2007-2008
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
MINISTRY PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FCA Ministry
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a sports ministry founded in 1954 targeting students, athletes, and coaches at the junior high through professional levels. FCA uses the platform of athletics, with athletes and coaches as role models to reach a world that is influenced by sports. FCA presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the 4 C’s of the FCA ministry: Coaches ministry, Campus ministry, Camp ministry and the Community ministry. FCA is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, an independent organization that represents the highest standard for financial accountability. FCA is proud to have one of the lowest ratios of administrative expenses to donations of any charitable organization. In fact, approximately 91 cents of each dollar contributed to FCA is used directly in the region to which it is donated.
FCA Mission Statement
To present to coaches and athletes and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the Church.
National Ministry Goal
FCA’s goal is to have a presence on every school campus in America. Currently, FCA has a presence on over 6,803 school campuses reaching nearly 340,150 students and coaches through these campus clubs.
Riverside County Vision Statement
We desire to positively influence our communities by establishing a strong FCA presence on every campus, impacting every team, reaching every athlete and every coach, with the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Riverside County Ministry Goal
In Riverside County, FCA has a vision to someday have a presence on every junior high, high school and college campus. Currently, FCA has a presence on 20 High School and College campuses with over 1000 athletes involved in these groups.
FCA MINISTRY OVERVIEW
History and Description
FCA was founded in 1954 by Don McClanen and two years later held its first summer camp in Estes Park Colorado with 256 athletes and coaches in attendance. For the past 50 years FCA has been using athletics as a vehicle to guide young men and women in their understanding of God, His Word and Jesus Christ. FCA is a non-denominational, para-church ministry that emphasizes the foundation of God’s Word as taught from the Bible. In FCA Huddle meetings the focus is on the fundamentals of the Christian faith. FCA leaves subjects such as modes of baptism, charismatic gifts, and other denominational issues to the local church, which teaches these doctrines. When questions about these issues are raised within the FCA environment the students are referred to their church leaders for answers.
Just as Jesus Christ is the central focus of the Bible – He is also the central focus of FCA. No traditional or popular issue will replace the main focus of Christ and the salvation He offers through faith.
FCA meets young people where they are in their spiritual journey and moves them toward an understanding of God’s Word and Jesus Christ. FCA understands there is a process that people must go through to understand and commit to the Gospel. This process takes time and involves influence from key relationships.
Since the first days of existence in 1954, FCA’s most vital partner has been the Church. As a non-denominational ministry, FCA is not concerned with denominational labels. Instead, each teammate is urged to attend and serve in the church of his or her choice. In fact, FCA activities are regularly planned so as not to interfere with church services.
Two of the unique features of FCA are its ability to work within the American education system and its focus on athletes and coaches. FCA has determined that the junior high, senior high and college campuses provide the best locations to reach athletes and coaches. One source states that 96% of Americans participate in or watch a sporting event every week. FCA has chosen the platform of athletics not only to reach athletes and coaches but also everyone who may be influenced by them. All students are regularly welcomed in all FCA Huddles, camps and events.
Just as volunteers launched FCA in the beginning they are essential to carrying out the plans of the ministry today. Volunteers are the backbone for Huddles, Camps, Adult Chapters, Leadership Boards and the financial base. At this high level of involvement volunteers provide the work force necessary to accomplish FCA’s mission.
Ministry Structure
FCA’s focus is on athletes and coaches at the junior high, senior high and college level. From very humble beginnings FCA has grown into the nation’s largest para-church ministry with four main platforms through which it spreads the message of God’s Word. These platforms are Coaches ministry, Campus ministry, Camp ministry and the Community ministry.
The FCA Campus ministry grew out of a desire to follow up with those athletes who had a life changing week at FCA camp. A Huddle is a regular meeting led by students and facilitated by coaches or teachers where young people hear and learn about the Word of God through Bible studies and discussions. Often, college or professional athletes and coaches as well as local business people and parents will speak at Huddles to share their testimonies and life experiences. Huddles are open to all students: non-Christians as well as Christians. Most Huddles meet on campus once a week although some Huddles actually meet at local Churches. All Huddles must be sanctioned by the FCA through an internal registration process. Each year every Huddle receives a resource kit with Bible studies, games, and leadership training materials to assist them during the school year. One other aspect of the Campus ministry is a Team Bible Study. These are sport specific Bible studies led by coaches and athletes that meet on a regular basis.
The Three Primary Goals of a Huddle
1. Fellowship. The primary goal of the Huddle is to create a safe place where young people can learn about the Lord and build relationships with other students who share common interests. In addition, the Huddle provides a setting for each person to openly discuss their faith in Christ with their peers.
2. Growth. Growth is developing a balanced Christian life that encourages a growing understanding and obedience to God’s Word and Jesus Christ. Huddles encourage growth through student involvement in Huddle activities such as prayer, Bible readings and taking part in Church youth activities.
3. Outreach. Outreach is demonstrating by words and deeds to the world around us our relationship with Christ and our understanding of Christian principles. Huddles regularly are involved in community programs such as volunteering to work in Special Olympics, adopting families through the Prison Fellowship Christmas Program, participating in community food drives for needy families and other community services.
The strength of the Huddle is dependent not only on coaches, teachers, and student leaders but also largely on the support that the Huddle can receive from FCA. Huddles that are regularly supported by an FCA staff person are larger and healthier than those that receive little or no support. Raising financial support to hire and maintain fulltime FCA staff persons remains one of the most critical roles in supporting Huddles. Two of the ways that FCA staff members start and support Huddles are by building solid relationships with the local coaches and student leaders of each Huddle as well as training and equipping them for campus ministry.
FCA began 50 years ago with a Camp at Estes Park, Colorado. Over 250 high school athletes attended this camp to train themselves physically and spiritually. For the past 5 decades FCA has hosted summer camps for athletes and coaches. These camps are tremendous opportunities for young athletes to learn their sport and receive spiritual training from college and professional coaches and athletes. The camps provide an environment for students to learn about the Bible, God and His plan for them in a non-threatening manner. With 50 years of camping experience FCA has extremely high quality staff. Our 1,000-plus instructional staff has been carefully selected and consists of FCA staff, current and former collegiate and professional athletes and coaches. These individuals bring years of coaching and performance experience and serve as role models to students both on and off the field. Camps are funded not just by enrollment fees but also by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Each year thousands of students attend an FCA camp through camp scholarships provided by donors.
The strength of FCA in an area is directly related to the involvement of the community. FCA encourages community support through relationships with churches, local leadership boards, and special events. FCA hosts many Special Events each year to promote the health and growth of the ministry on both the national and local levels. Nationally, these events serve to reach a broad audience with FCA’s message and support local staff and huddles wherever they are held. Locally, these events are used as outreaches to the schools, churches, individuals and businesses that makeup and support FCA in the community. These events serve as great opportunities to bring together coaches, athletes, and students from around the county.
Coaches Ministry
The FCA believes that coaches and teachers are the most influential people in America. Through their influence we can give young people the support they need to make the right decisions in life. As a ministry, FCA recognizes the need to encourage and challenge coaches in the non-sport areas of their lives such as their family life, faith life, and financial life. If a coach is healthy in these areas of their life then they will have an even greater influence on the lives of young people.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FCA MINISTRY
History
The FCA ministry in Riverside County California began just prior to 1996 when Donnie Dee moved from The Colorado FCA Staff to start FCA in Southern California. A few high school huddles had been started in the Coachella Valley by a part time staff person who was funded by one individual. He left the ministry in 1999 and it was not until 3 years later that a full time person was hired to oversee the FCA ministry efforts in Riverside County. Erik Carlson moved to the Coachella Valley from the FCA Colorado Staff and was eventually given the responsibility for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Two area reps were hired to focus on the schools and communities in those respective counties. Erik returned to Colorado in mid 2006 and the Coachella valley FCA rep also moved from the valley. In September of 2006, Marty Jacobus relocated from the FCA Golf Ministry Staff to replace Erik and the other local representative who focused on the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. Marty’s focus is on developing ministry funding partners, reestablishing relationships on campuses that were engaged in FCA ministry as well as hiring area reps to expand FCA huddles and team Bible studies across Riverside County.
Campus Ministry
In 2000 there were two huddles with approximately 50 kids in attendance. Currently there are 13 Huddles in Riverside County with approximately 300 students in attendance. Our goal is to have 21 Huddles established and operating by the end of the 2007-2008 school year. We also have some ministry presence on at least a dozen other high schools campuses. One of our primary goals in Riverside County is to support and expand our Campus Ministry program. With more than 200 total schools in the county, FCA envisions a day when there will be a Campus Ministry program on each campus. The FCA staff is committed to providing training for these campuses and their leaders.
Camp Ministry
Each year FCA hosts a week long sports camp at UC Santa Barbara with close to 700 student athletes attending this past year. The camp is divided into a Boys’ camp and a Girls’ camp with over 20 different sports offered. Each athlete is assigned to a Huddle led by a college athlete. A typical day’s schedule has the campers practicing twice a day to improve their athletic skills, and attending small group Bible studies. In the evening they attend assemblies to hear dynamic speakers and learn about Jesus Christ and how to grow their faith. One of the responsibilities of the FCA staff and volunteers is to raise funds to send young athletes to camp that may not be able to afford it on their own. In July 2007, SoCal FCA provided over $104,000 in camp scholarships and 401 campers made first-time decisions or re-dedicated their lives for Christ.
Community Ministry
Riverside County FCA hosts several key events to promote the ministry to the community and to raise funds for the ongoing demands of the ministry. Each of the FCA staff is responsible for raising their own funds to sustain the ministry in their areas. These events play a significant role in the support and expansion of the ministry.
The Alan Waters Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit FCA
The Golf Tournament is a fund raising event largely aimed at the business community. It carries the name of Alan Waters Memorial to honor Mr. Waters, a past Chairman of the Riverside County FCA Leadership Board. The event provides necessary finances and also increases the community’s awareness and understanding of the role FCA plays in the Coachella Valley Funds are raised through corporate and individual sponsorships, entry fees, raffles, and auction items. The event is underwritten by Wilson-Johnson Commercial Real Estate and is held in the spring.
FCA’s Dessert with the Pros
FCA hosts an outreach dessert in January to coincide with the Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournament. At this event we have a short FCA informational program and a PGA Touring Professional shares his testimony in a question and answer format.
Coaches Ministry
As our Campus Ministry grows, it is critical that we recognize the needs of coaches and teachers. They have a challenging task of teaching young people and preparing them for life. The demands on coaches and teachers are greater than ever before and FCA wants to be a ministry that supports and encourages them. We have two key events and one program as part of our Coaches Ministry in San Diego County.
Coaches Weekend
One of our most exciting programs is the Coaches Weekend. This is a weekend retreat for Huddle coaches and their spouses. FCA provides couples a weekend where they will be able to relax, spend time together, listen to nationally renowned speakers, and attend marriage workshops. Each year this event has a tremendous impact as coaches and their spouses share with us how they feel refreshed, relaxed and renewed in their marriage. This event is underwritten by donations and the cost to the participants is only fifty dollars per couple. The 2008 Coaches Enrichment weekend will be held in March at the Pacific Palms Conference and resort center in Industry Hills.
Coaches Appreciation Dinner
FCA has a coach’s appreciation dinner in November to thank coaches for allowing us to speak to their teams and explain more about what FCA is all about.
Riverside FCA Staff
Riverside County Director: Marty Jacobus
Marty originally joined FCA in July 2003 as a field representative for the FCA Golf Ministry. While working for this ministry he traveled to Nationwide Tour and Hooters’ Tour events to do weekly Bible Studies with golf professionals. He also helped with several local and national fundraising events for FCA. In September of 2006 he and his wife Jenny moved to Palm Springs, California to assume the position of County Director for Riverside County. Marty also serves as a multi area director and also has responsibility for San Bernardino County. Prior to joining FCA Marty worked in the business world for 23 years in various sales and general management positions for one of the world’s leading printing firms. Before entering business he spent 7 years as a teacher, coach and athletic director in the public schools of Illinois. Marty holds a BS in Natural Sciences form the University of Tennessee at Martin and MS in Education for Southern Illinois University.
Coachella Valley Area Representative: Caleb Gervin
Caleb was hired in December of 2007 to assume the role of Area Rep in the Coachella Valley. Caleb and his wife Ashley grew up in the desert. Caleb played professional basketball in Europe and the ABA after playing for Louisville and Azusa Pacific Universities.
Leadership Board
One of the ways that FCA is developed within a community is by establishing a local Leadership Board. The purpose of the Leadership Board is to provide counsel, contacts, funding and time. The Riverside County Leadership Board is comprised of business people who support the local staff, organize and host events, raise funds and assist with summer camps. The current County Board members are listed below.
Board Members
Craige Campbell - Chairman
Meachele Campbell Brian Walker Nicole Dibble
Ed Johnson Melissa Walker Darren Slackman
Caroline Halcovich Mick Jupina Jess Slackman
Don DeLair Lynn Jupina Bob Veroulis
Shery DeLair Roger Dibble Debbie Veroulis
Budget
The following budgets are based on the fiscal year September 1st through August 31st.
ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL Projected
2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008
Revenue: $302,000 $214,376 $220,477 $308,666
Expense: $283,639 $290,403 $206,030 $304,764
Testimonials
"The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is one of the most effective movements in this nation for the presentation of the Gospel to young people."
-Rev. Billy Graham, Evangelist
“I came to know Christ at a FCA Camp when I was 13 years old. Ever since God has provided me with the focus I need to be a success in life.”
-Cam Cameron, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
“When I was 15 years old I went to a FCA Huddle meeting and learned about what it means to be a Christian. I thank God for FCA and the impact that they are having on so many campuses in Southern California.”
-Tom Lehman, Professional Golfer, 1996 British Open Champion
"FCA is important in the life of young athletes as it gives them the opportunity to combine their athletic and social lives with their spiritual commitment to Christ. What better combination is there?"
-Dr. Maryalyce Jeremiah, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Cal State Fullerton
"FCA is the greatest organization for young people that I know of. There's no question that it will have an effect on the life of a boy or a girl. When one has Christian principles to live by, one is less likely to end up on drugs and in other types of trouble."
-Tom Landry, Former coach of the Dallas Cowboys
"FCA has done a lot for me personally. It was at an FCA golf day that I first heard about the Lord."
-Betsy King, Ladies Professional Golf Tour, LPGA Hall of Fame
"I went to the FCA Camp at Black Mountain as a sophomore in high school. That was a great experience. If it wasn't for organizations like the FCA when I was in school, I probably would never have found Jesus at all."
- Reggie White, Green Bay Packers
"The youth ministries which will have the greatest impact in the coming revolution will be those which successfully recruit and equip lay people to bear the primary responsibility for reaching the current generation of junior high and senior high school students. The most obvious example of this trend is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes."
- Dr. Mark Senter in his book "The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry"
Riverside County Ministry Impact
The following are the most significant categories by which the Southern California region of FCA measures its impact in the community and year over year growth. All numbers are actual revenue from the fiscal year ending August 31st, of each year.
Campuses with an FCA presence
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2 6 7 6 9 13 15 16 21
Summer Camp Athletes
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
11 41 43 50 66 88 73 89 120
County Staff
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
0 0 1 1 2 2 3 2 4
Landry Associates
A Landry Associate is an individual who makes an annual donation in excess of $10,000.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
0 0 3 7 6 9 5 8 12
Donations
The total number of donations is tracked to see how broad the financial support for the ministry is as well as how widely the ministry has been presented to the community.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
8 7 91 321 466 533 478 500 525
Revenue
All numbers are in thousands.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
$0.5 $0.7 $67 $187 $183 $240 $199 $220 $333
RIVERSIDE COUNTY MINISTRY AREAS
Overview
Riverside County FCA has divided its ministry into four geographical areas. These areas are Coachella Valley, Southwest Riverside County, Northwest Riverside County, and East Riverside County. The FCA Ministry Plan calls for each area to be staffed with a full-time Area Representative. This will allow the Huddles within each area to be served consistently and effectively by a staff person who operates within that specific part of the county.
Coachella Valley
Area Representative: Caleb Gervin
Current Huddles in this area:
Desert Hot Springs High School Cathedral City High School
Palm Desert High School La Quinta High School
Indio High School Desert Mirage High School
Christian School of the Desert
Southwest Riverside County
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