FCA celebrates banner year for leading athletes to Christ

(Metro Voice) – More than 51,000 student athletes, coaches and volunteers made decisions for Christ through the ministry of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in fiscal year 2023.

“The best gift we can give and receive at Christmas is the gift of Christ, who came to Earth to save us and offer us all the free gift of salvation,” said Shane Williamson, president and CEO of the Kansas City-based ministry. “As we reflect on the birth of our savior, we are reminded of what Jesus has done with FCA and are so thankful for the 51,730 student-athletes who came to know him this year through the ministry.”

FCA uses a texting system that allows participants to share their lifechanging decisions. “This system provides FCA with the opportunity to not only get an idea of their impact around the globe but also allows for an initial contact between the organization and each young follower of Christ,” a spokesperson told “The Christian Post.”

Although the decisions marked a slight decline from the 52,358 recorded last fiscal year , the FCA spokesperson noted that annual totals typically fluctuate slightly from year to year.

“FCA staff and mobilized volunteers work diligently to follow up with coaches and athletes after camps and other events/programs,” the spokesperson said. “Follow-up includes ensuring the athlete or coach have a Bible and get plugged into a local church community, connected to a huddle, and are supported as they grow in their relationship with God on their discipleship journey.

FCA’s theme for 2023 has been “Greater,” which is based on John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  Throughout the year, FCA has been encouraging coaches and athletes to find their identity in Christ rather than their sport.  FCA also distributed 230,247 Bibles in 2023. Over the past 15 years, the ministry has distributed a total of nearly three million Bibles.

The organization has beent he target of efforts to force it out of schools, including in San Jose, Calif. In September 2023, the liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the district must allow the group to meet and hold events on the district’s high school campuses.

This article appeared originally at Metro Voice, a Christian news publication.