Fellowship of Christian Athletes Spreads the Gospel Through Sports
Posted by Charity Watcher on Tuesday, January 13, 2015
While expressions of Christian faith are not discouraged in sports, it is not encouraged either for many reasons. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an international non-profit sports ministry with Christianity as its foundation, aims to spread the Gospel through sports.
Its mission includes presenting to the athletes, coaches and other sports professionals as well as the people on whom they exert influence the adventure, challenges and joys of being Christians. Its members serve the Lord in various capacities, such as in their personal and professional relationships in and out of the sports arena. Indeed, it is one of the few sports organizations with a unique spiritual purpose.
The organization operates based on its seven-point written statement of faith, which is based on Christian principles and Bible teachings. Each point corresponds to a passage in the Gospel, thus, allowing its members and interested individuals to understand the organization’s purpose. All staff, leaders, and members are required to agree with and behave according to the statement of faith, thus, strengthening the organization.
Even its four core values have corresponding passages from the scripture. These core values are Integrity, Teamwork, Serving, and Excellence.
Like many Christian ministries, the FCA also has several categories for its own ministry. First, the Coaches ministry includes programs for Bible studies, discipleship, and retreats for coaches as well as sponsorships for ministry and sporting events. Second, the Campus ministry includes programs designed to foster inclusive student participation and leadership in the ministry, such as annual school assemblies.
Third, the Camp ministry includes several types of camps for athletes, coaches and ministry leaders in the United States and abroad. These camps include sports camps, power camps, and team camps, among others. The Community ministry focuses on partnerships with the community, churches and businesses as well as parents and volunteers.
Of course, the organization also recognizes the achievements and contributions of athletes and coaches in the Christian ministry with awards, such as the Bobby Bowden Athlete of the Year, Grant Teaff Coach of the Year, and the Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award.
Its mission includes presenting to the athletes, coaches and other sports professionals as well as the people on whom they exert influence the adventure, challenges and joys of being Christians. Its members serve the Lord in various capacities, such as in their personal and professional relationships in and out of the sports arena. Indeed, it is one of the few sports organizations with a unique spiritual purpose.
The organization operates based on its seven-point written statement of faith, which is based on Christian principles and Bible teachings. Each point corresponds to a passage in the Gospel, thus, allowing its members and interested individuals to understand the organization’s purpose. All staff, leaders, and members are required to agree with and behave according to the statement of faith, thus, strengthening the organization.
Even its four core values have corresponding passages from the scripture. These core values are Integrity, Teamwork, Serving, and Excellence.
Like many Christian ministries, the FCA also has several categories for its own ministry. First, the Coaches ministry includes programs for Bible studies, discipleship, and retreats for coaches as well as sponsorships for ministry and sporting events. Second, the Campus ministry includes programs designed to foster inclusive student participation and leadership in the ministry, such as annual school assemblies.
Third, the Camp ministry includes several types of camps for athletes, coaches and ministry leaders in the United States and abroad. These camps include sports camps, power camps, and team camps, among others. The Community ministry focuses on partnerships with the community, churches and businesses as well as parents and volunteers.
Of course, the organization also recognizes the achievements and contributions of athletes and coaches in the Christian ministry with awards, such as the Bobby Bowden Athlete of the Year, Grant Teaff Coach of the Year, and the Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award.
