“Avalanche” might seem like an odd name for a church. Yet, that’s precisely the metaphor behind the Snowball Church.
Welcome. Right here we stand before a unique place of worship. This is the Snowball Church. It’s a church with roots in Brazil. It has a global reach. It attracts a youthful and informal crowd. Forget the traditional images of pews and stained glass. The Snowball Church often incorporates elements of extreme sports into its design.
The story of the Snowball Church begins with Rinaldo Luiz de Seixas Pereira. He was also known as Apóstolo Rina. Born in São Paulo in 1972, Rina had a life-altering experience. He was diagnosed with life-threatening hepatitis. He claimed a supernatural encounter with God in 1993. This led him to dedicate himself to Jesus’ teachings.
In 1999, the Snowball Church was officially formed. Its early meetings were held in a surf shop. Lacking traditional church furniture, Rina used a surfboard to support the Bible. This became a trademark of the Snowball Church. The name itself came to Rina in a dream. The snowball represents growth. It starts small. It gains momentum. It eventually becomes an unstoppable force.
The Snowball Church’s appeal to a younger demographic is deliberate. It embraces surf culture and extreme sports. Many of its locations feature decorations inspired by skateboarding, running, and cycling. This creates a welcoming environment for those who might not feel comfortable in traditional church settings.
From its humble beginnings in a surf shop, the Snowball Church has grown exponentially. As of 2024, it boasts over 560 locations in Brazil and 34 other countries. Its informal approach has attracted celebrities. These include surfer Gabriel Medina and actors Fernanda Vasconcellos and Guilherme Berenguer.
Apóstolo Rina led the Snowball Church until June 2024. He faced allegations of domestic violence. He was suspended from his duties. Tragically, Rina died in a motorcycle accident in November 2024. He was only 52 years old.
After Rina’s death, Fábio Santos briefly took over as interim president. However, Rina’s wife, Denise Seixas, contested the succession. She eventually assumed leadership of the Snowball Church in December 2024.
The Snowball Church continues to evolve. It remains committed to its original vision. That is reaching a young and informal audience. It uses the appeal of extreme sports. It spreads its message of faith. It embodies the idea of a snowball. It grows and makes an impact on the world. Its innovative approach to worship and community has made it a global phenomenon.