Myths vs Facts of Ministry

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes was an idea born in Don McClanen’s heart in 1947 when he was a student at what is now Oklahoma State University.  He believed that athletes could use their platform of influence to present Jesus Christ to the entire culture in a powerful way.  McClanen officially began FCA in 1954.  The first FCA Camp was held in 1956 at Estes Park, CO with 256 athletes and coaches attending.  The campus ministry began with the formation of FCA Huddles in 1966.  Since then, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has expanded into the largest sports ministry in the world.

Since 1966, the FCA Ministry has been present on campuses all across the country.  The Campus Ministry is initiated and led by student-athletes and coaches on junior high, high school and college campuses.   The purpose of campus ministry, through various types, has been to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost and to seek to grow and mature a follower of Jesus Christ. 

The “win” of Campus Ministry is to see campuses impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. 
 

• Coaches: At the heart of FCA are coaches. Our role is to minister to them by encouraging and equipping them to know and serve Christ.  FCA ministers to coaches through Bible studies, staff contacts, prayer support, discipleship and mentoring, Behind the Bench (a program for coaches wives), resources, outreach events, national and local conventions, conferences and retreats.
   
• Campus:  The Campus Ministry is initiated and led by student-athletes and coaches on junior high, high school and college campuses. The types of Campus Ministry include Huddles, Team Bible Studies, Coaches Bible Studies, and Chaplain Programs. 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has a strategic plan to:

• Expand FCA ministries
• Grow FCA Staff and Volunteers
• Serve the FCA Staff and Volunteers.

Vision:    “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches.”

Mission:  “To present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”