skatepark at our church. I had no idea where to start so at first I got together with GSM and they came at least once a month and set up their ramps, let the everyone skate for a while, then we gave a message of salvation to them. This is what God had been preparing me for, to minister to those who where just like me.

As I continued to pray and ask God to direct this skate park ministry, I received a phone call that a local skate park was getting rid of their ramps and asked if we would like to have them. I jumped on it and went down there with my tools and a crew to help me take them apart. I was so excited because God was looking out and providing all we needed.

As we set the ramps up at the church the word spread that there was a new skate park in town. We were open every Tuesday, and Friday and always shared God’s word with the kids. The skate park was open for two years and all who came were very responsive and respected our park. Although I didn’t skate anymore due to a broken ankle from dropping into a half pipe I love watching and being able to be there for everyone. I was so glad that they had a place to skate and be in a good environment where they felt wanted and weren’t being looked down on for skating. How strange it is that God had been preparing my heart for a skateboarding ministry since I was six years old. It takes so long sometime to find out what God’s purpose for our life is, but I believe it’s just a time we are in training for his good and perfect will.

Nadia Goff

Starting a skateboard ministry to reach out to your local skate community is a great ministry to create or be involved with, it takes a lot of work but is very rewarding.

In this article we have asked several skateboard ministries and Christian skateboard companies some basic how to questions when it comes to starting a ministry like this. Even if you’ve already started your own skate ministry their may be a few tips and ideas that could help.

The companies interviewed:

Glory Skateboards will be labeled “GS”.

Sap Skateboards will be labeled “SP”.

777/Zoo World Ministries will be labeled, well, “777″.

KING OF KINGS SKATEBOARD MINISTRIES will be labeled “KKM”.

Freedom Skateboards will be labled “FSB”

Also be on the lookout for Tom Fains upcoming book on this subject “Xtreme Ministry for Dummies”.

Ok on to the questions.

What have been the keys to a successful skateboard ministry that you’ve seen?

GS
1. Keep Jesus Christ FIRST!
2. Consistency - something our youth are missing from home life, school and society.
3. Keeping your word.
4. Sold out staff for Jesus - so everyone is on the same page (”a house divided will fall”)

SP
Keeping it consistent on whatever night you choose. Don’t try to cram Jesus down them, just build relationships and share what God has done in your life. Skaters are a different breed. If you have any Christian skaters, that would help but is not necessary just love on them and show them you care.

777
I can’t speak about others, for us it has been to ” Seek first the Kingdom of God” and as we have, 777 has been blessed.

KKM
Total reliance on God and his direction! And also a huge love for kids and skateboarding, otherwise it wont work. Always remember skateboarders can see posers from a mile away.

FSB
At my former church, we started a skateboard ministry. A successful component to the success of our ministry was a senior pastor and a church board who supported me as we reached out to the skaters in the area. I don’t believe that they fully understood what we were doing but they trusted me and believed in my passion for skateboarding and Jesus. They began to understand that the skateboarding culture comprises all types of people. Some who smoked, had tattoos, and swore. Another key component to a successful church skateboarding ministry was finding the right insurance policy. A lot of churches stop in their pursuit of starting a skateboard ministry because of the insurance issues. The Boy Scouts of America have an incredible opportunity in which they provide the insurance for any skateboard ministry through their Venture program. I believe that the most important component to any skateboard ministry is to have people involved that have a passion to reach out to this culture. Skaters are used to getting harassed by people. When we opened our skateboard park, kids and parents were blown away because we were offering the kids a free place to skate. Jesus brought us those kids who needed to hear about Him.

What are some pitfalls/mistakes that you have come across?

GS
In the beginning of Glory Skateboards we tried to control things, the biggest mistake one can make is try to control or direct “GODS” ministry. Remember he appoints and anoints, but he is in control. As easy as he gives he can take away - so yield to the holy spirit and be humble.

SP
Badly built ramps, Pastor that goes up and preaches at them for to long and talks in terms they don’t understand. Not being consistent in the nights they hold it on. Not predicting a large turn out (not ready for the crowd) poor planning (plan out things in detail)

777
Christians as a whole need to work together, not compete against each other. We are all on the same team we should play like it!

KKM
Basically doing things on your own, as you know it can’t be done that way.

FSB
I spoke to a youth pastor who was allowing kids to skate at his church. His church provided ramps, drinks and music for the kids. When I spoke to him about insurance, he stated that they didn’t have insurance but they were trusting that God would protect them from any lawsuit. Although skaters would skate just about anywhere and are usually grateful for being allowed to skate, parents are another issue. You can never be too sure because if something happens on your church property, the church is responsible for any injuries. Make sure you have insurance. Another pitfall or mistake is to allow anyone to build your ramps. Being a youth pastor, I really enjoy when people come along side me and help me in ministry but unless you understand how to build ramps, even a skilled contractor can mess up building the ramps. Each ramp has transitions, which are side pieces that support and give a ramp contour. There is a specific equation that you need to use when figuring out the radius of a transition. A flawed radius could make the ramp too steep or too gradual. I have seen churches spend a pretty penny on ramps and because they didn’t understand how to build them, the ramps were not good to ride.

What is the most important thing in a ministry like this?

GS
To have fun, remember you are working with the lost. Expect swearing, drugs, sexual gestures, and worse. To reach these kids you need to love them where they’re at, set a good example, and don’t try to “get them saved” - just plant the seed Jesus will do the rest. The word will not return void - so trust in the Lord and be a disciple not a savior.

SP
Love show them that you care and that you are there for them

777
To use the gift that God has given us “Skateboarding”, to relate to the youth, through a sport they love and can relate to.

KKM
Finding skateboarders that have the heart for kids and one that the kids look up to. Unfortunately that’s like finding a needle in a hay stack. Or you can just start slow with a youth pastor that loves skating and kids, may not rip but has style.

FSB
Like any ministry, patience with dealing with people and the anointing and leading of the Holy Spirit. The kids aren’t waiting to hear what you have to say; they are looking at how you live your life. I believe everyone is looking for someone who will encourage them and show them the love of Jesus. Many of the kids who came to the park, made comments to me as to I can’t believe you are a pastor. You don’t judge us. You are one of us.

Would you suggest building ramps or just visiting skateparks?

GS
I would suggest building a ramp course and holding a skate church. This brings attendance to the church, this equates to revenue, and ultimately better equipment than when your program starts. It also gives consistency and a place for the youth to hang that has some rules. Also, you can stop the skating each week night the park is open and give a 10-15 min. message. If the seed is planted and an individual/s want to know more about Jesus then they can plug into a regular bible study or Sunday service. Just DO NOT use the skate night to force the decision - but rather as a night to plant.

SP
I would suggest building ramps, this depends on if you have the facilities or not. Parking lots are cool and you can go portable. I’ve seen successful ministries that go to parks too. Little harder on there turf but there’s many ideas you can do.

777
That’s funny. I think the youth should own the churches and invite the old people to have ” Old people’s night”. I’m not sure how we messed things up so bad?

KKM
Building ramps and having skate times for skateboarders in the area. Invite them, love on them and skate with them, that’s all they want. Skate for 2 hours and then have the youth pastor or whomever is running the ministry that the skaters look up to, speak for 10 minutes in between the 2 hour session, it works. The spirit will convict them and seeds will be planted, I have seen it. This is just one way of many. Then you bring in pro skaters etc. to come in and share also, that is what kksm does a lot, bridges the gap between church and skater. In a world that condemns skateboarding you have given them a place where they can ride, God will work there..

FSB
It all depends on your situation. Many small churches get all the kids from their local area and rent a skateboard park. Many skateboard parks will rent out their park during off areas either late at night or early in the morning. These small churches rent out the park and open it up to the skaters in the area. During the night, they will stop and do a small Bible study. If your church has the money and the space to build a park, go for it! You will not need to advertise that your church has a park, kids will do all the advertising for you.

What do you need to get started?

GS
HMMMMMMMM NOT MUCH - ABOUT 5-10 THOUSAND DOLLARS and you are on your way. We do consulting in this area and we would be glad to create a program that works with anyone wishing to get involved in this unique style of ministry.

SP
A servant that’s willing to spend time with them.

777
Drop some dead activity’s or retreats and spend money at the house of GOD.

KKM
A parking lot, basketball court. Get a couple rails, put them out, then add a box and then quarter pipes, etc. Start small, skaters don’t always need the huge skatepark.

FSB
You need people who are passionate about this culture. You don’t need a staff of skaters to start a skateboarding ministry, although it helps to have skaters on your team. The main thing you need is a vision and a passion to see skaters come to know Jesus. Starting a park is not hard; however, maintaining your focus can be hard. You will have kids that challenge you and some that don’t want to cooperate, but you will also have kids who are hungry and searching for Jesus.

What problems might you run into starting and running a ministry like this?

GS
Insurance, but again we have a great carrier and would be glad to help anyone with this vision.

SP
The church board, Insurance, finances, City ordinances

777
You will have to work hard. For some this is answered prayer, for others a burden. Maintenance on the ramps, putting on contest, advertisement. As the word gets out the kid’s flock in.

KKM
Elders that don’t see skateboarding as a valuable outreach and dealing with the insurance politics.

FSB
You could have financial problems. A couple of ramps, rails and boxes aren’t really expensive but a full blown park can cost $10,000 - $20,000.00. So finances can be an issue. Another issue is getting the older saints in the church to understand and support this ministry. They have a hard time understanding that building ramps and playing loud music can reach people for Jesus. That is why it is important to have a board and senior pastor who supports you. Remember the methods of reaching people have to change but the Message of Jesus can never change.

What are the rewards?

GS
Oh, it is so cool when some hard nosed punk (excuse the term) gives his life to Jesus in complete surrender over time because you took time to reach him on his level in a subtle, loving, and caring way. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR.

SP
Changed lives for Christ, Through the years I’ve seen thousands of youth get right.

777
The reason that Christ commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations is because in doing so we become what we preach. That is the reward.

KKM
The hardest skateboarders that would never step inside a church make a commitment to Christ at your skate ministry and basically doing what god has put you on this earth to do. If you love skateboarding use it for his glory and it is awesome.

FSB
Seeing kids come to know Jesus and seeing them getting plugged into a youth group. It is not about how many kids come out, it is about kids exchanging the bondage of sin with the love of Jesus because when the “Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”

Any other advice?

GS
Without sounding like to much of a salesperson, yes give Glory Skateboards a call and ask for Jonathon Mills - I know we can help you with this type of program. Our team can build you ramps, tow them to your site, help hold a “kick off” leave the ramps and a format for success upon completion of the day, week, weekend or however long you want to have us at your site. We have a list of references as well.

To Reach Glory Skateboards
Dial: 1-888-36-glory (4-5679) or goto: www.gloryskateboards.com

SP
I have a book that is almost in print called the Xtreme ministry for dummies. Has the A to Z’s on how to run this type of ministry. Thanks Tom Fain

To reach Sap Skateboard
Goto: www.sapskateboards.com

777
“Just do it”
To reach 777/Zoo World Ministries
Goto: www.777skateboards.com/

KKM
Don’t worry about what people think about the kids that will come and skate. Always remember skateboarding is what I call a mission field on four 52mm wheels. Don’t worry about anti skateboarders opinions. The only opinion that counts is gods!! Ask His today.

To reach KING OF KINGS SKATEBOARD MINISTRIES
Goto: www.kingofkingsskateboardco.com/

FSB
This ministry is just as necessary as the music ministry of a church. Over the past 15 years, our culture has changed so much. Skaters are bombarded with all kinds of worldly influences. They need Jesus. If you are a youth pastor, lay leader or just someone who has a passion for skaters, don’t give up. If everyone keeps telling you that you are crazy, keep pushing the issue. God will complete the good work that He started in you!!

To reach Freedom Skateboards
Goto: www.freedomskateboards.com/

I used to almost pride myself on the lack of serious injuries I had while skateboarding. I had a pretty clean record when it came to broken bones and twisted ankles. Sure some might say, “Your not taking very big risks”. Whatever, I was enjoying my board and that’s all that mattered.

When we first started our skateboard ministry in 2000 we would skate at our local Youth for Christ1s skatepark the “Fish Bowl”. They were very cool to let us use their ramps whenever we wanted. So we were there all the time, progressing with every session. There were several quarter pipes, boxes and rails. One of my favorite routes was to drop in from the 7 foot quarter pipe and launch off a small launch ramp. I felt like I was flying for those brief seconds, my hand tightly grasping the bottom of my board.

One cold night, there was a good sized crowd watching all the skaters and bikers ride after a bible study at the Fish Bowl. I decided I would try my trick. I tried several times, unfortunately I ended up kicking my board off my feet before I landed. I was determined, I wanted to show my friends and fellow riders what I had been working on, I tried once more. Again I kicked my board off, an off night I guess, except when I landed this time I felt and heard a loud pop come from my knee. All I could do is lie on the ground. Now some who were present may say, I screamed like a little girl, saying things that were a little less than appropriate, especially for a Christian skater. I still uphold that I laid there in quiet agony until my friends loaded me in a truck and hauled me off to the hospital. Either way I knew I had seriously messed up my knee.

Hyperextension is where you bend a part of your body the opposite way it1s supposed to bend. This is what I had done to my knee. I ruined a lot of my cartilage and tore a ligament in the back of my knee that helps stabilize it.

How could this happen? We were about to embark on a skateboardng missions trip, I needed to be able to skateboard but know I obviously couldn1t. Nothing made sense to me. Why did God allow this to happen, I thought he called me to this ministry.

A few weeks passed and I slowly realized that this injury allowed me to start preparing my mind and heart for the mission field God called me to. It wasn1t about skateboarding, it was about God1s word and the gospel of Jesus and bringing that to the skateboarders. I was so focused on getting better on my board that I lost track of the real reason I was called to this ministry. Even now I can1t skate liked I used to because of my knee injury but I am very glad it happened and wouldn1t take my life any other way.

Ron Goff

What does this term mean? I’m sure you’ve heard it, we’ve even mention it in some of the articles here. But what does it really mean to skate for Christ or even do anything for him.

Growing up I was raised in church and even got saved at a very early age. I was at church every Sunday and even went to a bible study on Wednesday’s and never thought it was uncool or something I shouldn’t do. When I got to high school it was a different story. Being a Christian wasn’t something that got me in with the crowd and it definitely didn’t make me popular. High school was rough for me. Some of my friends or people I knew seemed to have no problems and everything they did only made them more popular. I tried everything to make friends, no mater what it was, if I might make a friend in doing it, I’d try it., but nothing seemed to worked. I am sure wearing women’s deodorant didn’t help, for some reason I thought it would cover up my not so nice smell after gym, I think it only made me smell like a sweaty flower, but anyway.

I felt like I needed to have everyone like and accept me and I was going now where fast. In fact I was really throwing my life away. I was skateboarding and hanging out at parties doing things I knew weren’t right. I was raised in church I knew how I was supposed to act as a Christian but I didn’t want to, I knew by doing the right thing I could loose my friends.

The Job

At age 16 I got a car. Now I could go anywhere to skate and I could also bring people along. This also meant I needed gas money and my parents only really gave me enough to get to school. I needed a job. A lady at my church decided to give me a job one-day just out of the blue. It was a good job, just enough hours so I could make some money and still have time to skate. The only problem with it was that I would be working at a Christian bookstore. It wasn’t like it was a regular store with Christian products. I mean that’s all they sold was Christian stuff. Books, CDs and things like shirts. This was definitely not cool, definitely not something that I wanted my friends to know. But it was money so I took the job.

At that time I really liked ska music. You know the happy music with the horns and trumpets. It not too big today but back then it was. Part of my job was cleaning and straightening up the CDs. For the most part the music selection was fairly lame, John Tesh type of stuff, no offence to those who like John. But one day I cam across a band, O.C. Supertones, I liked the cover and I saw that they were ska so I listened to them. I liked them. I wasn’t sure what it was but I liked their music more than the other ska music I listened to.

I listened to them all the time. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. All that these guys would sing about was Jesus and how much he meant to them. These guys didn’t care who heard them, they weren’t singing in code they were obvious about their faith and could care less if it made them unpopular. I wanted this. I filled my life with everything that should have made me happy. But it only made me empty. These guys had a passion for something and it wasn’t something their friends could give them. It was Jesus. I wanted to know this Jesus not the just the Jesus of the stories I had heard in church. I wanted to know the Jesus that gave the O.C. Supertones their peace and passion. I rededicated my life to Christ, I wanted to follow him and I wanted the peace he had to offer.

I never really gave up skateboarding after rededicating my life. I loved it but I didn’t want to skate for the acceptance of my friends anymore. I wanted to skate for the glory of God. I wanted to be in midst of my friends and show them that they didn’t have to fill their life with destructive things, that there was an alternative. I had so much peace finally skating for Christ and letting go of my wants of friends and popularity.
.
Here are some words from Jesus.
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

This is what I was doing. I wanted so much to be somebody, to be popular, that I was losing my life. It wasn’t until I didn’t care what people thought of me living for Jesus and not being ashamed of him that I truly started to live. You will find life in Christ, I know because I’ve finally found my life in Him.

Ron Goff

For those who have visited or known about General Ministries before, you probably thought we fell off the face of the earth. And while we didn’t actually fall, we have been absent for quite some time. As with many things time has a way of making things change. Even though we loved going to different cities skating with everyone and spreading God’s word we had to stop. Everyone involved in General was being pulled in different directions and we had disband the troop. We all really miss being out their with our boards but God had a different plan for our lives.

So what now? Well this idea of an area online where people can get information about living for Christ on your board or information on skateboard ministries has always been on my heart. After a little over a year hiatus we finally got it up. I know there’s not much here now but we do have plans and we still need people to be a part of this. Also if you need a ministry to serve in well we may be able to use you, just drop us line. We would also love to know if you have a skateboard ministry or what your doing for Christ with you board.

Well until next time.
Ron Goff

Welcome to the first, although small, edition of the General Skateboarding Online Magazine. This idea has been in the works for a while but because of marriages and the birth of my daughter it was put on the back burner and stayed for quite some time but anyway.

We have many ideas for the magazine coming up so please keep coming back and checking in with us. You may want to contact us and get your name on our mailing list for future updates.

You can check out this months articles by clicking on the link in the left side menu.

Events
Are you putting together an event? No matter where you’re at in America if your putting on an event that skaters and the like will be interested in let us know. We have a full calendar system dedicated to skateboarding events, just email us the info and we’ll post it up for everyone to see.

We’re Looking
Currently were looking for ideas of future stories. If you know someone whose making a stand for Christ with their board we want to know.

Writers
If you’re looking for a place to get your voice heard, shoot us an email. If it’s your first time writing or if you’re an old pro we’d like to hear from you. We’re open to any idea you may have in the genre of skateboarding and the Christian life. So if you’re interested drop us a line at ron@generalministries.com.

Until next time.

In Him,
Ron & Nadia Goff