Leadership Abounds

The training begins with the framework of FCA: our vision, mission, core values, and ministry strategy, E3: Engage, Equip, Empower. Leaders learn that FCA is about much more than organizing a weekly gathering or planning a fun activity. It is about building authentic relationships that create opportunities to point others toward Jesus.

As Romans 12:6-10 reminds us, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” 

FCA challenges leaders to embrace that responsibility wherever God has placed them in their huddles, on their teams, in their classrooms, and throughout their communities.

Healthy huddles thrive on relationships. Across Southwest Minnesota, FCA huddles are finding creative ways to build those relationships through activities, fundraising, prayer, Bible study, and shared experiences. Whether it’s coordinating a bus to travel to Fields of Faith, participating in the Southwest MN FCA volleyball tournament, hosting an annual event for their huddle, or simply gathering together to open God's Word, every activity affords an opportunity to connect people and create space for faith to grow.

And this year's leaders are ready.

For Micah T., a 7th grader at Marshall Middle School, huddle leadership offers him a chance to grow in his own faith while encouraging others to grow in theirs.

“I want to deepen my relationship with Christ and encourage the people around me to grow in their faith too.”

What excites him most is getting to know the other leaders, building new relationships, and growing together in faith. The Leadership Summit was full of tools that will help Micah lead his huddle well and build lasting relationships.

Cassondra B., a sophomore at Wabasso High School, wants her leadership to point people toward Jesus.

“I want people to see a little bit of Jesus through me. If I’m the only ‘Bible’ someone ever reads, I want my life to reflect Him.”

Cassondra would like to make prayer and Scripture a bigger part of her huddle while building genuine relationships and encouraging her peers to grow together in their faith. What excites her most is having a group of people she can lean on, study with, and grow alongside while sharing her faith with others.

Annika K., a junior at Westbrook Walnut Grove, knows why she wants to lead.

“I want to spread the word of God to people that don’t have a relationship with Him, and I feel that FCA is a great way to do that.”

Annika is eager to bring energy and fun to her huddle through activities like an annual Nerf battle, volleyball tournaments, and their huddle’s annual kickball tournament. But behind the activities is a deeper desire: to help others lean into their faith and to create opportunities for people to encounter God's love.

Kael F., a senior at Marshall High School, sees his senior year as an opportunity to invest in others.

“I want to bring other people closer to God while also growing my own faith.”

Kael plans to use what he learned at the Leadership Summit to bring the MHS huddle closer together and encourage new leaders to step forward. As a senior, he recognizes that his influence carries a unique opportunity for exactly what he learned at training, discipleship.