Presentation Video…65 Years and Counting
This video presents FCA’s history and culture, since its inception in 1954 until now. And, while FCA was first incorporated in 1954, that date came seven…
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"For some time, I have had the idea of forming an organization of athletes and coaches in this hero-worshiping nation of ours. If athletes can endorse shaving cream, razor blades and cigarettes, surely they can endorse the Lord, too. So my idea is to form an organization that would project you as Christian men before the youth and athletes of our nation."
Don McClanenDon McClanen invitation letter quote
In a letter to 19 athletes, Don McClanen laid out his desire to form an organization that would eventually become the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The letters…
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The name 'Fellowship of Christian Athletes' just came naturally. This was a Christian movement totally. We would not be ashamed of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. So we decided on 'Fellowship of Christian Athletes.' At last, this idea and dream had a name."
FCA founder Don McClanenThe Dream Gets a Name
FCA founder Don McClanen shares how FCA’s official name was decided upon. “One of the first names considered was Athletes for Christ. This was so close…
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FCA Founded
The official chartering date of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was November 10, 1954. On that day, in Norman, Okla., the organization’s first set of bylaws…
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Founding Fathers
Four of the founding fathers of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From left to right: Dr. Louis R. Evans, Dr. Roe Johnston, Don McClanen and Branch…
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FCA Gains Solid Footing, Thanks to Branch Rickey
On June 7, 1955, Pittsburgh Pirates executive Branch Rickey (at podium) hosted a banquet in Pittsburgh to introduce FCA to the region and help gain financial…
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Hero Worship Harnessed
Sports Illustrated featured the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in its Feb. 6, 1956 issue. Less than 15 months after its founding, FCA hit the pages of…
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Camp Theme 1956: I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1956 was “I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life.”
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First National Conference (Camp) at Estes Park, Colo.
FCA’s first National Conference in 1956 has been called by many the most important event in FCA’s history. However, there was some doubt as to whether…
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"This Fellowship of Christian Athletes is not a namby-pamby thing; it is a courageous organization."
Branch RickeyClick “View Post” to hear Branch Rickey’s address at the first FCA National Conference. (Two parts) Click the arrows below to start the clips. …
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FCA Relocates Headquarters to Kansas City
FCA moves its offices from Norman, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri.
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The Founder, the Football Legend and the Preacher
FCA founder Don McClanen (left), football legend Otto Graham (center) and Dr. Robert “Jack” Robinson (right), a former basketball star at Baylor University and the pastor…
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Batting Champ George Kell at Estes Park, 1958
George Kell, who won a batting title in 1949 as a member of the Detroit Tigers and would go on to be enshrined in baseball’s Hall…
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The Christian Athlete debuts
The Christian Athlete, the precursor to Sharing the Victory and FCA Magazine, debuts as a one-page, one-fold publication in March, 1959.
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Here and There…With F.C.A.
The following roundup column appeared in the inaugural issue of The Christian Athlete, which was delivered in March, 1959. That first issue was a four-page, digest…
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“For Christ and His Church” Shall Ever Be Our Central Theme
From the very beginning, FCA has emphasized its role in calling athletes and coaches into the Church, including the phrase “…in the fellowship of the Church”…
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1959: Let Us Run The Race
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1959 was “Let Us Run The Race.”
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Hoops Legend Bob Pettit an FCA Legend, Too
In this 1959 photo, NBA legend Bob Pettit teaches basketball skills at FCA’s National Convention at Estes Park, Colo. Over the years, Pettit was a part…
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A Yankee Looks at Life
The following article, written by Gary Demarest, appeared in the April, 1960 issue of The Christian Athlete, FCA’s flagship publication at the time. Although the snow…
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1960: You Shall Be My Witnesses
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1960 was “You Shall Be My Witnesses.”
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1961: Your Body Is A Temple
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1961 was “Your Body Is A Temple.”
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Lessons from “Boo”
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Dave “Boo” Ferriss has been a part of FCA from the very beginning. In this photo, Boo is showing student-athletes at…
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1962: A Faith That Works
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1962 was “A Faith That Works.”
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Training to Win
by Rafer Johnson It is sometimes said that winning is not important, that the important thing is competing. But when we have to go to a…
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Deacon Dan Towler
“Deacon” Dan Towler, a running back with the Los Angeles Rams from 1950-55, was a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from its inception until…
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Rapid Robert’s Biggest Victory?
Bob Feller showed off his Hall of Fame arm to participants of FCA’s National Conference in Estes Park, Colo., in 1963. The former Cleveland Indians flamethrower…
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Three Summer Conferences Climax FCA Year
The following article appeared in the September, 1963 issue of The Christian Athlete, then the flagship publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. THREE SUMMER CONFERENCES…
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FCA Footprint in Land of Tar Heels
North Carolina basketball legend Dean Smith was in his third year as the Tar Heels’ head coach when this photo was snapped in November, 1963. Smith…
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The Wizard and His Protege
John Wooden would go down as one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball, or any other sport, leading his UCLA Bruins to 10…
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1965: The Goal And The Glory
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1965 was “The Goal And The Glory.”
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1966: A Still More Excellent Way
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1966 was “A Still More Excellent Way.”
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First Weekend of Champions held
In February, 1967, the first Weekend of Champions was held in Kansas City. The FCA staff teamed up with college and professional athletes and coaches and…
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1967: Courage To Conquer
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1967 was “Courage To Conquer.”
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“Influence” photo taken in 1967
David Dean was an adorable child and quite an athlete, even at three-and-a-half years old. He had a charming demeanor about him and easily won your…
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1968: The Life That Wins
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1968 was “The Life That Wins.”
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1969: Run The Great Race…Of Faith
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1969 was “Run The Great Race…Of Faith.”
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1970: The Uniform Of Faith
The Camp theme for the year of 1970 was “The Uniform Of Faith.”
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The Good Times and The Bad by Tommy Curtis
The following article appeared in the February, 1971 issue of The Christian Athlete. At the time, UCLA was in the middle of its dominance of the…
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1971: Run…To Win The Prize!
The Camp theme for the year of 1971 was “Run…To Win The Prize!”
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True Strength
What do you call a man who lifts two 85-pound dumbbells with his little fingers, hammers a twenty-penny nail through a two-inch board with his fist…
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1972: A Special Kind Of Man
The Camp theme for the year of 1972 was “A Special Kind Of Man.”
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1973: The Call To Commitment
The Camp theme for the year of 1973 was “The Call To Commitment.”
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Get on the Bus
Seventeen-year-old Carey Casey paused. He knew he wanted to go to FCA Camp. He was part of the Huddle at Andrew Lewis High School in Salem,…
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1974: The Man In The Gap
The Camp theme for the year of 1974 was “The Man In The Gap.”
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Dream Come True
FCA’s long-awaited National Resource Center is a reality! For eight conference weeks this summer the wooded 350-acre site in western Indiana teemed with the sights and…
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Building a Perspective
FCA President John Erickson Looks at the Fellowship’s Role in the Competitive Arena. CA—What is your definition of competition? Erickson—I’d define competition as that which pits…
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1975: We Really Do Need Each Other
The Camp theme for the year of 1975 was “We Really Do Need Each Other.”
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Changing Faces
The face of today’s FCA barely resembles that of just three or four decades ago. Like many long-standing organizations, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has had…
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Big Enough
You’re Archie Griffin and you’ve always been too little. Rich Street in Columbus, Ohio, will never be confused with Snob Hill, and when you were growing…
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1976: The Truth Will Make You Free
The Camp theme for the year of 1976 was “The Truth Will Make You Free.”
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1977: Called To Serve
The Camp theme for the year of 1977 was “Called To Serve.”
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1978: Ever Stronger
The Camp theme for the year of 1978 was “Ever Stronger.”
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National Support Center and Chapel Dedicated
FCA’s offices had been in various locations in downtown Kansas City since moving to town in 1956, but John Erickson, FCA’s president from 1972-1988, knew that…
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1979: Sharing The Victory
The Camp theme for the year of 1979 was “Sharing The Victory.”
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1980: Build The Church…Begin With Me
The Camp theme for the year of 1980 was “Build The Church…Begin With Me.”
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1981: Stand Tall
The Camp theme for the year of 1981 was “Stand Tall.”
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The Seeker
The following article originally appeared in the Jan./Feb., 1982 issue of The Christian Athlete, then the flagship publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “But seek…
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1982: Compete For The Crown
The Camp theme for the year of 1982 was “Compete For The Crown.”
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The Christian Athlete becomes Sharing The Victory
In November of 1982, FCA’s official publication took on a new title, Sharing the Victory. Since March of 1959, FCA’s magazine had been titled The Christian…
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1983: In His Steps
The Camp theme for the year of 1983 was “In His Steps.”
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1984: Honor Him
The Camp theme for the year of 1984 was “Honor Him.”
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1985: Renewed By His Strength
The Camp theme for the year of 1985 was “Renewed By His Strength.”
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FCA and Salvation Army partner to reach inner-city youth
FCA and Salvation Army partner to reach inner-city youth and bring them to FCA Camps.
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1986: Run To The Finish
The Camp theme for the year of 1986 was “Run To The Finish.”
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Oklahoma, Nebraska FCA football players meet to pray
Five football players from Oklahoma and five from Nebraska, all 10 FCA members, meet at midfield to pray together before kickoff of their rivalry game, becoming…
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1987: Press On
The Camp theme for the year of 1987 was “Press On.”
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Inaugural FCA National Convention
Inaugural FCA National Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo.
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1988: More Than Winning
The Camp theme for the year of 1988 was “More Than Winning.”
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Carey Casey named National Director of Urban Ministry
Greater Dallas FCA’s Carey Casey is named National Director of Urban Ministry. He later serves as Senior VP and National Director of OW2P Programs and VP…
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CHAD (Camps, Huddles, Adult Chapters, Development) program developed
Under Dick Abel’s leadership, FCA develops the CHAD (camps, huddles, adult chapters, development) program.
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And It Came To Pass…
The following article originally appeared in the November/December, 1988 issue of Sharing the Victory, then the print publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His mother…
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FCA Lacrosse Established
FCA Lacrosse is established as Gettysburg, Pa., hosts its first FCA Camp.
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1989: Be Strong And Courageous
The Camp theme for the year of 1989 was “Be Strong And Courageous.”
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1990: Disciplined To Win
The Camp theme for the year of 1990 was “Disciplined To Win.”
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1991: His Mighty Power
The Camp theme for the year of 1991 was “His Mighty Power.”
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1992: Road To Victory
The Camp theme for the year of 1992 was “Road To Victory.”
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FCA Lacrosse competes in Vail Shootout
FCA Lacrosse competes in the prestigious Vail (Colo.) Shootout for the first time.
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1993: Soar Like Eagles
The Camp theme for the year of 1993 was “Soar Like Eagles.”
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FCA Camp attendance exceeds 10,000
FCA Camp attendance exceeds 10,000; FCA Huddle attendance tops 5,000 for the first time.
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1994: Champions In Christ
The Camp theme for the year of 1994 was “Champions In Christ.”
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A Variety of Purposes
“Inspiration and perspiration.” Few phrases more accurately describe what happens in a young person’s life at FCA Camp. Camp Week begins with an assembly hall full…
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FCA establishes first web domain
FCA launches its first domain on the web: www.fca.org.
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1995: Ready For Action
The Camp theme for the year of 1995 was “Ready For Action.”
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1996: Strong To The Finish
The Camp theme for the year of 1996 was “Strong To The Finish.”
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1997: No Off Season
The Camp theme for the year of 1997 was “No Off Season.”
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1998: Go The Distance
The Camp theme for the year of 1998 was “Go The Distance.”
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FCA established Grant Teaff Award and Grant Lifetime Achievement Award
FCA establishes the Grant Teaff Coach of the Year and Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement awards, named after the longtime football coach most known for his 20-year…
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1999: Live It Out
The Camp theme for the year of 1999 was “Live It Out.”
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2000: 2 B New (This Changes Everything)
The Camp theme for the year of 2000 was “2 B New (This Changes Everything).”
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Vice Presidential candidate Dick Cheney visits FCA
Vice presidential Dick Cheney visited FCA’s World Headquarters (now National Support Center) in 2000 to endorse the One Way 2 Play – Drug Free! program.
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FCA headquarters expansion groundbreaking
Ground is broken on the FCA headquarters expansion project in Kansas City, Mo.
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FCA Introduces New Logo
For the first time in 40 years, FCA introduced a new logo.
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2001: Team United
The Camp theme for the year of 2001 was “Team United.”
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Remembering an FCA Hero
On September 11, 2001, the world was changed forever. No one will forget the terrifying images of airplanes crashing into the towers of the World Trade…
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Dedication of Expanded FCA World Headquarters
FCA’s newly expanded 59,000-square foot headquarters (now National Support Center) is dedicated.
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2002: Back2Basics
The Camp theme for the year of 2002 was “Back2Basics.”
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FCA Introduces Four C’s of Ministry
Coaches, Camps, Campus and Community become the ministry focus of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
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Sleek in Silver and Blue
Long before Barry Sanders made defenders miss the silver and blue Lions No. 20 jersey with his deer-like moves, even before Billy Sims made defenders wish…
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2003: Audience Of One
The Camp theme for the year of 2003 was “Audience Of One.”
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FCA establishes Bobby Bowden Athlete of the Year award
FCA establishes the Bobby Bowden Athlete of the Year award, named after the former Florida State University football coach.
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John Lotz “Barnabas” Coach of the Year award established
FCA establishes the John Lotz “Barnabas” Coach of the Year award, named after the former University of Florida basketball coach.
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FCA camp attendance exceeds 20,000
FCA camp attendance exceeds 20,000; number of certified FCA Huddles reaches 7,790.
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2004: One Mission: Get It, Got It, Give It
The Camp theme for the year of 2004 was “One Mission: Get It, Got It, Give It.”
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On A Mission
The following article originally appeared in the March, 2004 issue of Sharing the Victory, then the print publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. By Christin Ditchfield…
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Fields of Faith held for first time
It is estimated that more than 80% of youth who attend church will stop going between the seventh and 12th grades. It seems we are losing…
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FCA Endurance Ministry Launches
Elite marathoner Carl Rundell sign’s-up online to become the first FCA Endurance Teammate. Since then over 4,000 endurance athletes, from 5K walkers to professional triathletes, have…
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2005: Heart Of A Champion
The Camp theme for the year of 2005 was “Heart Of A Champion.”
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2006: For The Glory
The Camp theme for the year of 2006 was “For The Glory.”
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2007: Game Ready
The Camp theme for the year of 2007 was “Game Ready.”
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FCA Reaches Over 2 Million Coaches and Athletes For First Time
For the first time, FCA reached more than two million coaches and athletes in a single year through the Four Cs of ministry: coaches, campus, camps,…
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First National Collegiate Conference Held in Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Covenant College hosted the first NCC.
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2008: Get Focused
The Camp theme for the year of 2008 was “Get Focused.”
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2009: Inside Out
The Camp theme for the year of 2009 was “Inside Out.”
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2010: Unleash The Power
The Camp theme for the year of 2010 was “Unleash The Power.”
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FCA Restructures Into 11 National Regions
Each region came under the leadership of a regional vice president.
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2011: Game Changer
The Camp theme for the year of 2011 was “Game Changer.”
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FCA Launches FCA International; VP of International ministry named
FCA launched FCA International in 2012 to reach the world through coaches and athletes. Longtime FCA staff member and former vice president of ministry resources Dan…
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A 12th National Region is Added
The Carolinas become a separate region.
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2012: In The Zone
The Camp theme for the year of 2012 was “In The Zone.”
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Sharing The Victory becomes FCA Magazine
Known as Sharing the Victory for over 30 years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes changed its flagship publication’s title to FCA Magazine, debuting the new moniker…
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2013: Relentless
The Camp theme for the year of 2013 was “Relentless.”
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FCA Becomes a Worldwide Ministry
FCA officially becomes a worldwide ministry as the international language of sport takes FCA beyond the U.S. borders and into new cultures, languages and communities. FCA…
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2013 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its first ministry report digitally. To view, click here.
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FCA Updates Logos
FCA officially introduced an updated version of its iconic logo on January 1, 2014. A few subtle changes make the new logo a simplified and more contemporary,…
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2014: All In
The Camp theme for the year of 2014 was “All In.”
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“All In”: 2014 Camp Report
The 2014 FCA Camp season was about living ALL IN. Based on Colossians 3:17, campers were challenged to take a leap of faith and commit 100%…
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60 Years and Counting
It started with some old magazine clippings crammed in a dresser drawer and an invitation to speak about his job. Humble beginnings, for sure. Of course,…
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2014 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its second consecutive digital ministry report. To view, click here.
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FCA Bible distribution passes 2 million
Since 2003, FCA has distributed more than 2 million Bibles across various channels, including 177,850 in 2014. Those statistics include annual camp theme Bibles, sport-specific New…
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New Bold and Beautiful Women’s Resource Published
Many qualities make a female athlete unique—her drive, dedication, God-given talents and even her femininity. A new FCA study created specifically for college-aged female athletes addresses all…
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2015: Undefeated Camps Impact Nearly 100,000
The Camp theme for the year of 2015 was “Undefeated.” FCA saw a record-breaking year for its popular and life-changing camps program, with 94,505 coaches and…
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2015 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its third consecutive digital ministry report. To view, click here.
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FCA Founder Don McClanen Passes Away
FCA mourns the passing of its founder, Don McClanen, who died at the age of 91 on Feb. 16, 2016. His dedicated vision for a sports ministry…
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FCA Kicks Off 60th Camps Season
Over Memorial Weekend, FCA Camps season is celebrating the 60th year of a time of “inspiration and perspiration” for coaches, athletes and teams. “All of us…
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2016: Rise
The Camp theme for the year of 2016 was “Rise.” For more information on FCA Camps, click here.
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Honoring and Celebrating Coach Les
Les Steckel took over as FCA’s seventh president and CEO on March 1, 2005, and since then the ministry has experienced unprecedented growth, impacting more coaches…
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2016 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its fourth consecutive digital ministry report. To view, click here.
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Introducing FCA’s New President: Shane Williamson
A new era has begun as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has named Shane Williamson its eighth President and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2017. Prior to…
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2017 FCA Camp Theme: One
The FCA Camp theme for 2017 was “One.” The theme was based upon Philippians 1:27: “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves…
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FCA Staff Surpasses 1,500
The number of FCA staff surpasses 1,500. With thousands of valued volunteers, more and more coaches and athletes are being impacted for Christ around the world.
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2018 FCA Camp Theme: Strong
FCA announces its 61st camp season theme: “Strong.” The theme was based on Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and…
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2017 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its digital summary of FCA’s ministry impact for the Lord in 2017. To view click here.
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Uniting in Fulfilling the Vision
Through God’s grace after more than 60 years, FCA is more strongly poised to continue fulfilling the vision placed in the heart of our founder, Don…
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FCA Staff Surpasses 1700
With U.S. staff reaching 1740 plus 242 international leaders in 84 countries, FCA’s impact for Christ is reaching coaches and athletes around the world!
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2019 Camp Theme: Let’s Go
The 2019 FCA Camps theme for FCA’s 62nd season is “Let’s Go” based on Matthew 28: 18-20: “18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have…
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Celebrating 65 Years and Counting
2019 marks the year of FCA’s 65th anniversary, officially founded Nov. 10, 1954 by Don McClanen, then a young basketball coach from Oklahoma who was obedient…
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2018 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its annual digital ministry report highlighting how God is transforming lives through FCA. To view and read about FCA”s impact, click here.
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Reflecting on God’s Blessings in 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, we take a step back to reflect on how God has blessed the ministry and the coaches and athletes it serves…
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FCA Distributed 190,000 Bibles in 2019
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) announced it has distributed 190,000 Bibles in 2019. FCA, a sports ministry, prints about 200,000 Bibles yearly and also distributed 2.5…
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2019 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its annual digital ministry report highlighting how God is transforming lives through FCA. To view and read about FCA”s impact, click here.
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2020 Theme – 100%
When you love something, you give it your all. What does your sport require of you? One hundred percent of your time, attention, ability and ambition….
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2020: A Historic Year
During a year when we’ve pursued 100%, here’s how God has asked and shown us at FCA to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind…
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2021 Theme – Pursue
FCA’s annual theme gives everyone in our ministry a starting point for their content creation as they minister to coaches and athletes. Learn More
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2020 Digital Ministry Report
FCA releases its annual digital ministry report highlighting how God is transforming lives through FCA. To view and read about FCA”s impact, click here.
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2021 Hall of Champions Inductees
FCA is inducting four partners and supporters of the world’s largest international sports ministry into its Hall of Champions (HOC). Learn More
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2021 Ministry Report
FCA releases its annual digital ministry report highlighting how God is transforming lives through FCA. To view and read about FCA”s impact, click here.
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2022 Theme – Every
FCA’s annual theme gives everyone in our ministry a starting point for their content creation as they minister to coaches and athletes. Learn More
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FCA Realtime 2022
Faith. Fellowship. Fun. This was the encouragement for more than 2,100 staff members and spouses who attended FCA’s 2022 Realtime in San Antonio, Texas, in February. Learn More
