Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Section 2 – 4 C’s
Coaches Ministry …
Campus Ministry…
 Character Coaches
 Character Clinics
 FCA Core Values
 FCA Coach’s Standards
 Huddles
 Huddle Coaches
Camp Ministry …
Community Ministry …
 Fields of Faith
 One Way to Play (OW2P)
 Funding FCA
Section 2 – 4 C’s
2
3
3
6
7
8
See Section 3 (Huddles)
See Section 3 (Huddle Coaches)
9
12
13
14
15
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
At the heart of FCA are coaches. Our role is to minister to these men and women by
encouraging and equipping them to know and serve Christ.
FCA ministers to coaches through Bible studies, staff contacts, prayer support,
discipleship and mentoring, Behind the Bench (a program for coaches wives), resources,
outreach events, national and local conventions, conferences and retreats.
To learn more about Coaches’ Ministry, please go to: http://www.fcacoaches101.com/
“A Coach has more influence on a kid in a single season than a pastor has in a lifetime.”
“FCA is one of the most effective movements in this nation for the presentation of the gospel to
young people.”
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Dr. Billy Graham
“I believe the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is the most effective group in America for
passing along the influence of Christianity.”
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Tom Landry, Former Dallas Cowboys Head Football Coach/NFL Hall of Fame
“No coach should be trusted with the tremendous responsibility of handling young men and
women under the great mental, emotional, and physical strain to which they are subjected unless
they are spiritually strong. The coach must set the proper example by word and deed.”
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John Wooden, Former UCLA Bruins Head Basketball Coach/NCAA Hall of Fame
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Since 1966, the FCA Ministry has been present on campuses all across the
country. The Campus Ministry is initiated and led by student-athletes and coaches on
junior high, high school and college campuses. The Campus Ministry has four ministry
types: Huddles, Team Bible Studies, Chaplain Programs, and Coaches Bible Studies.
They have emerged over the years as effective ways to establish FCA ministry
presence on campuses across the country.
The purpose of Campus Ministry, through the various types, has been to share
the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost and to seek to grow and mature a follower of
Jesus Christ. The “win” of Campus Ministry is to see campuses impacted for Jesus
Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches and those they influence!
Character Coaches
Being a Character Coach is one of the most strategic points of ministry for our
changing world. Athletes are often the most misunderstood and neglected
(spiritually), while also being the most exploited and overexposed (spiritually) of any
people group on the planet.
Character Coaches have worked within the church, and particularly in para-church
Christian ministries, like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and have sought to
serve the spiritual needs of athletes. The wisest of them serve them in a way that
cares for their whole person and their development in all of life. One should expect
this sort of ministry to be a long process of development rather than a quick,
programmatic series of events.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Who are Character Coaches?
A wide variety of people can serve athletes as Character Coaches. One need not be a
sports ministry professional to faithfully serve and to significantly impact the lives of
this underserved people group. Among those who could serve in these roles are:
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Parents of players in youth sports (school based teams or club sports).
Coaches of youth sports teams, school based teams or coaches at higher levels
of sport.
Community leaders with interest in ministry through sport.
Athletic trainers or other support personnel with sports teams.
Pastors or other ministry professionals.
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What does the role of a Character Coach look like?
Character Coaches could take on a number of different roles, but listed here are
many of the common ones:
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Provide personal care to players, coaches, and support staff.
Alert the coach to critical issues that could affect his or her program.
Be available and equipped at all times to help in crisis situations.
Provide training and resources for character development and life management skills.
Pray for, encourage and exhort players, coaches, coaches’ families and support staff.
Lead and coordinate Character Clinic services.
What does it take to be a Character Coach?
FCA wants to provide teams with the best trained, most effective Character Coaches
that they can, so we have created a process:
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Go to www.fca.org and complete the Ministry Leader Application (MLA).
Initiate a relationship with an FCA staff member in your area for further training,
encouragement, facilitation and accountability.
Communicate with the FCA staff prior to the season for planning, prayer, resources,
etc.
Communicate with the FCA staff during the season for encouragement, problem
solving and further direction.
Communicate at the end of the season for evaluation, reporting of results, etc.
Connect with other FCA Character Coaches for ongoing training, encouragement,
resources, information on regional training opportunities and more from those who are
actively engaged as Character Coaches.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
The 10 Commandments of FCA Character Coaches
1. You must love God.
2. You must love athletes.
3. Be faithful & committed to the success of these character clinics.
4. Always be early for the character clinic.
5. Develop a relationship with the coaches.
6. Be willing to go the extra mile.
7. Honor the coach’s requests. (day, time, place)
8. Be willing to share with FCA staff any problems and concerns.
9. Fill out an MLA form.
10. Be willing to report any child or sexual abuse if told by a student.
Preparing Your Personal Testimony
Very simply, your testimony is:
(a.) My life before I met Jesus.
(b.) My life after I met Jesus.
(c.) What my life is like now.
DON’T
DO
Glorify the bad aspects of your life in the “before”.
Use religious words, phrases, and jargon such as:
believe, sin, went forward, under the blood,
accepted, saved, prayed through.
Use dogmatic statements.
Make it sound conversational.
Say I and me, not you.
Include some humor.
Simplify and reduce clutter.
Make the Bible the authority.
Share the Gospel clearly and briefly.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Character Clinics
Purpose:
To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and
adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, serving Him in their
relationship through the fellowship of the church.
Goal:
Victory!...By overcoming the enemy.
(Revelation 12:11)They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word
of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Requirements:
1. Pray for the coaching staff and athletes.
2. Recruit local personalities to share their testimonies and/or a Christ centered
message with the team each week.
3. Optional: Be on the sideline with the team on Friday nights for encouragement
and relationship building. This is a decision the Head Coach can make.
When do the character clinics meet?
Through coordination with the Head Coach, Character Clinics usually meet at
the beginning or ending of the team practice once per week, at a time designated by
the coach. Character Clinics usually last 15-20 minutes. The key here is to be
considerate of the coach’s time and never violate it. We go with what they give us!
An FCA Team Character Clinic (formerly known as a Chapel) is an extension of
the FCA Campus Ministry, designed to reach student-athletes, both churched and unchurched, in the confines of their particular sport. In cooperation with a team’s head
coach, local laymen and women are given an opportunity to relate their message of
God’s impact on their life to the coaches and student-athletes. In many cases, small
groups from area churches such as Sunday School classes, Men and Women Ministry
Groups, etc. “adopt” schools and get involved in the lives of players and coaches of
area teams.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
FCA Volunteers often serve as mentors for athletes who don’t have a good
family life or don’t have proper role models. Just by being there and investing time in
the athletes, FCA Volunteers are able to build relationships with the players and
coaches which go on to pay big dividends. After players and coaches build
relationships with FCA Volunteers, they are much more receptive to hearing about the
greatest relationship of all – the one with Jesus Christ! In addition to their spiritual
wellbeing, FCA Volunteers are also instilling good character traits in those they serve,
built around the FCA’s core values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, and Excellence.
Integrity: (Proverbs 11:3)
We will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately and publicly.
Teamwork: (John 13:1-17)
We will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships.
Serving: (Philippians 2:1-4)
We will model Jesus’ example of wholeness.
Excellence: (Colossians 3:23-24)
We will honor and glorify God in all we do.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
FCA CHARACTER COACH’S STANDARDS
(John 14:21) Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me
will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
It is extremely important as a Character Coach in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) that my
moral character and integrity are at all times above reproach in order to glorify Christ. I agree to the
following in order to maintain my Character.
Coach position and responsibilities in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
After reading each statement check the box if you agree to commit to it:
 I agree to seek to live a consistent Christian life. Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:16
 I agree to initiate, lead and follow through to complete my responsibilities as a Character
Coach. Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 Simply
let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Matthew 5:37.
 I agree to abstain from the use of any form of alcohol, drugs and/or tobacco. Remind the
people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient to be ready to do whatever is
good. Titus 3:1 …make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your
brother’s way. Romans 14:13 Do not get drunk on wine because that will ruin your life. Instead
be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
 I agree to abstain from pre-marital sex, homosexuality, fooling around physically/sexually and
exposing myself to any and all forms of pornography. It is God’s will that you should be set
apart: that you should avoid sexual immorality. Thessalonians 4:3-8 Whatever you do, work at
it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23
 I agree to only use language that is pleasing and honoring to Christ Jesus. Do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
Ephesians 4:29
 I agree to abstain from gossiping about others. A gossip betrays a confidence: so avoid a man
who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19
 I understand that if I am found to be in violation with any of the above that my Character
Coach status will be evaluated. If the offense is severe, it may mean that I will need to step
down from my leadership position with FCA temporarily or permanently as determined by FCA
Leadership. This does not mean that I am not welcome at FCA meetings and that I should not
be involved with FCA activities; this is to protect me & allow me to mature in Christ and to
protect the integrity of the ministry and the ones to whom we are ministering. Therefore I urge
you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and
pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern
of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
 I realize that I can only live out the above standards by the power of the Holy Spirit. I commit
myself to actively:
Spend time with God in His Word and in prayer on a daily basis.
Get involved with my church and youth group for discipleship and growth.
Seek to find and establish an accountability and prayer partner relationship.
Keep from putting myself in tempting situations that would cause me to sin and
dishonor God.
Signature________________________________________________ Date___________________
(PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR AREA REPRESENTATIVE)
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
FCA began with a camp. The first national FCA Camp was held at Estes Park,
Colorado in 1956, with 256 athletes and coaches attending. Over the past 50+ years,
we have expanded from that one camp with fewer than 300 attendees to over 300
camps and more than 46,000 coaches and athletes attending.
Camp is a time of “inspiration and perspiration” for coaches and athletes to
reach their potential by offering comprehensive athletic, spiritual, and leadership
training. In FCA we offer seven types of camps: Sports, Leadership, Coaches, Power,
Partnership, Team, and International Camps.
Sports Camps are for athletes and coaches who want to develop their athletic skills.
Outstanding instruction, skill development and intense competition prepare the
camper for future athletic competition. Sports Camps include Sport-Specific camps in
which the camper selects one sport for the entire camp experience, and Mulit-Sport
camps in which the camper is trained in a specific sport and competes in a variety of
sports as a Huddle.
Leadership Camps are for student-athletes, Huddle Coaches and volunteers who
serve as leaders on their local campuses. The camp focuses on teaching practical
skills for Christian growth, the development as an effective campus leader and the
training for spiritual, organizational and motivational tools for use in the FCA Campus
Ministry.
Coaches Camps are for single and married coaches and their families and are
designed to minister, to equip and to encourage them as Coaches. FCA Camp
ministers to coaches through Bible studies, small groups, fellowship, prayer support,
discipleship and mentoring. Weekend retreats called “Couple Getaways” are a great
way for coaches and their spouses to break away for a time of refreshment.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Youth Sports Camp (Power Camp) is typically for young athletes ages 8-12 who want
to develop their skills in sports. This camp provides excellent instruction and
competition through sports-specific and multi-sport focus. These Camps are normally
day camps that involve the local community.
Partnership Camp is a camp in which FCA develops a relationship with an existing
camp to provide the spiritual program. This can include FCA Camp curriculum, FCA
resources, speakers, “One Way 2 Play” program, Huddle meetings and staff. FCA joins
with the camp as a co-sponsor to develop the spiritual focus of the camp and/or the
athletic aspect.
Team Camps are designed to impact coaches and athletes for Christ through team
competition. Coaches enroll their players to attend camp as a team. It is a great
outreach opportunity and coaches benefit greatly by evaluating their team’s talent.
Team Camps serve the coaches by providing a great camp experience for their players
while building team unity.
CAMPS WEBSITE: http://www.fcacamps.org/
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Camp Testimonials
Campbellsville KY Leadership Camp
“Going to FCA camp has opened my eyes and my heart to things that God has been
telling me for a while now. … This trip has shown me that life is too short to keep the
gospel to myself. … I now have a desire to just share Christ with as many people as
possible. Our praise and worship meetings were so amazing. … It seemed that God
was right over the top of us and we were singing directly to our Father. I’ve seen
people surrender their lives to God’s will and accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. It
is the most wonderful and powerful sight to see.”
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Zach B., Trenton Peabody High School
“This camp has been such an amazing growth experience for my relationship with
Christ. I’ve just recently been saved and I have been praying for something to help
strengthen me in Christ. … I have seen many things here and learned from them all.
God has been at work here teaching me how to stay faithful, how to witness His
Word, and (He is) convicting lost souls.”
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Taylor C., Trenton Peabody High School
“Over the past few days at camp my relationship with Christ grew tremendously. The
second night of camp there was a skit that showed my sins to me and I had been
feeling so guilty about them … so I talked to my huddle leader and he explained to me
that the devil was making me feel so guilty and that God forgot about that sin as soon
as I repented. Also, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I would pray out loud, sing and
raise my hands, and went door to door to witness.”
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Gray H., Dyersburg High School
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
The non-school based FCA ministries reach the community through partnerships
with the local churches, businesses, parents and volunteers. These ministries not only
reach out to the community, but also allow the community to invest in athletes and
coaches. We are blessed to have an active, caring, and generous community that
helps to provide the resources and support necessary to help our ministry happen.
Volunteer and Support
The Lord is providing a significant ministry opportunity in our area through the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We have a community with a large heart, love for
our Lord, significant talents, and resources. We are blessed to be a blessing. We invite
you to share your time, gifts, and resources and partner with FCA to help bring the
Gospel and Jesus Christ to the young people in our community. There are many ways
and levels of potential involvement. Contact us today to be a part of our local FCA
ministry.
Leadership Board
In addition to the funding requirement, a local leadership board is needed to
support each FCA staff person through prayer, financing, programming and emotional
support. These board members will love FCA, support FCA and hold Staff accountable
for their ministry. If the FCA community is not developed to the extent that adult
volunteers or an adult chapter or local leadership board is in place, the chance for
success is diminished.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Fields of Faith
Fields of Faith is a peer-to-peer event. Students invite their own classmates
and teammates to hear fellow students share their testimonies, be challenged to read
the Word of God and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral,
interdenominational rally point where a community can come together. Students
combined with a leadership team will work together to run the event. The leadership
team will work to form partnerships with churches in the area regardless of
denomination and help plan their Fields of Faith event.
Fields of Faith follows the method used by King Josiah. Most modern rallies are
built around entertainment with professional speakers and this tends to create a
separation. Fields of Faith highlights local students in the program creating a powerful
connection. The success of this event is rooted in its simplicity:
1. Bring many people together at one time.
2. Read Scripture and share personal testimonies.
3. Be challenged by fellow students to read the Word of God and to follow Jesus
Christ.
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
One Way 2 Play is a systematic program developed to confront the problem of drug
use among students by instilling values, encouraging goal-setting and establishing
accountability through positive peer pressure.
It challenges students to sign a commitment card saying they will be alcohol and drug
free.
In a recent survey of 125,000 coaches, over 90 percent of the respondents said the
number one challenge they faced in dealing with their athletes is the problem of drug
and alcohol use. And the problem is not just limited to athletes. It is a problem in
every part of our society.
OW2P contains three critical elements that make it one of the most effective
programs in America. When we are talking about One Way 2 Play, FCA stands for
Faith, Commitment and Accountability.
 Faith they can receive wisdom to make and carry out good decisions.
 Commitment to say “NO” to alcohol and drugs, as well as helping others to
keep their commitments and sign the commitment pledge. (Students have a
60% greater chance of following through on commitments that they sign.)
 Accountability to their friends, group leaders and families in keeping their
pledge. (Five key accountability questions allow students to have peer help.
Students have a 85% greater chance of following through on their commitment
if they stay accountable to a peer once a week.)
The 5 Hard Questions:
1. Are you living and playing alcohol and drug free?
2. Are you encouraging others to live and play that way?
3. Are you being honest with at least one mature person about your feelings and
temptations?
4. Are your decisions being made by faith?
5. Are your thoughts, words and actions honorable?
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Northwest Tennessee FCA Game Plan
Funding
FCA is a faith financed ministry and as such depends on the generosity of
donors to support our ministry staff. Developing and implementing a funding plan is
part of the responsibility as an FCA staff person.
FCA anticipates an approximate $60,000-$75,000 annual budget for an FCA
field position. This budget covers salary, payroll taxes, benefit costs, program and
operating costs. Before FCA will officially hire a new employee, funding for the first
year budget must be approved by the regional Vice President. As staff members trust
God for their finances, they invite individuals, churches and other organizations to
invest in their ministry through prayer and financial commitments. New staff will be
trained how to find people God is calling to be on their team of ministry partners.
If you know of any individuals, churches, or businesses that would make great
partners for FCA to work alongside, please refer them to a staff person or to the
following website.
http://fca.org/donate/
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