Tim Funnell (26) has been working with the young people of Clitheroe in Lancashire for the last five years, most recently as Skate Services Manager for the town’s award-winning skatepark.
While many Christians wouldn’t feel that skating and ministry logically go together, Tim says it’s a natural combination for him:

”I’ve always been involved in skate culture since I was at school, but as a Christian I had felt a pull between what I really wanted to do and what I felt I should do. But I’ve found out that the two can go together! I figured that God has put compassion for these young people on my heart for a purpose, and I have to do something with it.

“Much of the church struggles to connect with the skate community. It’s a very organic, free and fluid sport, and can look very chaotic if you don’t understand it. But it’s such a creative place to be – there are so many different people and styles. Even if everyone does the same trick, it can look totally different. That to me is a really good reflection of God’s creativity – there is one key thing but an amazing and beautiful diversity within that.”

He says it’s the example of Jesus that drives him: “That means not reacting in the way the world would teach me to, but acting in love and not compromising. So, it’s about not letting kids get bullied or not laughing when someone messes up a trick. It also means sticking around and getting stuck in. It’s a real privilege to see young people growing and developing – being part of that journey has its challenges, but is very rewarding.”

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