Dear Friends and Family,
2023 has brought some unexpected changes to the Wiegert house. In May, I made the difficult decision to resign from my hospital chaplaincy job. I knew that leaving was the best thing for my mental and personal health, but I was heartbroken because I knew I was stepping away from being in a position to enter into a sacred space with patients and families in their time of grief. My relationship with God has been a journey, and I’m sure almost any believer can relate to this. I have had many moments where I have asked and wondered, “God, what I am doing? What is your plan for me?” Little did I know that God was already preparing a way for me. One day by going to church, I was serendipitously introduced to the FCA Northern Colorado team. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this team and the work that FCA is doing. FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We use the platform of Athletics to reach hundreds of students every year. There is no better place for me to use my skills as a chaplain. FCA brings together two of my passions in life; my relationship with Christ and athletics.
The experience I have gained over the past seven years working as a chaplain have shaped me seamlessly for God’s plan with me as a staff member with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). As a part of FCA I will be serving with the Fort Collins area Middle and High Schools, also known as the Poudre School District. Our area schools are home to a diverse group of faith backgrounds as well as cultures and perspectives. Something I have experience with from working as a chaplain in the Army and in the hospital setting. Through my obedience to God, I have discovered that I have a passion for working with our youth, especially coming alongside them and assisting them in developing self-worth, inside and outside of sports. My hope is that they can stand strong in today’s culture and make good life choices, firmly founded in their identity in Christ.
What is Fellowship of Christian Athletes?
FCA is a completely self-sufficient ministry that was founded in 1954 with the idea that if athletes can have influence for things like cigarettes, brand name clothes, or alcohol; then why not for Christ? Since then, FCA has grown into an international ministry with presence in over 100 countries. FCA seeks to accomplish their mission through engaging coaches and athletes in camps, club sports, and on school campuses. FCA means EVERY athlete, so, FCA has expanded to include all types of athletics from football and basketball, to hunting, archery, dance, equestrian, and more! FCA also means athletes of all abilities, even those with physical and/or mental disabilities. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made, we are all sons and daughters, and we all have a seat at his table.
FCA values Integrity (Proverbs 11:3), Serving (John 13:1-17), Teamwork (Philippians 2:1-4), and Excellence (Colossians 3:23-24). These Biblical values effortlessly fit into the platform of athletics. The influence of a coach lasts a lifetime, the disciplines learned through athletics have lifelong impacts. I know both are true for me!
My Role in FCA?
On staff with FCA I will be serving as an Area Representative in Fort Colins, CO. My responsibility is to oversee all of FCA in this community. I will be serving nearly 70 teams, over 100 coaches, and over a thousand athletes between eight or more schools. One of the ways I do this is through weekly “Huddles” at each of the schools. This is a time where students gather to do team building, hear a message, or do a Bible study led by myself, another student leader, other FCA staff, or local community members. This time enables students to encounter Jesus right where they are and grow their personal relationship with Christ.
I also get to partner with local churches and other ministry organizations to serve coaches and athletes at these schools. FCA is not affiliated with a specific denomination, but works as a bridge to unify and mobilize the body of Christ into schools through volunteering at different sporting events and “Character Coaching.” WE want every team to be partnered with a Character Coach who is there to serve the team and assist the coaches while also bringing Biblical values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence to these almost 70 teams.
As an Area Rep, I will engage in relationship building with these athletes and coaches, equipping and empowering them to grow in self-worth just as they grow in their identity in Christ and as they set out to do the same for others.
Get Involved
None of this would be possible without your help; the Great Commission is our co-mission. I am called to serve these coaches and athletes, directly ministering into their lives. However, I need partners who believe in this mission to invest financially, through the giving of their time and/or gifts, or with prayer. I would love it if you took a few minutes to fill out the form below sharing your interest in getting involved with what God is doing through me and FCA.