Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (Full Version)

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Consecrated2God -> Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/14/2008 3:41:30 PM)

We have been tossing around the idea of starting a skateboard ministry, with the help of another church. We are in a small town, and the kids here have no place to skate. They keep wrecking the park by trying to skate on the equipment. They skate down the rails and front porch of the other church, and are tearing up the carpet. They skate down the middle of the highway. I think there is a real need to give these kids a safe place to skate.

Does anyone have any experience with starting a skateboard ministry? Where did you get your rails, and how much did it cost to get started? Is the insurance expensive, and how would you do that if you were using another church's property to set it up?

One thing we're not sure of--we don't know anything about skateboarding. Would our lack of skateboarding skills and know-how be a hindrance to having a skateboard ministry since we don't share their love and passion for skateboarding? Or could we still minister to them even if we aren't culturally relevant?

I'd love to hear your advice and experience!



artemis -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/14/2008 3:51:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God
Is the insurance expensive,


This is what has kept my church from starting a skateboard (or similar) ministry. It's not worth the insurance cost or the risk of a kid getting hurt. Kids will probably use the facility (with or without permission) even when there aren't adults present. One of the churches in our town does have a skate park, but I think they've opted for prayer over insurance [8|]

On a different note, there is an episode of King of the Hill where Bobby starts going to the youth group that has a skate park. Very funny if you haven't already seen it, especially if you're in a small, conservative town [:)]



lil_gringa -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/14/2008 6:14:08 PM)

I don't know anything about starting it, but I applaud you for thinking of it. I recommend you asking one of the kids that skates if he could help you all put one together. They may know. I pray that the insurance won't stop this great ministry opportunity!



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/14/2008 8:26:31 PM)

quote:

Kids will probably use the facility (with or without permission) even when there aren't adults present.


It would definitely have to be something that we could pack up and put away so no one would be able to use it when it wasn't open. We wouldn't want to have it out all the time. Probably we'd have it open once or twice a week.
quote:


I recommend you asking one of the kids that skates if he could help you all put one together.


That's a good idea. There's one kid I'm thinking of in particular that I've met already, although I'm not entirely sure he skates. I've seen him playing video games at the library. He has that skater look about him, though, so maybe I'll talk to him next time I see him around and see if he either skates or knows someone that does that would be willing to help me.



gal-6-9 -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/14/2008 10:39:57 PM)

Insurance is a factor - but should not limit you if that is the direction God is leading you. Check with your insurance provider for guidelines to keep the church out of the "danger zone" and just focused on ministry!



1love1God1way -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/15/2008 12:00:48 AM)

the fact that you don't know how to skate yourself isn't a huge deal, if you love them just as they are. it still wouldnt hurt to be familiar with the skate culture and everything.



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/15/2008 7:24:22 AM)

It would probably be the other church that would need the insurance, since we'd be doing it in their parking lot. We don't have a paved lot and we're three miles out from town, so it would be better to do it in town. I'm wondering how the logistics of a shared ministry will work out, since we're two different denominations, but it's the Lord's Kingdom we're building, not ours.



lil_gringa -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/15/2008 1:29:38 PM)

Sometimes kids that enjoy a sport know how much a ramp costs or they know what style, but you'd need an engineer of some sort to help you. A kid may know who may know, you know what I mean[:D]



gmedifast -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/18/2008 9:07:10 PM)

Hello I saw your post.

Here is a link to a churches website in Tampa Florida that has a skate park and if I understand they use to have a ministry dedicated to setting up the skate parks. If you are far away at least maybe you can e-mail them and ask for some guidance.

http://www.crossoverchurch.org



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/19/2008 9:13:34 AM)

Thanks for the link--checking it out now.



PrincessDonna -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/23/2008 2:51:53 PM)

There is a skatepark in a nearby town and it is permanent in nature, which I would think would be safer than a take-down operation. It is also fenced in and locked when not open and supervised.

I wonder if there would be a way around the liability issue for insurance. What if you had parents of the kids sign a legal waiver stating that the churches are not responsible for any medical charges incurred, barring obvious neglect on their part? We have a Christian campground nearby that has a similar thing for people to swim because there is no lifeguard on duty. Might be worth checking into.

And I'd get someone who is part of the skating culture to help with the design and such, and to arrange a team of people to "supervise" during open hours. What a ministry this could be though!



jonswea -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/23/2008 3:23:10 PM)

Try this link for a possible source of funding and ramp designs/layout:
www.tonyhawkfoundation.org

The Tony Hawk Foundation provided funding for a local skatepark in our small town/rural area - their mission statement is:

The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities. The Foundation favors programs that clearly demonstrate that funds received will produce tangible, ongoing, positive results.


I have been skateboarding since I was a teenager (20+yrs) - it is a misunderstood segment of the youth. They can become great Christian soldiers and provide a wonderful witness if someone takes the time to mentor them.



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/24/2008 7:59:20 AM)

That sounds really interesting. We were just talking about the possiblility of applying for some grants yesterday. Thanks for the link.



lightshineon -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/26/2008 5:25:14 PM)

Lisa how wonderful. Our childrens minister had the idea of a skating rink ministry. God must be speaking in similar ways. She thought about renting the rink one night a week, or once a month, do not really recall, and have people who normaly would not come to church come to the rink, kids, parents, preach a small message, skate to christian music. In skating Rinks you skate at own risk, so no insurance needed. Skateboard ministry we have one here in Ada, Oklahoma, very sucessful reaching kids, that no one else reaches. I will try to find out informatuion for you, if you desire.[:)] Let me know. BTW you and your husband look so spirit filled, and sweet, I would love your church I know.[:)]



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/26/2008 8:46:20 PM)

Aw, thanks, Lightshineon. [:)]

One of our school bus drivers is going to talk to some of the skaters on her bus route and see if they'd be willing to help us out. [:)]



bzirk -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 12:34:53 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God

We have been tossing around the idea of starting a skateboard ministry, with the help of another church. We are in a small town, and the kids here have no place to skate. They keep wrecking the park by trying to skate on the equipment. They skate down the rails and front porch of the other church, and are tearing up the carpet. They skate down the middle of the highway. I think there is a real need to give these kids a safe place to skate.

Does anyone have any experience with starting a skateboard ministry? Where did you get your rails, and how much did it cost to get started? Is the insurance expensive, and how would you do that if you were using another church's property to set it up?

One thing we're not sure of--we don't know anything about skateboarding. Would our lack of skateboarding skills and know-how be a hindrance to having a skateboard ministry since we don't share their love and passion for skateboarding? Or could we still minister to them even if we aren't culturally relevant?

I'd love to hear your advice and experience!


There is a skateboard ministry over in Steamboat, and I know the couple who started it, and it seems to be doing well. I'm sure they would be happy to share their experiences with you.



bzirk -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 12:47:02 AM)

Here's their website:

http://www.christforlifeskatechurch.com/Home.html



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 7:51:19 AM)

Thanks, Bzirk, I'll check it out.

The people in our church that we've mentioned this to seem very excited about the idea so far. It's not going to be a fast or easy process, but I think there's a good possibility that we could actually do this.



lightshineon -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 4:30:28 PM)

I think it is great, that is in your heart, but whew, I can not skateboard, and would break a hip.[:D] It scares me, how kids will flip, do all sorts of things, they do on skate boards. I can still skate well, but skate board never could. How will you develop that talent? I know you can do this, I am excited for you. Are you going to get your kids involved?



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 9:19:27 PM)

I never could skateboard, either. I think it's got to be some natural talent or something, like hula hooping. (I can't do that, either!) If my kids want to skateboard, I don't have a problem with it, but it's up to them.



lightshineon -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (4/27/2008 10:15:31 PM)

I cannot hula hoop either. I am hula hoop, and dance challenged.[&:]
quote:

ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God

I never could skateboard, either. I think it's got to be some natural talent or something, like hula hooping. (I can't do that, either!) If my kids want to skateboard, I don't have a problem with it, but it's up to them.



tombombadil -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (5/4/2008 6:51:20 AM)

Just google skateboard ministry. Several good site come up.



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (5/4/2008 7:36:09 AM)

Just to update you on how things are going:

We've ordered a book on plans to build ramps and things. We've got permission to use the park, and to fix it up since it's in really bad shape. My husband met with some of the men in our church who are passionate about evangelism and they've set a date for a men's ministry's meeting, and they are going to work on planning for building the ramps we need and to clean up and repair the park. Things are happening!



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (5/6/2008 1:56:05 PM)

.
.
.
.
...........woot!!

Next thing ya know... you will be wanting a boarding4Jesus tattoo on your shoulder! [:D][;)][8D]

This is soooooo exciting! Thanks for posting your updates... [:D]



Consecrated2God -> RE: Thinking of starting a skateboard ministry (5/7/2008 8:22:00 AM)

[:o]

I'm not really the tattoo type, so probably not! Lol! [:D]



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