Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a worldwide Christian ministry whose vision is “to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.” FCA is currently operating in 47 countries and is using sport as a way to reach people for Jesus Christ as well as helping athletes learn what it means to compete for Christ. FCA was founded by Dan McClanen in 1954 because he saw athletes endorsing many products, and he thought he could use athletes and coaches to endorse the Gospel. Through the last 60 years, FCA has ministered to athletes through campus ministry, camps, coaches, and communities.
FCA is a relevant and important ministry to this day because sports are one of the top things that we as Americans consume. Sport is a common ground that many people have around the world. Athletes and coaches have so much impact on our society and young people, it is believed critical to reaching those to use their influence for Jesus Christ. “Coaches will impact more people in a year, then the average person does in a lifetime” Billy Graham.
Dana Jenkins and Allison Carpenter are key contributors to FCA Softball across the country. Both have experience in softball from a player’s as well as a coaches’ perspective. Dana, as a former coach, was introduced to FCA through former softball Olympian Dot Richardson’s husband and has used her platform to grow the ministry nationwide. Allison, a current D3 coach in Minnesota, is the founder of FCA Softball in Minnesota and spends much of her time devoted to growing the ministry in her home state as well as involvement with FCA across the country. After getting a chance to talk with Dana and Allison about FCA and their involvement with the Softball ministry, one word came to mind, Passion. Take a look for yourself.
What is the primary focus for FCA?
D: The primary focus is to create an environment for coaches and athletes where spiritual growth can happen. We are a ministry that goes to and through the coach. Our vision is to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
A: My focus with FCA softball is really to bring opportunities for coaches and athletes to grow in their faith to the ballpark. With the schedule of young people and coaches, and all the traveling softball players do, as well the hours of practice and playing, they are missing out going to church, going to youth group, and maybe even their FCA huddles at their schools.
How do athletes benefit from FCA?
A: FCA gives athletes an outlet to come together with other Christian athletes to talk about issues directly related to sport. The reality is that there are things that athletes encounter and deal with that non-athletes may not understand. To have a place for athletes to come together, learn from each other, and grow in their faith together, and talk about these issues in a healthy way is so beneficial for athletes. They know they are not alone in the pursuit of competing for Christ when they have a community developed through FCA. FCA also provides athletes with the opportunity to grow in their leadership skills on and off the field. There are tons of resources and camps that they can go to, to develop their spiritual leadership skills, which will translate directly to the sports arena.
What opportunities does FCA create for athletes across the country?
D: The great thing about FCA is we have staff members all over the country! We are all trained and equipped to lead athletes and coaches no matter where they start their journey both physically and spiritually. There are huddles, camps, and community sports all over the nation.
A: We call the camps “inspiration through perspiration”. Athletes come and receive excellent coaching and not only get better at their sport, but they also learn about Christ, and learn how to compete for Christ! I have been a huddle leader at camp as well as a clinician and every year I see God use sport to change hundreds of kids’ lives. The biggest opportunity that FCA presents for athletes is the freedom to share their faith with their peers through their sport.
Talk about some of the relationships you have built through FCA.
A: The most important relationships that I have developed through FCA have been my FCA family. People who I have been huddle leaders with, people who have mentored me or are fellow staff members. I have also had the opportunity to develop a relationship with Coach Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooners through their Chaplin, FCA staff Sarah Roberts. Over the past year, Coach Gasso has spoken at an event for me, invited me to speak with her team for their Sunday Morning Chapel against Iowa State and also invited me to be part of chapel during their championship run in Oklahoma City. I have also had a small part in helping the Chicago Bandits (of the NPF) find a Chaplin this past year.
Allison, what is the most rewarding part of your involvement with FCA Softball?
A: FCA softball gives me the opportunity to speak to young women about identity, competing for Christ, and finding freedom in that while they are participating in their sport! The best and most rewarding part of FCA softball for me is the relationships I’ve built with these young women, seeing them grow and the fruit that has already come from that. I’m excited to continue to build relationships and grow the ones I’ve already developed.
Where do you hope to see FCA in 5 years?
D: I hope it is growing and thriving like never before. I would love to see more travel teams incorporate FCA into their organizations.
A: I hope and pray that God raises up leaders among the softball community that are hungry to reach their teammates and peers! I also want to see team bible studies scattered throughout the softball community and all over the country.
For more information on FCA see one of the websites below:
FCA.org
FCAResources.com
FCAcoachesacademy.com
FCAGear.com
