This is an absolutely true story.
Let me cue the dramatic movie preview voice (clears throat).
"In a world, where at a small, Lutheran college, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was a thing of the past, but through the power of faith, a small group of believers came together to do the unthinkable. From different backgrounds, they came together to do what no one else was willing to do. Through their faith, they recreated the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Was it a coincidence they were all athletes? Well, that's just what you get when you meet up in a small-town college."
So, maybe you're not really into FCA and you don't want to read about how we started, but here's why I think you should keep reading as well: maybe there is something else in your life you'd like to start - a group that exemplifies your beliefs, likes, etc. Perhaps you were looking for an idea of how to start it or some inspiration. Look no further!
If you are the FCA type and you moved into a college that doesn't have it, do not fret, my friend. You came to the right spot because I'm about to rap to you how a few individuals with a bit of spunk, and a lot of faith, started a group that wasn't really wanted on campus.
Ask yourself these questions: what am I most proud of? What is the single greatest achievement in my life?
Stumper, right? Or maybe you had the answer right away, which is great! Personally, I never really had an answer to that. Sure, I could talk about how I scored 34 points in a basketball game in high school. I could also talk about how I have accepted two football scholarships to play in college, but no one is impressed with that. So what was my answer?
I didn't really ever have one, to be honest. My answer has obviously changed since going to Bethany College. Like I mentioned before, FCA wasn't wanted on campus by some important people. With anything else that you do, you will always have naysayers. My first piece of advice for all of you is to believe in yourself, trust in what you believe and don't be ashamed of it.
It is easier to start a group or a movement with others. In fact, it's probably one of the most vital steps in the beginning, or else you just look like some fool running backward. But, maybe you're really good at running backward. Maybe you love running so much that it actually hurts to run forward so you change it to running backward and now you're the world record holder for running the mile backward. Now who is laughing? (You should look up the record holder for the backward mile.)
Unfortunately, you may need some help. You don't need an army, but you have to have a leader with some followers. If you aren't the leader type, that is okay; however, I do challenge you to push outside your comfort zone and become the leader you need. You will have to eventually to go outside your comfort zone, so why not do it sooner?
Fortunately, we found our leader in a guy named Josh. His faith is beautiful. One of the many aspects of Josh that is so great is he has this uncanny ability to make others around him better. He is always pushing to help others and help them grow in their faith.
Josh took that leadership role head on and full throttle. He is always so excited and is brilliant for the part. Enter his army. A few of us that were all friends joined up together with Josh to create something the campus desperately needed.
The next step you need after assembling your crew is a plan. Just like God has a plan for all of us, you need an idea. What do you want out of the group? What do you want your group to do for others?
With several short meetings, we came together, spit some rhymes and threw together a plan. It was genius. It was unheard of. It was risky. Ready for this? Begin FCA, make it a group where everyone loves everyone. E.L.E., right?
Everyone is invited! Our goal was to help others find their faith. Help them with whatever they needed. We weren't pushy, we were there. Whatever we could help with, BOOM! You better believe it, we were there to help.
Okay, so you've assembled your crew of kick-butt people, you've got your plan, so now what? Hey, quit being so impatient and let me tell you.
Go do it. Now it's time for action. How so? We had a prayer walk. What's a prayer walk? Simple. You walk to various different locations and you pray. You pray for the people, you pray for the safety, you just pray!
Our group of what are called "leaders" (the people who started the group) walked around all the living residences on campus and just prayed. It was awesome. We prayed our hearts out. We prayed for everyone. We prayed for those who didn't think anyone noticed they needed someone to pray for them. But we got it. We were there.
So, that third step is going out and doing your thing! Go do what the plan is. But remember, it's all about believing in it. Do not take a step into that third step unless you full-heartedly believe in yourself and what you are doing. Trust in it.
Fourth step. Become known.
We wanted more people to become involved with FCA. We had meetings every Sunday night where we would have a speaker and prayer. It was awesome because we steadily saw our numbers grow. We had people come to Bible Study that needed someone. We became a group that others wanted.
Our goal was to always get someone new to Bible Study. I myself even spoke. It was growing into such a powerful group! You could see all of us just loved being a part of it. That's what made it so special. We all found something we loved and believed in. We made it happen because it was purely out of love and faith.
One of the last events we held was a testimony night. If you aren't familiar with it, it's where someone steps up to talk about how they became a follower of Christ. Some of the leaders stepped up to talk first, but the greatest part of that entire night was watching those who weren't members step up. The attendance was phenomenal. It was really moving to see what just a small group of people had started.
In our short time as a group, we have helped two of our friends find Christ. We aren't done, though. We have plenty more ahead of us because we believe it is part of our plan.
What's my greatest achievement? One time, I scored 34 points... just kidding. It's helping others find something to believe in. I'm most proud of being a part of a group that stood for something greater and took that risk to go out and do it.
Just for review: find what you believe in, assemble a crew, find a plan, take action, and become known.
Good luck to you and go do your thing!
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." -1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
