Coach Cross's FCA Story

Mike Cross • December 14, 2022

My name is Mike Cross and FCA has been an integral part of my relationship with Jesus and the athletes that I coach.

I was introduced to Jesus at a very young age and still believe that it was the greatest gift my parents have ever given me. The foundation of my faith was established through regularly attending mass and Sunday school throughout my childhood. By the time I started high school, I began to explore my faith at a deeper level and got involved with FCA while playing football, basketball, and track in high school. Some Bethel University track athletes met with us after practice and planted a seed in me that would continue to grow over the next 30 years.

Throughout college and early into my marriage, FCA remained a regular part of my walk with God. After having children, my relationship with God really began to grow – my wife and children made me realize how awesome His grace is and I wanted to ensure that my children would receive the same gift that I received from my parents. God was helping me establish a strong foundation for them!

The foundation of my faith was a springboard for a few specific events that had a huge impact on my relationship with Jesus and how I lead and serve as a Christ-centered coach:

2016: One of the football players I was coaching, Noah Weege, asked me to get more involved with FCA by taking on a leadership role at Elk River High School. That first year of leading FCA produced great fruit – many students were growing in their relationships with Jesus and our football team began praying after each game and inviting the opposing team to join in. We also won the MSHSL Football State Championship with a record of 13-0. Truly a magical season in faith and football!

Elk River and Blaine
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Elk River and Rogers
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Elk River and Cambridge
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2020: I was contacted by North Metro FCA Area Rep, Zach Hansen, looking for help with Elk River FCA and introducing me to the discipleship model of ministry. With Zach’s assistance, we began a journey founded on the way Jesus did ministry during his time on earth. Now, the huddle is filled with Christ-centered student leaders from a variety of sports who are spreading the Good News to their classmates and teammates through the larger huddle and small group ministry.

Today: My role within FCA is not only leading these student-athletes but also being discipled through a Coach’s Huddle. Our discipleship group meets early each Wednesday morning and being spiritually fed in this way allows me to lead and serve from the overflow. Now, our team gathers for the FCA Pregame Football Chapel and we’re back to praying on the field alongside our opponents after every game. By the grace of God, we’ve seen a culture shift on campus through FCA (oh, and we just won the State Championship again)!

I praise God for His pursuit of my heart through FCA and for the way those involved in the ministry have equipped me to make disciples who make disciples. Please consider supporting FCA financially and being part of the team empowering coaches like me to share the love of Jesus with their athletes. Thank you for supporting FCA’s vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

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