Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

Ministry Shifts During the Pandemic

We have held Huddle Up livestream events with professional athletes and famous coaches, small group outdoor FCA events as the weather allowed, a special Christmas Coaches Connect virtual event during advent, virtual camps, and numerous other things to keep athletes and coaches connected to the Word of God and each other during a challenging time.

Through it all, we have been forced to evaluate the effectiveness of the way we’ve always done ministry and have learned some things we will take with us when we return to some semblance of normal. For example, for months, only small group gatherings were allowed. We have always known that discipleship happens more naturally in small groups opposed to large, but it was difficult to make the switch. The pandemic served as a catalyst to put more emphasis on discipleship.

We have also learned that while we are desperate to get back to in-person gatherings, virtual events do have a place. Though many are experiencing fatigue from platforms like Zoom, virtual gathering spaces do have incredible value for bringing people together from far away - people like Maggie Taylor, who attended Mankato East High School and is now attending Juniata College in Pennsylvania.

Maggie’s History with FCA

Maggie first got involved in FCA in seventh grade. Over the next three years, her faith completely changed. She says, “As a freshman I was nervous I would say the wrong thing because I thought there was a right way of doing things. Then I learned that my faith is all about my connection with Christ and is always changing.” She became a leader in tenth grade and led throughout high school. FCA is the place where her faith grew the most. 

Maggie saw the biggest shift in her faith during her junior year. “The other two years I was growing, but my junior year was the a-ha moment. I remember thinking, ‘from now on, I’m all in.’ There will always be ups and downs and struggles, but I always go back to that point and remember that I have had that strong relationship with Christ before and can get back to that point.” 

Maggie said, “I honestly don’t think I would be the person I am today without FCA, especially without leaders like Bob [FCA staff] and Karen and Coaches Stew and Davis [FCA huddle coaches]. It has changed how I see people and how I see myself. It has helped me live lighter with more joy.”

Thankful for a Zoom Huddle

Maggie’s time in FCA helped prepare her for college and to know what to look for in friends. Things were going well in her freshman year as she settled into a solid rhythm of walking with God as a college student. Then the pandemic hit. And there she was, a thousand miles from home during a scary time for most people.

When Maggie was presented with an opportunity to join a virtual huddle back home with coaches and athletes she knew from high school, she didn’t hesitate. “It’s honestly so fun and one of my favorite parts of the week. It means a lot when you’ve known the people for so long. Having them continually be part of your faith journey is so cool.”

The huddle combines Mankato East and West High Schools, Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Gustavus Adolphus College. Maggie is an alum from Mankato East and loves seeing people she’s known for years and building with relationships with those she has just met. Maggie says, “I feel like I know everyone by now. You know their sport, what they’re studying, I feel like I know so much about them.”