ABOUT US
Ross joined the SPI team in April of 2018 as, Founder and Director, Maury DeYoung began to prepare for retirement (April 2019). Ross comes to SPI with a huge passion for the outdoors, reaching people with the message of Christ and ministry experience. He has served as a Youth Pastor at 2 different churches in the West Michigan area, graduated from Kuyper College with a degree in Bible/Theology and completed a church planting residency in Arkansas. Ross was also a manager/owner of a custom furniture store in Grand Rapids for a couple of years while helping start a new church plant. He is currently serving at Elevation church.
Ross is married to his wife Monica (20 years on May 29, 2019) and together they have 3 wonderful children: Isaac, Acacia and Selah. Their family lives on the Westside of Grand Rapids.
Ross enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities, but his favorite is bow hunting for deer. This passion started at a young age when he tagged along with his dad in the woods. It lead him to traveling all the US to pursue big bucks. He also videoed his hunts and was part of several TV shows over the years. This included hosting his own local show with 2 other guys. Ross has been fortunate enough to harvest 4 bucks in the 160" range and numerous ones in the 130-150" range with his bow. Besides just shooting big bucks, he loves to take others into the outdoors and has been with a bunch of kids when they shot their first deer. This includes taking his son down to IL and being with him as he shot his first buck, a 140" 10 point.
Ross also enjoys other outdoor activities. He has harvested: turkeys, coyotes, caribou and small game. Hiking, camping, backpacking and canoeing are also things he enjoys. Fishing with his friends and family is a favorite pastime too. Whether it is trying to land the big Bass on a pond or in the river trying to catch a Steelhead, he loves spending time on the water as well.
As a speaker, Ross has spoken at: camps as a Chaplin for the week, lead weekend retreats, seminars on deer hunting/scouting, wild game dinners and various other events.
Meet Out Director Ross Graveling
Sportspersons Ministries International exists to connect outdoors people with God, through trust in Jesus Christ. We do this by offering outdoors events with a ministry focus, aiding churches in their ministry efforts, and connecting businesses who have a desire to make a difference in the lives of outdoors people.
Our Purpose
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Other topics available upon request. Ministry Coaching
Assisting churches in starting and improving outdoor ministries
We can provide training for single events, on site coaching, and for developing an outdoor ministry in your community. We also assist outdoors ministries in becoming more effective in their church community.
Connecting with the Outdoorsmen
Having worked with different outdoors ministries.
Maintaining a Successful Ministry
Using 15+ years of experiences, Ross helps leaders to maximize successes and avoid pitfalls to keep a ministry running smoothly
Relationship Evangelism
We are about meeting people where they are and using the outdoors as a tool to speak to them about who Jesus is and what he has done.
Outdoors Events
Ross speaks at all types outdoor of events including Wild Game & Fish Dinners, speaks at shows, and leads retreats for outdoors people.
Hunting Adventures
Sharing hunting stories and tips as a way to share with the audience to a new or better relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fishing Excursions
Sharing fishing stories and tips opens doors to talk about a new or better relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sharing the Outdoors with Kids
Providing examples from his life, Ross encourages adults to find ways to help a child experience the joy of the outdoors.
Speaking Topics:
Speaker, Ross Graveling
