Politics
Christian College Group Helps 51,000 Students Join Church In 2023: ‘The Best Gift We Can Give’
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a leading Christian student group on college campuses across the nation, brought a joyous announcement in time for Christmas this year. The group reportedly brought 51,730 people to “faith decisions” at several events held from September 2022 to August 2023.
As reported by Christian Post, FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson celebrated the group’s achievement in a statement saying, “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.”
A spokesman for the FCA added that these “faith decisions” are recorded through the organization’s “Faith Response Tool, a texting system that allows FCA staff, coaches and athletes to share these significant, life-changing decisions.” The spokesman explained, “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.”
Williamson added,
“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.”
Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brought us peace—accept it today! #DailyImpactPlay #DailyDevotional #Peace
🔗: https://t.co/dxQlnw0enn pic.twitter.com/BcJSrPmDwt
— FCA (@TheFCATeam) December 16, 2023
“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.”
Following one such event in October at an Arkansas High School that brought more than 3,000 people together, Micah May, multi-area director for FCA South Central Arkansas told Christian Post, “Truly, there was an unmistakable move of the Holy Spirit. Hundreds of students prayed seeking the Lord, God was present and lives were changed.”
Posting to X, FCA wrote it had “distributed 230,247 Bibles in 2023 alone, staying true to the mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.”
FCA distributed 230,247 Bibles in 2023 alone 📖 🤯, staying true to the mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. #FCA #Bible #Movement
🔗: https://t.co/yr66X6TjKf pic.twitter.com/BOqGZ3FiNn— FCA (@TheFCATeam) December 14, 2023
In the statement regarding its successes in 2022, which saw a somewhat higher response at 52,358 faith decisions, the FCA explained, “Holding fast to the FCA Vision and Mission, the number of FCA staff, international leaders and Huddles grew this year. FCA now has 2,527 staff and 418 international leaders serving 19,431 Huddles globally. The ministry continues to serve 114 countries.”
The organization has reportedly received $190 million in contributions in an increase of about 16% year over year. The group added, “As a faith-funded ministry, we give thanks to the Lord for His provision.”
