2008 Woodie Awards
Blending culture and ministry
Students use skateboarding as vehicle to build relationships
By: Mary Fordham
Issue date: 3/29/06 Section: News
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Features Editor
Reaching out to people can be the best way to reach them for Christ, at least that is the theory of a group of North Greenville students who are blending skateboarding and the gospel.
"Skateboarding has been connected with the punk culture and rebellion. There has just been a need to show that skateboarding can be a positive thing," said Brandon Nelson, senior youth ministry.
This group of North Greenville University students have done just thar. They have allied skateboarding with the gospel and are reaching out to bring local kids into relationships with Christ. The team meets just a few minutes away from North Greenville campus at the house of Brett Brown.
"We skateboard from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and then do devotions 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mainly Brandon leads the devotions but anyone can lead it if they want to. It is very open to discussions and stuff like that. We always meet Thursday at 5:30," said Seth Anderson, sophomore undecided. "When I first came here, I always carried my skateboard and a lot of people were telling me about Brandon and that he was a skateboarder and stuff. So I eventually hooked up with him and he invited me to come skating."
"The idea for turning this into a ministry came from the need. It's all about building relationships, hanging out, skating, cracking jokes at each other and just encouraging each other," said Nelson. "I enjoy both skating and the devotional time."
"I'm good friends with Brandon and we talked about it and actually kind of started it last year second semester. But it didn't really get kicked off until this semester," said Kenny Hilliard, senior Christian studies. "It means a lot to the kids to see guys our age who actually care about them. We've seen them grow a lot and we have influenced them, or at least I hope we have. It really seems like we have."
"I've been involved in this ministry since last semester. I've been able to fellowship with a lot of people you wouldn't normally meet outside of college. This ministry is exposure that a lot of these kids normally wouldn't get," said Blake Rochester, freshman undecided. "They come here to skate and then stay afterwards because of that and listen to what we have to say sometimes."
"A lot of the kids are right off the road. This is kind of like a hangout. The Bible study was my idea. Michael was going to Tigerville Baptist church down the road. Nate Malone worked with the students there and Brandon was like the assistant. Although I am an Episcopalian and go to church in Greenville by myself, that was serving a real purpose in Michael's life. Then Nate left and there'd been a real lull in what was going on so I suggested to Brandon to do this," said Brett Brown.
"I had the ramps and everything and I have a basement downstairs and I thought it would be a good way for Michael to stay connected to kids at school his age," said Brown. "It's a wonderful thing to have a Christian school this close. Why not have your kid involved with the kids there. This has been a big influence in Michael's life, he gets on my case now. He fusses at me for listening to Green Day. He says I don't listen to words enough. Michael wanted to be a skater and to dress punk and Brandon is sort of in that same mode and Brandon gives him and lot of advice that he wouldn't take from me."
"I usually don't go to church much so I get to spend time with God and hang out with friends," said Michael Brown.
"I have three boys Isaac, who is 14, MacKenzie who is 11 and Caleb who is 9. We bring them here every week. This is a good opportunity for them to be able to practice skateboarding and to learn new moves from other people," said Mr. Tony Gideon, Spanish instructor. "They have all been skating for about a year now and it's a good opportunity for them to exercise and skateboard with other people."
"But the main reason we bring them here is because we know there is a spiritual aspect in this and that the Lord is the center of this ministry. Brandon has been doing a very good job in devotions and leading and challenging the kids in there walk with God. I wish it was bigger," said Gideon. "I wish there were more people involved. But most ministries start out small. I know that God has his hand on Brandon and the passion that Brandon has for young people. I know that He is using him and will continue to use him in the future."
"I learn a lot of new stuff. It's just a lot of fun and the people here are a lot of new Christians," said Isaac Gideon. "It's helped me to remember my devotions and stuff everyday. Seth Kenny and Brandon are cool."
"I've been skating almost two years. I wish they had it four times a week. I have learned a lot about the Bible," said MacKenzie Gideon. "Brandon is a great youth minister and we watch skate videos like Steelroots and they talk about why they skate for Jesus and about Jesus. My most favorite is Zero because Jamie Thomas is on there and he is a Christian."
Steelroots is one example of skaters tying the knot between skateboarding and missions. "The mission of Steelroots is revealing the truth to today's generation. Inspired by young people, Steelroots delivers a message of life lived to its fullest-live life, have a personality, take risks, be confident in who you are and love Jesus. The mission is influenced by the action sports lifestyle and the culture that lives it out everyday. With the cooperation of professional athletes, founder Ben Cerullo and the crew at Steelroots communicate the Gospel in a relevant way that today's generation understands. We have created a few different avenues to help us with our mission," was the purpose statement found on Steelroots web page.
"It is very fun and I learn a lot about the Bible and skating. We watch skateboarding videos too. Brandon is cool," said Caleb Gideon.
"I am sort of scared of falling sometimes but I just like to come out here and have a good time. I like the Bible lessons. I am a Christian and I go to church in Greenville. I have told some of my friends about it. I'm still getting to know some of these people. They made me feel welcomed. This is my first time moving. I like Brandon and all of the guys," said Josh Plant, a 12 year old who moved to Tigerville about 3 weeks ago.
"Honestly I think most of them are Christians. Tyler Cope came to know Christ last year at a seven day slumber concert," said Nelson. "I love them all! We are all one big happy family!"