Kansas City-based Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), one of the world’s largest sports ministries, marks a transformative milestone in 2024 as it celebrates 70 years of impact through faith and athletics. The organization, which grew from the visionary leadership of founding fathers Don McClanen, Dr. Louis H. Evans, Dr. Roe Johnston, and Branch Rickey, has evolved into a global force for Christian ministry in sports.
“One man’s ‘yes’ to God’s dream has resulted in millions of lives being impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, and we would not be where we are today without the vision, hard work and faith of founder Don McClanen and other FCA forefathers,” said Shane Williamson, president and CEO of FCA. The organization’s journey began on November 10, 1954, when McClanen, then a young basketball coach, established what would become a worldwide movement.
Today, FCA stands as a premier global leader in sports ministry, encouraging thousands of sporting participants around the world to represent Christ through excellence both on and off the field. The organization now has nearly 3,000 U.S. staff and international leaders while serving in 90 countries. Its diverse range of ministry initiatives includes:
• Huddles, certified small-group studies for coaches and athletes
• Camps, an inspirational environment for athletes and coaches who want to reach their potential through comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training
• Fields of Faith, FCA’s community outreach event held throughout the world
• FCA Sports is an exceptional sports experience where trained coaches and volunteers take a 360 approach to leading each athlete as they compete on FCA teams organized as leagues and clubs. This holistic effort starts with the heart and fully develops the spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and interpersonal skills athletes need to be successful in sports and in life.
The ministry’s impact continues to grow, with impressive statistics from the past year: 21,161 huddles organized; 309 FCA sports leagues and clubs established; 1,058 camps held; and 631 Fields of Faith events supported. Most significantly, more than 53,000 students made decisions to follow Christ.
For Williamson, this milestone serves as a reminder of all God has done and a preview to all he will do moving forward: “As we look back on 70 years of what God has done in and through this ministry, we give him thanks and praise and look in expectancy for what he will do in the next 70.”
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice