Stories From The Field

We asked three Minnesota FCA staff members who led small group huddles for our Southwest MN coaches and their spouses to comment on the heart and impact of CTO. Adam Paulson, FCA Area Rep in South Central MN said, “You invest time into things that matter the most! Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God has given us!” What a privilege it is for FCA to pour into our coaches marriages! A timeout can shift momentum. We believe that a change of pace with a change of place provides a change of perspective. This year’s CTO event was held in July in Duluth, MN where coaches and their spouses were afforded the opportunity to catch their breath and evaluate the game plan of their marriage, making the adjustments necessary to win at home. Tom Ness, MN FCA Director said, “CTO can be a milestone event for marriages – a refreshing and renewing time away or perhaps the catalyst to redeeming that which is broken.” The heartbeat of CTO events center on the faith journey. Regardless of one's spiritual background, we believe that transformation in one's marriage is possible through Jesus Christ. Timeouts are critical for victory. Just like in competition, a coach's marriage needs time set aside to evaluate and refocus on the game plan. Tim Elrod, FCA Collegiate Rep said, “It has been a joy to serve with my wife at CTO. Leading a small group huddle together has made her feel like part of the FCA ministry. We look forward to this event every year. CTO has given us the opportunity to reflect on our own relationship and to name priorities and set goals for the upcoming year alongside the couples were are serving.” 

A message from LEADership Camp Director, Brent Voight:

Read along with us as we share some camp takeaways from campers, parents, coaches, and volunteers that are sure to warm your heart and make you smile.

When FCA first took root in Pine City, it wasn’t part of a strategic school initiative or long-term ministry plan. It started with a simple act of obedience. “Honestly, we started it because someone actually approached us from FCA, and he'd been praying a lot when he drove past,” says Heidi Burger, Pine City physical education teacher and FCA Adult Huddle Leader. From that small moment of faithfulness, a movement began.

Each spring, Arise with the Guys draws athletes, coaches, and families to Grace Church in Eden Prairie for a morning that’s far more than just another sports event - it’s a powerful collision of faith, fellowship, and eternal purpose . This year’s gathering was no exception.

In a world where college athletics is often dominated by stats, scholarships, and championships, something deeper is stirring at Concordia University, St. Paul. Here, a football program is powerfully modeling what it means to use sport as a vehicle for discipleship, spiritual growth, and Gospel transformation. For DJ Davis , FCA’s Twin Cities Metro Collegiate Director, this mission began with an obedient “yes” to coming on staff with Minnesota FCA.

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 pastor from a local church reached out to Dave Frasier , North Metro FC A Area Director, in the Fall of 2024 saying he had a student interested in starting an FCA Huddle at North Branch High School . This student was a senior and wanted to start something that would impact the community he grew up in - before he graduated. That conversation has opened the door to God moving powerfully in the North Branch community.

During the week of March 10th, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with an organization called Decision Point , whose mission is to bring the Gospel message into public schools . This year’s theme, "Set Free," resonated deeply as students from Shakopee and Prior Lake boldly stepped up to lead outreach events in their schools.