About Us
Welcome to our website! We are glad you stopped by for a look. Whether you want to pursue an entry level career as an auto technician, increase your automotive skills and knowledge as a hobby, or take advantage of positive male role models to improve your social, teamwork, and life skills, we have a place for you.
Thinking of a career in automotive repair or not sure what to do now with no future military or college plans, why not invest some of your time in our auto program? You might be surprised at what you will find out about yourself.
Some of our prior students were delighted to find out they had the raw ability and desire to do well in the auto industry after giving it a good go. So, take some time to check us out and let us know if you have any questions beyond the FAQs. We will be glad to help you work things out, and as always, we will leave the light on for you!
Purpose and Methods
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Owen’s Garage is a Christ-centered ministry that mentors young people through hands-on automotive work. We teach life skills, build Godly character, and encourage a strong work ethic to help students become responsible, service-minded individuals in all areas of life.
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We build meaningful relationships through group meals, devotions, instruction, shop work, and activities. Using auto mechanics as a teaching tool, we help students understand cars while encouraging spiritual growth, healthy relationships, and acts of service.
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We believe we must grow in Christ to effectively teach others. By staying teachable and relying on God’s guidance, we aim to earn students’ trust, build their confidence through skill-building, and share God’s love in real, practical ways.
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We aim to wisely and thankfully manage God’s resources, using money and equipment efficiently and avoiding unnecessary spending or taking.
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We are a team of experienced, caring men committed to serving others, growing in faith, modeling healthy relationships, and teaching in practical, hands-on ways.
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Must be between the ages of 14 and 24 when starting the program and must meet eligibility requirements and conform to expectations as described in the “Student” page
Why Owen’s?
A large percentage of young people do not have a positive or Christian male role model engaged in their lives.
There are very few high school or affordable secondary school automotive trade programs available in greater Austin.
There is an increasing need for automotive technicians and mechanics throughout the automotive industry. Many good techs will age out in the next few years.
Statistics show that 27% of vocationally skilled workers earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Vocational employers indicate that 40% of their job vacancies are due to a lack of skilled or properly trained workers.
There is a great need for young people to develop a set of moral and interpersonal values that will help them succeed and become a positive influence in their families and community.
Owen’s Garage provides this opportunity by offering training in basic and intermediate auto repair in addition to ASE certification in certain core areas.
Owen’s Garage offers local low cost and convenient quality automotive instruction for those on a budget and for those who have a daytime job or other normally exclusive responsibilities.
Owen’s Garage provides Christian mentors who engage with students, teach them interpersonal and basic life skills, model and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and offer 200+ years of combined automotive maintenance, repair, design and operation theory, training, and overall experience.
Owen’s History
In 1927 Murray Owens (21 yrs. old) began washing and waxing cars, and performed basic auto lubrication on his residential property in East Austin. A year later he secured a $150 bank loan and converted his barn into an automotive service garage. As business grew in an expanding car market, repair and maintenance were soon added to the list of shop services. Over the years Murray’s staff grew to 7 and consequently the garage continued to expand accordingly. The shop continually and successfully operated until 1992 and closed when it became cost prohibitive to keep up with the technological changes and requirements. Murray always made a profit and attributed that to quality work and customer care.
The shop was later purchased by Tim Pinson of Mission Possible in the mid 1990’s and the building was remodeled to include classroom, dining, storage, and recreational facilities. Although some automotive and Mission Possible ministry was operating there by 2002, “Cars at Owens Garage” did not officially begin its current mission until July of 2007. It continued to operate as a Mission Possible ministry in East Austin until the garage was sold in October of 2013.
The ministry was quickly and eagerly adopted by the Hill Country Bible Church Community Impact ministry in November 2013 but subsequently remained homeless for a few months. In May of 2014 God graciously provided a new home in the maintenance garage of The Twin Lakes Fellowship in Cedar Park. Owens was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by Pastor Nathan, the elders, and the TLF congregation as one of several answers to prayer on using the TLF facilities for God’s glory and Kingdom expansion.
The “Cars program” currently operates on “The Hill” in building #8 in conjunction with the Christian Resource Center and several sister ministries. In the fall of 2014 Owens started to offer ASE certification and began making plans for building and ministry expansion.