Making Jesus Famous

"I finally get it Sam!" I heard a student say.

"Get what?" I asked.

"I finally get what it means to be a Christian because I heard it in a way that related to skateboarding."

As a youth minister I have the blessed opportunity to work with a variety of students. Some are athletes, artists, dancers, singers, thespians, horseback riders, writers, readers, and some participate in band. The majority of these kids fit into church pretty well and are respected for using their gifts to help serve the church. But what about the skaters? How are they treated by the church? I think for the most part skaters are looked down upon. They are stereotyped as rebellious druggies who listen to evil music. Many people feel skaters turn to skating because they don't feel like they fit in anywhere else. But what would it look like if the church embraced skaters, admired their passion, and respected their talents? What would it look like if people stopped stereotyping skating as a negative thing? What if skaters were seen in a respectful light the way football players are admired? What if the church supported skating and turned it into a ministry? I think this would make Jesus famous.

Saturday, November 6, Nolensville First UMC hosted a skateboard demo put on by a Campus Life sponsored skate team called S.L.I.C (Skaters Living In Christ). This group is more than just a skate team it is a skate church. It is a group of teenagers that get together weekly to skateboard and explore God's word.

"This is a place for all extreme Christians who are sold out for Jesus or just starting on their journey with the Savior of the world. We skate, we laugh, we play and we pray. We live to see Christ's Glory made known in life. We hope to see all of Gods Lost come to know him". - Mark Edwards (Group Leader).

On Saturday, I witnessed a group of teenagers who have combined their passion to skate with their passion to serve Christ. S.L.I.C is a ministry of skaters who desire to reach out to other skaters in local communities by bringing the gospel along with turning church parking lots into skate parks. This was an incredible event for everyone in the community. There was a band(Skyhook), free food, a parkour (free running) team to watch, and prize give-a-way sponsored by Franklin Skate Shop. If you missed the event this year, keep a look out for it next year. Also, for more information check out S.L.I.C (Skaters Living in Christ) on Facebook or email Mark Edwards at campuslifemark@comcast.net if you would like to have your church host this event.