Who We Are:
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at WKU exists to serve coaches and student-athletes on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Our mission is carried out by a dedicated team of staff who are passionate about seeing lives changed through Jesus.
The FCA staff serving at WKU FCA includes Angela & David Byrd, Nick Carroll, Shawn Sales, and Kaylee Pike.
Together, our team works to build meaningful relationships with coaches and athletes, meet them where they are, and point them toward Jesus. We believe that every coach and athlete has a purpose that goes far beyond sports, performance, and success.
College can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. Student-athletes and coaches face many pressures, responsibilities, expectations, and decisions. FCA is here to walk alongside them and remind them that their identity is found in something greater than their performance, success, or abilities. Their identity can be found in Jesus!
We also believe that faith is not meant to be lived alone. That is why we help connect coaches and athletes connect with local churches and Christian communities where they can continue growing spiritually outside and beyond FCA.
Our vision is simple: to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
What We Do:
At FCA, instead of waiting for them to come to us, we intentionally go to them. We spend time in their world, build relationships, and connect with them in their everyday spaces.
Through one-on-one conversations, showing up and connecting at practice, small groups Bible studies, and large group huddles, we connect hearts and lives to God’s Word. We teach, study, and share the Bible to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Our goal is to make disciples of Jesus who are then ready and equipped to help others become disciples of Jesus. Below are some of the ways we minister to coaches and athletes:
•One-on-One Discipleship: We personally walk alongside students and coaches, helping them understand God’s Word and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
•Team and Small Group Bible Studies: We create opportunities for athletes to study the Bible, ask questions, encourage one another, and grow together in their faith.
•Coaches Bible Studies: We provide spaces specifically for coaches to grow spiritually, study God’s Word, encourage one another, and discuss the unique challenges they face both in their careers and personal lives.
•All-Women Bible Studies: We create opportunities for female student-athletes to come together, build community, study God’s Word, and encourage one another as they grow in their relationship with Jesus.
•Large Group Huddles: We bring athletes from different teams and backgrounds together to worship, learn from God’s Word, and experience Christian community.
•Campus Events: We help plan and support events such as Worship on the Hill, creating opportunities for students across campus to come together and encounter Jesus.
Our goal is not simply to host events or create another activity for students to attend. We want to provide spiritual depth through discipleship in God’s Word. We believe that when people truly know Jesus, learn His Word, and apply it to their lives, real and lasting transformation can happen.
What We’ve Seen:
God has been doing incredible things through FCA at WKU. Currently, we serve approximately 40% of the student-athlete population on campus. This gives us the opportunity to build relationships with students across many different teams and backgrounds.
Over the last year and a half, we have seen 175 public professions of faith. These are students who have publicly shared their decision to put their faith in Jesus. We have also seen seven student-led Bible studies begin because students themselves wanted to take initiative and create opportunities for their teammates and friends to grow in God’s Word.
These numbers are exciting, but they represent something much greater than statistics. They represent real people, changed lives, growing faith, and students who are beginning to influence others around them for Jesus.
Why We Do What We Do:
Coaches and athletes face pressure both on and off the court. They are expected to perform, succeed, win, balance school, maintain relationships, and often figure out what comes next in life.
In the middle of all these pressures, it can be easy for someone to base their identity and worth on their performance. FCA wants to offer something different.
We want to provide coaches and athletes with a clear and steady foundation that points them to Jesus. We want them to know that their value is not determined by how many points they score, how many games they win, or how successful they are. Through Jesus, they can find hope, purpose, identity, and peace.
We also want to help them become connected to a strong Christian community. Lasting change happens when people are surrounded by likeminded followers of Jesus who encourage them, challenge them, and walk with them in their faith that’s rooted in the word of God.
Ultimately, we do what we do because we believe sports are more than a game. Athletics provide a unique opportunity to reach people, build relationships, and share the life-changing message of Jesus.
Our desire is to see coaches and athletes grow closer to Christ, become part of His Church, and experience transformation that lasts far beyond their time at WKU.
Get Involved
If you would like to get involved with FCA at WKU or support the ministry, we would love to connect with you. There are many ways to make an impact through prayer, volunteering, encouragement, and financial support.
Together, we can continue reaching coaches and athletes with the life-changing message of Jesus and help provide opportunities for lasting spiritual growth.
If you would like to learn more about getting involved or supporting the ministry, please contact David Byrd at dbyrd@fca.org. We pray the Lord blesses you and your family!
-submitted by Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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