ABOUT US

FaithSkate is a non-profit ministry based in the Memphis, TN area that reaches out to local skaters.  Founded in 2008, FaithSkate sets up skate ramps and skates in the Faith Baptist parking lot the first Friday night of every month (Spring thru Fall).  We skate together for 3 hours stopping for a quick gospel message during the session.  We also have a monthly skater Bible study and we take local trips to area skate parks.

FaithSkate founder, Matt Wright, along with his wife Missy, prayed for and financially supported SkateChurch in Portland, Oregon for three years until led to start a similar ministry in the Memphis area.  Matt spoke with anybody that would listen for another 3 years until God finally opened the door to start FaithSkate. In June 2008, Matt started in the Faith Baptist parking lot with one ramp and five kids.

First_Night_FaithSkate

The ministry quickly grew and Matt brought on Brad Wood, a long time friend and fellow skate enthusiast, to partner in the effort.  Within 3 months, FaithSkate averaged 25 skaters and developed a good team of volunteers to help with the effort.  The ministry now has a dozen skate ramps and rails and we skate every other Friday night from Spring thru Fall.



The ministry also takes groups of kids on day trips to local skateparks including Nashville, Tennessee, Oxford, Mississippi and Marion, Arkansas.  All in all, the ministry has skated with and built relationships with over 300 kids and parents in just over 3 years. Most have heard a clear gospel message during skate nights or our skater Bible study.  Some have even started attending church for the first time in their life.


Ministry Verse:

I Cor. 9: 22-23 “...I have become ALL things to ALL men so that by ALL possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel...”

 

STAFF

Matt Wright - Founder and Executive Director

Matt’s what you call a busy man.  Not only does Matt manage the FaithSkate Ministry but he also owns and operates a marketing firm called MarketVex Marketing Solutions.  Plus he has three children all under the age of 5. Chloe, Quinn,  and Foster.  He’s been married to his wife Missy for 14 years.  They faithfully attend and serve at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN. Matt attended Mississippi State University before graduating from  Liberty University with a degree in Business and Religion.


Todd Bagwell - Board of Directors

todd bagwell
Todd grew up in the Memphis area and he’s considered by many one of the better skaters in Memphis.  For this reason we brought Todd on to act as our “resident pro” where he serves in a vital role as a skate coach to younger kids. He is a member of Ellendale Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN. where he plays guitar for the praise band when needed.  Todd is currently a management student at the University of Memphis.


Brad Wood - Board of Directors

Brad (or at 6’ 9” the “world’s tallest skater” as we like to call him) is a sales rep for Forest Pharmaceuticals . He’s been married to his wife Melanie for almost 7 years. They have one son, Jansen, and are expecting a new baby in the spring of 2010.  Brad and Melanie are active members at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, TN. where they work with the youth and Brad serves as a Deacon. Brad is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in Sales and Marketing but he bleeds North Carolina Blue.  


Josh Miller - Board of Directors

A love for God and a love for people has led Josh and his family literally all over the world.  Growing up in the south, Josh felt a strong call to Gospel ministry and moved with his wife to India, where they served with the International Mission Board for nearly two years.  Now, he gets to lead and teach a fellowship of believers at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville, Alabama.  Josh has been married to Kacie for over four years and they have a daughter, Lyla and a son, Evan.  Josh is a graduate of the University of Georgia and from the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.  


Adam Baldridge, Esq. - Board of Directors

Adam and his wife Julie are both intellectual property attorneys for Baker Donaldson law firm.  Adam grew up in Memphis playing basketball and traveling to Florida to surf as much as possible.  Adam is also an accomplished musician.  He and Julie have two little girls, Isabel and Iris, and they are expecting a little boy in the spring of 2010.  Adam and Julie are active members of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN. Adam is an accounting graduate of the University of Memphis and a law graduate of Columbia University in New York.