WHY USE SPORTS?
DEMOGRAPHIC WE'RE REACHING
When VSM was founded back in 2018,, we quickly realized that a large majority of the kids that were in our community were coming from single parent homes, many without fathers, they had a background or exposure to drugs, alcohol, and were naturally very rebellious. Sports, especially action sports (surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding) is the perfect avenue to reach these kids who grew up in tough homes.
This is the culture that we are reaching and group that is very much unreached by the corporate church.
The unique thing about the action sport industry is that there is no separation or division between the age groups at skateparks or in the ocean. You can have 35 year old men hanging out with 12 year old kids and sadly more times than not, the influence taking place in that environment is not positive. Our goal as an organization is to change that while providing positive role models and influences for the youth involved at the parks and in the water.
SUSTAINING ATTRIBUTES
Gospel Centered - This is at the core of all that we do. Without the Gospel, everything is in vane.
Intentional in Relationship Building - We believe in being intentional with every relationship and individual put in front of us.
Discipleship Focused - In order for the ministry to grow and the Gospel to advance, discipleship making is key.
Empowering Others - Supporting people in their desire to be leaders so they can serve where they are.
Leading by Example - "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." - Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1) That we can represent Jesus and set a strong example of Christ followers.
Consistency in Ministry - Letting our yes be yes and no be no. Serving and watering the seeds that are planted consistently is very important for us. This is why we intentionally set aside time for weekly scheduled events to show love.
Perseverance and Endurance - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Eternally Minded - Our life is short. We desire to make the most of it every day.
OUR STATEMENTS OF FAITH
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Ephesians 4:4-6.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-4 and 1:29; Acts 1:11 and 2:22-24; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4 and 4:15.
Several years ago USA TODAY announced that here in the United States there are more children between the ages of 7-18 SKATEBOARDING than there are playing little league baseball. In countries around the world like Nicaragua, Costa Rica, China, and Japan, the action sports culture and industry is rapidly exploding and quickly becoming more popular than sports even as widespread as soccer. We believe that the action sports industry and scene is one of the most influential factors on youth worldwide, and sadly most youth are falling into the worldly and negative influence that many times revolve around action sports.
OUR STRATEGY
The Gospel in and of itself is simple, but sharing it, advancing it, and making disciples is NOT easy. Being intentional, especially with youth and taking the time to invest into their lives is hard, costly, requires time, energy, comfort, finances, and ultimately our lives. This is our strategy...to give all of the above. It isn't complicated, but just costly.
True Standards- If you say you believe in God we believe that should look like something in your life. Jesus set the example
Stewardship Conscious - Making the most of every resource given to us and using those to the fullness of their potential.
Accountability Emphasizing - We need each other to stay focused on Jesus and to continue to learn what it means to die to ourselves.
Hopeful Expectation - Our hope is to expect the best out of those we feel the Lord leads to the ministry. We believe trust is given, mistrust is earned.
Partnering and Utilizing the Local Church - Where the church does not exist, our goal is to plant. Where it does, our goal is to support, lift up, and unify.
Sustainability Driven - We are driven by a vision to develop sustainable ministry models and are working on developing ways to empower leaders this way.
Unreached Targeting - The fact that there are people who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ keeps us awake at night...until every ear hears.
We believe that all men everywhere are lost and face the judgment of God, that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, and that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.
We believe that to have eternal life is to have an intimate relationship with God. John 17:3
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved will spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven and the lost unto eternal punishment. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Revelation 20:11-15. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and that all believers are members of His body, the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23.
We believe that the ministry of evangelism and discipleship is a responsibility of all followers of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9-15; 1 Peter 3:15.
