The
Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a conference for Collegiate Ministry
leaders in Louisville, Kentucky last week, 23-25 January. Over 105 men and
women from across the USA were in attendance at the Embassy Suites Hotel in
downtown Louisville for an inspirational, encouraging, and fast-paced event.
The
event kicked off with a welcome from FCA Campus Director at the University of
Louisville, Chris Morgan, some talk around our tables, and then a welcome by
FCA National Director of Training, Dan Bishop. We then enjoyed dinner together
followed by a bus ride to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium to participate in the U
of L FCA meeting. Roughly 300 Louisville student-athletes welcomed the FCA
staffers into their meeting which was highlighted by testimonies from Jessica
Brewster of Tennessee State University and Derrick Moore of Georgia Tech. After
the huddle meeting we rode buses back to the hotel.
Tuesday morning
included worship music, and a talk from Virginia Tech Campus Director, David Gittings.
After a break and lots of conversation, we heard from Florida State University
Campus Director, Reggie Hutchins. Several periods of discussion around our
tables were woven into Reggie’s talk. We had lunch together and lots more
conversation. During lunch, we also enjoyed a panel discussion featuring four
Head Coaches from various sports at the University of Louisville. These four
men all participate in a weekly lunch time Bible study with Chris Morgan.
After
lunch, Chad Mosteller, also from the U of L, shared about “Four Chairs of
Discipleship” and we discussed this, point by point. After an afternoon coffee
break, we regathered for another presentation and discussion by Tammy Morgan, chaplain
at the U of L and Chris Morgan’s wife. Jill Nash from Georgia also contributed strongly to
this discussion. The final portion of the afternoon was given to FCA’s new
President, Shane Williamson. He took some time to outline his vision for FCA’s
future in general, and in collegiate ministry in particular. Shane took some
questions and wrapped up the session with an energetic tone.
The
evening was highlighted by a purposefully loose plan for groups of people to
gather themselves for dinner in any of the nearby restaurants. Upon our return
at 9:00 pm, we enjoyed the comedy of “The Laugh Therapist,” Vernard Hines. We
wrapped things up with an ice cream sundae bar.
Wednesday
morning kicked off with worship music and a challenge by our host, Chris
Morgan. I had a few minutes at the conclusion of the conference to promote the
monthly conference calls we host for sports chaplains and character coaches, to
promote the FCA IMPACT Internships in Europe and South Africa this summer, and to
outline the growing list of resources available in the FCA collegiate staff
Dropbox.
The conference
was very encouraging, inspirational, and allowed plenty of time for us to
network with our valued teammates and colleagues. A number of issues were
addressed including David Gittings’ “Reality Check,” awakening us to parallel
realities at work – one we can see (circumstances) and one unseen (where God is
at work) as he walked us through the entire book of Galatians. Reggie Hutchins
challenged us re: Racism. He said we must understand: Our role in a world of
racism, the reason for racism, and our resources for dealing with racism. Chad
Mosteller outlined the four chairs of discipleship as: “Come and See, Come and
Follow Me, Come and I’ll Make you Fishers of Men, and Go and Bear Much Fruit.”
Tammy Morgan challenged us re: the nature of our ministry with women. She had
us discuss our strategies and our roadblocks for serving women well. Chris Morgan
challenged us in the final session on “Occupational Hazards.” He reviewed Mary’s
example of how to serve in contrast with Martha’s example of how not to serve.
Conferences
like this one directly address one of the greatest problems for sports
chaplains, isolation. Many of us feel like we’re serving on an island with very
few of our friends, colleagues, or supervisors either understanding what we do
or the issues with which we deal every day. Simply being together like this is
a shot in the arm, a boost to the spirit, and a fresh drink of cool water to
the soul. Thanks to everyone at FCA, especially Molly Collins and Dan Bishop,
who made the arrangements for us.
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