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Est. 1996 · Downey, California

Trick shots with a message of hope.

Gospel Trick Shot Ministries shares the hope of Jesus through the art of billiards, in churches, on campuses, and in rooms that would never book a typical service.

Shows are shaped to the room. A portable table travels where there isn’t one.

Gospel Trick Shot Ministries badge: gold cue sticks crossed behind a triangle rack of billiard balls, with the letters G, T, and S.
Founded by Steve Lillis
1996
Gospel trick-shot shows
1,000+
Trick shots in the repertoire
150+
Countries visited
17

Trusted by leading organizations

Proudly affiliated with premier billiard manufacturers and global networks since 1996.

  • McDermott Cue

    McDermott Cue

    Official Equipment Sponsor

  • Meucci Cues

    Meucci Cues

    Industry Partner

  • Billiard Congress of America

    Billiard Congress of America

    Affiliated Association

  • United Pool Tables

    United Pool Tables

    Equipment Partner

  • Hawthorne Global Ministries

    Hawthorne Global Ministries

    Mission Network

  • Tweeten Fibre Co.

    Tweeten Fibre Co.

    Billiard Accessories

The ministry

A Pool cue can open a conversation about hope.

GTS began on January 20, 1996, first to encourage young people in local churches. That fall it moved onto college campuses. By 2000 it was in the billiard world itself, and in 2001 the shows went international.

Exhibitors weave spiritual truth into shots audiences already love, the kind of pool seen on ESPN, and invite people to consider Jesus Christ. Steve “Leapin” Lillis, a retired professional and the original founder, built that approach. Wayne Parker now serves as president.

How it grew

  1. 1996

    First shows for local churches, then campus ministries.

  2. 2000

    Pro and amateur billiard events join the work.

  3. 2001

    International tours with federations and mission teams.

  4. Today

    Churches, halls, schools, and a portable table for any room.

Steve Lillis

Retired founder. Former world top-10 player, with ESPN, the 700 Club, and 1,000+ shows.

Wayne Parker

President. The aim stays the same: help people consider the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What we do

Reach, preach, and teach.

01

Reach

Go to people who may never walk into a Sunday service, and meet them in the rooms they already enjoy.

02

Preach

An evangelistic show where biblical life lessons ride on trick shots, in halls, campuses, shelters, and churches.

03

Teach

Disciple new believers, train players with published gospel trick shots, and provide Bible studies and speakers.

The show

Artistic pool. A clear invitation.

A show can be shortened or reshaped for the host. The heart stays the same: astonishing shots, an honest word, and a chance for guests to try a shot themselves.

A typical arc

  1. 1

    Welcome, a theme, and a short prayer

  2. 2

    Fancy shots tied to a life lesson

  3. 3

    A little pool history and a real lesson

  4. 4

    Spectacular shots and the gospel

  5. 5

    Guests step up and try a trick

Where we perform

  • Churches
  • College campuses
  • Pool halls
  • Schools
  • Youth centers
  • Camps
  • Rehab centers
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • VFW & Legion halls
  • Community centers
  • Tournaments

Signature shots

  • Around the WorldThe call to take good news beyond our own circle.
  • RainbowA promise kept, and hope after the storm.
  • RailroadWhich track is a life actually on?
  • Snatch BackA father ready to welcome someone home.
  • MasséWhen the straight path is blocked, there is still a way.

Steve built a library of 150+ shots. Hosts can request the tone that suits the crowd, from a youth night to a billiard expo.

How we live

Our values spell BREAK.

B

Believe

The Bible is our authority, and Jesus Christ is the Son of God, crucified and risen.

R

Repent

A real change of heart and direction, toward a life lined up with Scripture.

E

Exercise

Gifts and cue-stick skill are used to honor God and serve people.

A

Accept

Christ died for all. Everyone who comes is welcomed into grace.

K

Kingdom

We do ministry by God’s ways, not by whatever is convenient.

From the founder

Steve’s books.

A trilogy from the table to the rest of life. The first two are available now. The third, on lessons learned in life’s trials, is on the way.

Book one · also in Spanish

But You Must!

The Steve Lillis story, written with Devra Robledo. From the highs and lows of professional pocket billiards to a search for God.

Order
Book two

What’s That in Your Hand?

A cue stick carried through 27 countries and most of North America, and the friendships that came with it.

Order
Book three · title coming

Lessons from the trials

Small beginnings, being equipped, making adjustments, and the supernatural: the closing chapter of the trilogy.

Read more

Want to see everything in one place?Visit the store

Come be part of it

Host a show, or help send one.

Churches, campuses, clubs, and families book GTS for a night that is genuinely fun and honestly Christian. Giving keeps the table on the road.

Contact

Let’s set a table.

Downey office

Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc.
13261 Stanbridge Ave
Downey, CA 90242

714-742-9271 · John English