When Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t just make disciples — He made disciple-makers. That same model of multiplication is alive and thriving today through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Connor McGowen’s story shows what happens when young leaders are empowered to share their faith — and how God's work continues from generation to generation.
A Seed Planted
Connor’s journey of faith began as a 5th grader and blossomed through his involvement in the Andover FCA Huddle. Through the influence of a coach invested in discipleship, Connor’s faith didn’t just grow — it flourished.
“The best way to reach kids in the high school is through kids,” said DJ Miller, then the FCA Huddle Coach (and now, the North Metro FCA Board Chair). FCA’s model of “making disciples who make disciples” shaped Connor’s early steps as a believer.
Rising Up as a Student-Leader
By high school, Connor was leading small groups within FCA, even reaching out to members of his swim team. FCA wasn’t just a group he attended — it became a mission field, a place to actively live out and share the Gospel.
"FCA built a strong community for me," Connor recalls. "It allowed me to grow in my faith and to spread the gospel to others."
The vision was clear: this wasn’t about passive participation. It was about bold, relational ministry.
Coming Full Circle
Connor attended the University of St. Thomas where his faith continued to deepen.
And then, God brought his story full circle.
After college, Connor felt the call to step into ministry leadership — and almost immediately, the opportunity arose to return to Andover FCA as an Adult Huddle Coach.
“Creating disciples that make disciples has been part of my life since fifth grade," Connor says. "Coming back to lead was a no-brainer.”
Multiplying Leaders
Connor wasn’t alone. Nick Miller — who had journeyed alongside him through FCA in high school — also returned to help lead the huddle. Together, they now mentor a new generation of student leaders who are carrying the torch forward.
Student leaders like Holden Beberg and Sam Audette are seeing the impact firsthand:
“FCA has had a big impact on my life," Holden says. "Not only spiritually but also in building friendships with people who love God."
"Even if you’re not strong in your faith yet, joining FCA helps grow those bonds," adds Sam.
The mission is clear: disciples who make disciples — just as Jesus commanded.
A Story Still Being Written
Today, North Metro FCA Area Representative Dwight Nelson sees the ripple effects:
“It’s amazing to see the discipleship model in action — kids leading their own Bible studies, becoming leaders, and then coming back to pour into the next generation.”
Connor’s journey reminds us that God's work doesn’t end with one salvation moment. It multiplies. It deepens. It creates legacies of faithfulness.
At FCA, stories like Connor’s aren’t the exception - they’re happening every day, for the glory of God.
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