Extreme sports effective as ministry

Chris Freeman, 19, of Branson, jumps off a ramp at a recent Rock City Skatepark event in Branson. BDN photo by Wiley Hendrix

Chris Freeman, 19, shows off his skills Sunday during the skateboard competition at Stockstill Park in Branson.

BDN photo by Wiley Hendrix

By Wiley Hendrix

BDN Staff Writer

whendrix@bransondailynews.com

An eternal question for churches and religious organizations is “What is the most effective way to reach young people?”

“We ask ourselves that question all the time,” said Christopher Welch, with Church Army Branson. “Get-ting through to kids is a very important part of our organization’s ministry.”

One answer to that question is Rock City Skatepark.

According to its Web site, Rock City is a non-profit organization that provides a quality entertainment and recreation venue which draws youth for the purpose of connecting with them so they can hear a message of hope and purpose through Jesus Christ. The venue is a “professionally built mobile skatepark” that can be set up in parking lots and gymnasiums.

“This mobile skatepark is a fantastic tool for ministry,” said Jeff Reynolds with Rock City. “In the past, extreme sports has been considered kind of an ‘untouchable world’ for ministry. However, with an organization like this and a great mobile skatepark, we can get a foothold into that world.”

The organization’s Web site also said “Rock City is teaming up with various churches and organizations in southwest Missouri in order to provide a dynamic event series for area teens. These fully insured events feature live bands, guitar contests, skateboarding, mobile proshop, prizes, give-aways and more.”

Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennel, who is also on the Rock City board of directors, said the organization definitely has a place here.

“I’ve been serving on the board of Rock City for three years and this is definitely an organization that has a heart for young people,” Pennel said.

“We are getting together with as many local organizations and churches as possible,” Reynolds added. “It’s definitely a unique way to reach our kids.”

Recently, Rock City and Church Army Branson teamed up for an all-day event at Stockstill Park in Branson that included a skateboard competition, a guitar contest, food, games, inflatables, along with skateboard and BMX exhibitions.

“During the Branson event, we also took the opportunity to share the Gospel with everyone there,” Welch said. “We had 255 people at the event and 22 young people made a profession of faith. We will continue to follow up with them. What a blessing. Rock City is doing wonderful things with this ministry.”

“It’s awesome that God has helped us provide a place for kids to share their talents,” Reynolds said, “and we get to share the Lord with them at the same time.”

Isaiah Stone, 13, of Forsyth, said he enjoys what Rock City offers.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I think skateboarding is a neat way to teach kids about God.”