Athletes thrive off teamwork, challenge, and a common goal. What better way to share these ideas than to allow Christ to be at the center of it. For many years, Marian University has had the opportunity, to be a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This year Marian University Ancilla College is partnering with FCA to bring the opportunity for Christ to the athletes on campus. FCA is an organization with a vision to see the world impacted by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, by presenting the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.
Starting back in 1954, the FCA began bringing huddles to college campuses as a form on campus ministry focused specifically on student athletes. The Huddle is a place where athletes and coaches together can create a space for leadership and spiritual growth. The time the athletes and coaches spend together is focused on fellowship, outreach, and growth. The Huddles meet on a regular basis to intentionally build community through games, food, guest speakers, Bible studies, worship, prayer, small groups and more.
Being a student athlete is a tough task, but Josh Gleason, North Central Indiana Director of FCA, shares that the beauty the FCA gives these athletes a chance to unite their sport and faith identities as one. Gleason states, “Studies have shown that more than 75% of student-athletes don’t reach their potential in and out of sports due to the issue of separating their identities whether that is in their sport, in the classroom, or in their relationship with God.” Life is about more than an interest in athletics. It’s about the relationships we make, and the way we choose to intentionally lead those in our everyday lives.
Marian University’s student athletes have thrived off this experience and want to spread the joy and skills learned to the wider Marian community. Gleason added, “FCA is here to support, encourage, equip, and empower campus leaders to have a powerful impact on campus.”
Marian is home to many leaders, and it is through opportunities like the FCA that allow such leaders to be born.
For more information on the FCA: https://www.fca.org/get-involved