With skateboarders banned from many public areas, "skate churches" are the latest youth ministry craze. Churches provide ramps, rails, and pipes—plus a mandatory sermon. "We are seeing an explosion of youth," Oceanway Assembly of God Pastor Danny Baggett tells The Florida Times-Union (more than 100 skaters show up Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Jacksonville church).
Exploding youth is exactly what worries some church boards, but James Cobble, executive director of Christian Ministry Resources, says that with proper supervision and safety guidelines, churches shouldn't fret. "Is there risk? Yes," he told CT. "Is it greater than in other recreational activities? Probably not."
Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere
Articles referenced above include:
Skateboard ministries drawing young to church| Jacksonville pastors say idea working. (June 24, 2002)
Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here.
Our digital archives are a work in progress. Let us know if corrections need to be made.
Annual & Monthly subscriptions available.
- Print & Digital Issues of CT magazine
- Complete access to every article on ChristianityToday.com
- Unlimited access to 65+ years of CT’s online archives
- Member-only special issues
- Learn more
More from this Issue
Read These Next
- TrendingAmerican Christians Should Stand with Israel under AttackWhile we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
- From the MagazineI Wanted a Bigger God Than My Hindu Guru OfferedAs my doubts about his teachings grew, so did a secret fascination with Jesus.
- Editor's PickChristian Athletes Know How to Build Platforms for Jesus. Can They Brand Themselves?NIL deals in college athletics present new challenges—and opportunities—for colleges and students.