Fellowship of Christian Athletes, also known as FCA, is a primarily student-led organization in high schools across America. The club’s main focus is to unite both faith and athletics for students everywhere.
Jacob Reinhardt is a Huddle Leader for the Muscatine FCA group. A huddle leader volunteers their time at their designated school every Wednesday to facilitate the meetings and work with the leadership team to prepare lessons and activities as well.
“It is a great opportunity to learn more about Jesus and to develop friendships; and not to mention the fact that we always have fun doing it,” Jacob Reinhardt shared.
Jacob describes FCA as a, “Great environment for everybody.” Students are given the opportunity to explore their faith and make new relationships and that is one of the key factors of FCA meetings.
Students can get involved in FCA in a number of ways, including attending meetings or even getting involved in giving lessons to the group. Those who give lessons are normally part of the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team consists of 4-8 people who spend extra time planning lessons and games that fit the needs of the students as well as recommendations of topics, themes, and readings that the FCA organization provides as a whole.
Caleb Carlson, 24’, is often seen in FCA both participating and leading. He has been attending meetings for a few years now and he shares that someone reached out to him as an underclassman.
“A friend invited me my Sophomore year and then I continued to go because I found I really enjoyed spending time there,” said Caleb.
FCA began almost 7 decades ago in 1954. Since then the organization has grown into one of student unity and empowerment, with the goal of making students feel confident enough to share their faith with others.
Haley Thomas, 24’, shared that the platform and community FCA offers for students to share their faith is unlike any other.
“Anyone is welcome,” said Haley. “I think some people think you have to already be a Christian or know a ton about the God to come, and that’s not true at all.”
— Haley Thomas
Another concern for students who have an interest in joining because of the fellowship aspect is that they can’t come to FCA because they aren’t in any sports. But that is not an actual prerequisite to join. The core idea behind FCA is shared faith, and athletics is just a plus that may make people feel more connected through another avenue.
“I see FCA impacting students in their academic and athletic endeavors by encouraging students to align with the core values of FCA,” shared Jacob Reinhardt.
Whether you are an athlete or not, you are welcome in FCA. Meetings are held on Wednesdays during Muskie Time and you can look in your email for the sign-up form.
