In the game of life, and certainly in the world of coaching, everyone needs a time out once in a while.
This summer, 24 coaching couples gathered along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth for Minnesota FCA’s annual Coach’s Time Out (CTO). For three days, coaches and their spouses stepped away from the demands of practices, schedules, work and everyday life to intentionally invest in two relationships that matter deeply: their relationship with God and their relationship with each other.
Time to Slow Down and Reconnect
Coaching carries an influence that extends far beyond wins and losses, but the demands of the profession can also take a toll on coaches and their families. Coach’s Time Out creates space for couples to slow down, reconnect and be encouraged alongside others who understand the unique pressures of coaching.
Throughout the retreat, couples spent time in worship, biblical teaching, small-group conversations and intentional time together.
Pastor Kyle and Liz Eaton opened God’s Word with honesty, wisdom and practical encouragement, helping couples consider how their faith shapes their marriages and how a strong relationship with Christ provides a foundation for everything else.
The impact of that time was evident in the feedback shared by participating couples:
One coach summed it up simply:
“Every coach needs this.”
Strengthening Coaches Beyond the Game
At FCA, we believe healthy coaches help build healthy teams, healthy families and healthy communities.
That is why Coach’s Time Out is about more than providing a relaxing weekend away. It is an opportunity to minister to the whole coach, strengthening marriages, encouraging spiritual growth and reminding coaches that they are not alone.
Participants described the weekend as a place where they could breathe, have meaningful conversations and connect with other coaching couples.
At the conclusion of the retreat, FCA staff and leaders prayed over each couple and commissioned them as they returned home to the teams, athletes, families and communities God has entrusted to them.
The Greatest Victory of the Weekend
While strengthened marriages and refreshed coaches gave us much to celebrate, the greatest story of the weekend had nothing to do with coaching.
During the retreat, MN FCA’s Coach Strategist, Ron Backes, had the opportunity to have a deeper conversation about Jesus with a coach he had known for many years.
On Tuesday morning, that coach prayed to receive Christ.
It was a powerful reminder of why FCA invests in coaches. The influence of a coach can reach countless athletes, but before coaches can point others toward Christ, they too need opportunities to hear the Gospel, grow in their faith and be personally discipled.
One life surrendered to Christ made this weekend an eternal victory.
Thank You to Those Who Made It Possible
Coach’s Time Out would not be possible without the many people who give, pray, serve and invest in FCA Coaches Ministry.
Special thanks to Pastor Kyle and Liz Eaton for sharing God’s Word; Tom and Julie Ness for championing Coaches Ministry; Tim Elrod for serving as emcee; Dan Szymcza for leading worship; Eric Lofald for his servant leadership; and Amanda Roth, Kaycee Toninato and Tanja Hansen for their work behind the scenes.
We are also grateful for our table hosts, Dave and Beth Bentrud, Tim and Jolene Elrod, Tom and Julie Ness, and Adam and Amy Paulson, who personally invested in the coaching couples throughout the retreat.
And to every donor and ministry partner who makes opportunities like this possible: thank you. Your generosity helps FCA care for coaches, strengthen marriages, share the Gospel and point coaches and athletes toward Jesus Christ.
Join Us for Coach’s Time Out 2027
The next Minnesota FCA Coach’s Time Out will be held July 18–20, 2027.
Whether you are a coach who could benefit from a time away with your spouse, know a coaching couple you would like to encourage, or would like to help make this experience possible for another couple, we invite you to be part of Coach’s Time Out.
Because sometimes stepping away from the game is exactly what a coach needs to return strengthened for the calling God has given them.
To God alone be the glory.
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