Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a global non-profit organization that reaches people across 115 countries. FCA has been operating for more than 60 years with the sole purpose of uniting athletics with faith. FCA has over twenty-thousand certified huddles (groups) worldwide, one of which meets right here at Eastern University. FCA has existed on Eastern’s campus since the early 2000s and has been led by field hockey alum Lisa Catton for over a decade.
Eastern FCA meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Gough Great Room. Like many on-campus ministries at Eastern, the Lord’s presence is evident in this ministry. FCA Mondays consist of fellowship, games, devotions, small groups, prayer and more. Because of the diversity of attendees, FCA presents a unique space on Eastern’s campus. Eastern’s campus is made up of many sub-groups and communities, however, FCA provides an intimate space for members of all different communities of campus to enjoy fellowship and grow in faith week after week.
The number one most asked question about the club is, “Do I have to be an athlete to attend?” Absolutely not. FCA has served as a wonderful space for all students to unite despite all having different passions and interests. In Galatians 3:28, we are assured that we are “all one in Christ Jesus”, and it is beautiful to see members of different teams and groups unite weekly to grow in faith, which is the most important relationship students will ever have.
Huddle leader stationed at Eastern, Tone Nichols, has been involved with Eastern FCA for three years.
“We have more athletes voicing their faith and proclaiming Jesus more than we ever have had in mainstream sports,” Nichols said.“FCA is a powerful vehicle that gets into places that churches and pastors may never have the opportunity to enter.”
This is a really crucial aspect that makes FCA so valuable in faith formation. FCA reaches students and student-athletes where they are in their walk with Christ. FCA provides a non-judgmental space for students to learn more about God despite their previous understanding. This environment has led to fellowship with a variety of people on campus.
Gracie Youakim is a senior at Eastern and has attended FCA for three years. “FCA has been not only a social event for me but also a way for me to work on my relationship with God,” said Youakim.
Christian Slaton, a leader for FCA and offensive lineman for Eastern Football, emphasized that he has seen FCA bring together many different groups, creating a supportive environment. Slaton explained that it has been exciting to see members of all different teams and students who don’t play sports meet together to learn more about the Lord and apply it to their daily lives.
Catton, mentioned earlier in the article, has been running FCA on-campus since 2011. Catton served on FCA’s staff for fourteen years and then revived the club on Eastern’s campus. Catton explained FCA benefitted her greatly as a field hockey player here at Eastern.
“It was nice to connect with athletes from other sports that I may not see casually throughout campus. I was able to develop friendships with upperclassmen I may not have otherwise if I didn’t attend FCA.” Catton said as a leader of FCA now as an alumni, “It has been great to see how FCA has allowed athletes to grow significantly in their faith and challenge them too.”
FCA is a great time for everyone on Eastern’s campus to come together as members of different clubs and activities, said Paul McConell, a regular attendant at FCA who does not play a sport on campus. “Having great brownies and Chick-fil-A nuggets while enjoying fellowship with learning how athletes worship Christ in their sport.”
FCA has made a profound impact on Eastern’s campus through fellowship and growing in faith together. Attending clubs such as FCA and building relationships are aspects of Eastern’s campus that are so special.
Will Cunningham 
John Nolek