God continues to open new doors and show us new areas of ministry opportunity. As 2023 began, Fellowship of Christian Athletes on a national level was just beginning to explore the ministry opportunity that youth sports leagues and club programs would provide.
It’s because of this open door, God’s leading of FCA into an entirely new branch of ministry, that my position of League and Club Sports Director was created.
There is a movement happening. Sports are no longer seasonal activities. All over the country athletes are spending countless hours together, playing year-round. Coaches are pouring time and energy into giving them opportunities to play, training them to be better players, and investing in them as individuals.
God is calling FCA to be part of that movement. If we hope to achieve our ultimate vision of seeing the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, we can no longer sit on the sidelines. We’re not. We’re ready to dive in.
Fortunately, we don’t have to start from scratch. Thanks to the diligent work of FCA staff members like Brian Hansen and Ted Standing-Solder (and countless others), FCA has already been sharing the Gospel with young athletes, specifically through sports leagues, practices, and skills development, for years.
This year, over 1,600 athletes participated in FCA Flag Football leagues in Sioux Falls, Brandon, Brookings and Luverne, MN. By God’s grace we are given the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with athletes and coaches through the sport of football. FCA Flag’s theme verse this year came from John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Including athletes, coaches, and families, the message of Jesus’ sacrifice, our call to a greater purpose, and our promise of new life was shared with thousands of individuals this fall. Praise God!
Similarly, hundreds of young athletes in the Rapid City area are being given the opportunity to play basketball and hear about the love of Jesus Christ through weekly FCA Skills Development practices and several other offerings. God has no limit to His reach.
With the introduction of FCA League and Club Sports Ministries, our vision is to see this same type of impact spread across all sports, in all regions, year-round. This is a big task, and a God-sized vision. So… Where do we start?
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors.” – Proverbs 11:14
The groundwork is being laid. As we continue to pray over the next steps of this ministry, God has already raised up a number of individuals in our area who have a love for Jesus Christ, a heart to serve young athletes and coaches, and years of sport-specific coaching and administrative experience to help guide us.
One of our first new sport opportunities we’re excited to launch is FCA Wrestling. Our hope for 2024 is to offer training sessions and camps focused on skill development as a lead-in to offering an FCA Wrestling League next fall, extending through the winter months. There is no shortage of athletes, and we’re excited to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ while giving them an opportunity to compete and hone their skills.
However, we can’t do this alone. Prior to launching FCA Wrestling we have a goal of raising an additional $15,000 in support to be put toward the purchase of FCA Wrestling mats, space rental fees, and additional start-up costs.
God has gifted FCA with an amazing support base, and I’m excited by the opportunity that we’ve been given to ask our friends and partners to join us in launching this League and Club Sports ministry!
For His Glory Alone,
Matt Dykstra | SD FCA Director of League and Club Sports
