Answering God's Call

Shelley Pearson • Mar 24, 2021

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you

might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16a

“Bob had been tapping me on the shoulder asking about a coaches’ study . . . that consistent encouragement from him meant a lot, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, so a few years ago I put out an email to all of the coaches. A handful responded. We are now in our third or fourth year of FCA coaches’ study, and it’s grown.”


From a talented three-sport athlete at Washburn High School and Bethel University to a successful football coach, Pete Haugen recognizes God’s hand. This successful coach has learned over the past thirty years of coaching that even if he doesn’t completely understand the plan, he simply needs to be obedient to God’s call. 


Today, Coach Haugen is the head football coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where he has coached for the past 12 years. He and his wife are advisors for the FCA huddle on campus, and he leads a coaches’ study each spring. 

Not Looking for a Change but Always Listening

Before accepting the head coach position at Gustavus, Coach Haugen grew a strong football program over 15 years at his alma mater – Washburn High School in South Minneapolis. He loved coaching football and serving as a teacher and then assistant principal at Washburn. Coach Haugen said, “I was really happy at Washburn. I loved the work that we did there. I wasn’t looking for the next new job. I never thought I’d leave.”


He may not have planned to go anywhere, but he was still ready to go when God called. He had learned to trust God early on and to seek His will rather than his own. God called Pete Haugen out of that large high school in urban Minneapolis to a small college in rural Minnesota where he continues to make a difference in the lives of young people while coaching a successful football team. 

Bringing Faith to Coaches and Athletes

Today, Coach Haugen brings his faith into his work as the FCA huddle advisor and coaches’ huddle leader. He and his wife, Brenda, have served as FCA huddle advisors for 10 years, but Coach Haugen says it’s the kids who do the work. He and his wife are there to support the student leaders and athletes who attend. The group holds their meetings during the day in a very public place on campus so that greater numbers of students can be reached with the truth of the Gospel. Coach Haugen and his wife encourage and support the huddle as they do the work of sharing the Gospel with fellow college students.


The coaches study has grown to 15 coaches, including three of his assistant football coaches. The coaches look forward to it every year. He says, “Coaches have come up to me in December to ask if we will have the study. It’s cool to see that it’s had an impact and influence on others.” The coaches study is vital for coaches who desire to live in deeper relationship with each other and with Christ. He goes on further to say, “You get to know people on a different level and see where their struggles are and be involved in a group where you can be somewhat vulnerable with other coaches, the programs they run, and their families.”

Bearing Fruit in Obedience

The study is beneficial for each person who has attended, even Coach Haugen himself. He says, “God’s really faithful, and sometimes the things I worry about, He takes care of. It’s given me courage in leadership in terms of asking others to be part of something . . . It’s challenged me to grow.” 


Because three of his football coaches also attend the study, it impacts how they coach the team together. Maurice Staley is one of his assistant coaches and a staff member with FCA who has seen Coach Haugen live out what he learns and leads from the coaches study. Maurice says, “First, he is a servant leader, which is the only true leader.  He demonstrates what he expects from his players and coaches.  I’ve witnessed him on numerous occasions take the posture of a servant.  Second, he teaches and demonstrates consistency.  Realistic goals are taught and encouraged for everyone to keep in mind.  The challenge of getting better is at the forefront of every aspect of the program.  Last, but certainly not least is his selflessness.  He recognizes needs and addresses them in applicable ways.  He is always doing something or saying something that is solution-oriented and clearly directed toward the greater good.  It has been a pleasure serving with him as a Coach at Gustavus.  I look forward of many years to come.”

Bob Spiegler is the FCA Coaches Representative for the Mankato Area and has supported Coach Haugen in the coaches study. “Pete’s reflections as we go through the study together over the years are a huge blessing to all of us. Pete has offered and led the same FCA study with student athletes.  We are very thankful to have Coach Pete Haugen so faithfully support FCA in the SW MN area especially during Covid 19.”

Thankful for FCA

Coach Haugen says, “I’m really thankful to be part of it. I’m thankful there are people here in southern Minnesota in the chapter around me that have been so incredibly supportive in helping us grow and provide resources and prayer. I’m just so thankful for that. We are on a journey, and it has kept growing. That’s really encouraging. Nothing would have been possible without great encouragement from Bob and Maurice. They are always offering Bibles and whatever is needed. The access to support and encouragement has been a huge deal.”


FCA’s strategy of transforming the world with the Gospel of Christ is “to and through the coach.” As you read about the impact Coach Haugen has on other coaches who impact athletes who will one day go on to impact the world, you can see why this strategy is so effective. FCA is grateful to Coach Haugen and the hundreds of other coaches who have answered God’s call to reach other coaches and athletes with the transforming message of hope in Christ.

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