Greater Charlotte FCA

Calling all Gaston & Lincoln county coaches! It’s time for a Coaches’ Night Out, and we can’t wait to see you there.

God is moving on our college campuses in this city. What a praise!

UNC Charlotte just launched their FCA huddle for this year and spent this week learning from 1 Timothy 2. Would you join us in praying for our students across the city’s college campuses including UNC Charlotte?

1 Timothy 2:1-6

“[1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. [3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

Greater Charlotte FCA representing at the annual Carolinas FCA Regional Retreat in Black Mountain this past week!

See anyone you know?

CAMP.

The summer started off with an incredible time for players from Concord High School at FCA Football Camp. These players competed fiercely and heard the Gospel clearly presented several times.

“The camp speaker, RV Brown, counted that these athletes would have the opportunity to hear gospel truth SEVENTEEN times in the span of three days. In hearing that news, FOUR Concord players gave their life to Christ! It was so powerful to see the next generation of men step to the alter ready to commit their lives to the Lord. Please pray for these young men that the seeds that were planted will take root and for wisdom as we work to connect them with someone to disciple them and a local church.” (Victoria Stephens, FCA staff)
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FORE…

or so weeks away— the 49er FCA Lance Healy Memorial Golf Tournament is just around the corner, and we want you there. Check out the player/team options as well as hole sponsorships, and get your team/business registered today!

[Link in stories]

INFLUENCE.

“This photo brings so much joy and is a testimony to Gods faithfulness. It is the visual representation of seeing a student athlete equipped and empowered to pour into students younger than her. One of our senior student leaders took time to come to JNF Middle school to share how Christ has changed her life! May we continue to pray to see our world changed through the influence of an athlete just like Meghan.” (FCA Staff, Victoria Stephens )

PRAYER.

“We must never presume God will grant us apart from prayer what he has ordained to grant us only by means of prayer.” (Sam Storms)

⚡️⚡️ G I V E A W A Y ⚡️⚡️
In honor of Mother’s Day and all the amazing moms who serve with and support the ministry of FCA, we are giving away some of our favorite parenting resources. There will be two winners, and you don’t even have to be a mom to win— you just have to know and love one.

It's super easy to enter!
1. FOLLOW US ()
2. LIKE and BOOKMARK this photo on our feed
3. TAG at least one friend below. (Each friend tagged is an additional entry with a max of 20.)
BONUS ++ SHARE to your stories for five extra entries. (Make sure to tag us!)
BONUS ++ COMMENT below what makes moms the best!

Ends 9 pm EST, Monday 5/9/22.
Our two winners will be announced following the end of the entry period. Open to US and Canada. This contest is in no way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Instagram or any of the company mentioned in this post. All entrants must be adults
and agree to release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram's terms of use.

WILL YOU BE THERE?

COACHES TIME OUT is two months away, but will be here before you know it! Have you signed up yourself or maybe that coaching couple who you think could really use and enjoy a few nights away? Register today.

DEVELOPING LEADERS.

As a staff and as Christ followers, we are constantly learning, growing, and asking the Lord to show us ways where we can humbly serve better and more effectively.

Philippians 2:3-4:
“[3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

CabCo FCA is hosting a women’s soccer camp June 20-22, 2022. Registration is LIVE! Spots and scholarships are available. Please reach out to .cabarrus.fca with any questions.

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT.

Throughout the past two years our Greater Charlotte FCA team has been developing strong partnerships with FCA leaders in other countries. Over the past week we had the opportunity to host some of our international teammates in the U.S. We spent much time planning, praying, dreaming and brainstorming how we can best partner together to lead EVERY coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Thank you for linking arms with us on this journey as we seek to make disciples of ALL nations!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“Now more than ever student athletes need the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord placed these three student athletes to serve in the ministry of FCA at UNC Charlotte for a time such as this! I’m so thankful for them and can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to utilize their gifts to serve His kingdom!” [49er FCA area rep, Spenser Gray]

LEADING PEERS.

How cool that these MPHS students chose to spend their study hall learning about Jesus! Student leader Noah led in teaching his peers about bringing Christ into their conversations in and out of school. It’s always encouraging to see how the Lord is working in the Mount Pleasant community and schools with our local staff, Amanda.

PS- Swipe to sneak a peek of a very special visitor who joined this morning’s discussions.

“Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

SAVE THE DATE.

Coaches Time Out (CTO) is coming back to Charlotte 🔥, and we want you there! This event is a perfect time for single and married coaches/coaches spouses alike to rest and to be encouraged!

Registration opens April 6, so scan the QR and mark your calendars to save the date.

Need a great devotional for your athletes that will point them to TRUTH? Check out this huddle resource/devotion written by our Charlotte FCA Staff Member Austin Robinson to help lead your time in the Word at your next practice or huddle meeting.

Big Idea: God calls us to pursue truth, the only truth is Jesus and His Word.

Scripture: John 8:32- “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Warm-up:
-Has there been a moment in your life where you have “caught a glimpse” of Jesus and who he is?
-How do you make yourself available to see the truth and not be blinded by the worldly lies?
-What are some truths in your life today?

Game Time Discussion:
Read the following scripture aloud:
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.” John 14:6
-God calls us to boldly pursue the truth. He’s called us to know the truth, the things we know are right. In life we have so many things that stand in the way of us truly diving into us pursuing a relationship with Christ. More times than not life always gets in the way and blinds us from the truth.
-Are you involved in things you know are not right? Why is that?
-What are some things that you need to change in your life so you can start the process of pursuing truth?

Concluding Thought:
In Luke 19 1-10 we read about a man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector who cheated the people in Jericho and became very wealthy. At that time, Jesus had gained a reputation as a great teacher and miracle worker. Zacchaeus wanted to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but his short stature made it difficult for him to see the crowd. So, he climbed into a tree and waited for Jesus to walk past. Zacchaeus had spent his life pursuing “his truth” which was wealth and greed. But he had heard about Jesus and wanted to see what he was all about! They met face to face, and the truth of Jesus was so evident that it changed Zacchaeus’s life immediately. Lastly, remember Zacchaeus had wronged so many people throughout his life but, Jesus still wanted to be with him and make it known to all.

Game Time Challenge: If you’re tired of pursuing material things that don’t last, consider these three steps that will help you pursue the ultimate truth that can only be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Read the Truth: You must believe that the bible is truly the living, breathing word of God and be intentional about studying it daily.
2. Pray the Truth: Ask God to forgive your sins and invite Jesus to come into your heart and rule over your life.
3. Reach the Truth: Find a community of Christians who can help you grow closer to God and in your relationship with him.

Prayer: God, thank you for being a God of truth. Allow us to seek the truth that is your holy word spoken directly by you through others. Allow us to identify those things in our lives that blind us from your truth and who you are, allow us to start that process of pursuing you daily above all else, Amen!

The FCA Cabarrus Adult Huddle Kickoff is this Saturday at 5!  Praying this will be a fun and encouraging time for adults in CabCo. Feel free to invite others in the area and join the FB group .

ENGAGE, EQUIP, EMPOWER.

“To lead every coach and athlete
into a growing relationship with
Jesus Christ and His church.”

All Abilities Camp is coming! July 9, 2022

UNION COUNTY.

Bibles are getting into the hands of students all across the county as the living and active Word of God fills their hearts and minds. Students at Marvin Ridge Middle School were the latest recipients of FCA Bibles. Staff member Stuart Ramirez says “It was awesome hearing pages turning as we were learning more about Jesus.”

Please let know if you're interested in registering a team for ’s annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Gaston County Golf Tournament!

LIVING IN A SEASON OF LONELINESS

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
[Isaiah 58:11]

The past two years have been a season of trial, change, compromise, adjustment, expectation, sadness, joy, and just about every emotion you can fit into an unexpected pandemic on top of daily “just trying my best to wife and mom” life. I’m sure many (maybe all) can relate.

From the outside looking in, I’ve become pretty good at masking the unpleasant and finding joy in every situation: primarily because my joy is found in Christ alone, so I know this is all just momentary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17), and second because it’s my personality to avoid the negative and focus on the fun (if you believe in enneagrams, I’m a strong seven). It serves me well, typically. Until it doesn’t.

Behind the deal-sharing and goofy mom-oriented-social media persona is a woman who has grown tremendously and found strength and hope in The Gospel alone through a radical transformation in Jesus Christ at the age of 23. The God who found me and the life that I now live in Christ reveals a completely different person to who I was in my youth and even my college days, but my hardest trials came after trusting Jesus. From multiple miscarriages to the loss of my father to brain cancer to walking through health challenges with our own children (and did I mention the time our car caught on fire in front of the elementary school?), it’s easy to weigh current sufferings and think they don’t compare. The enemy wants you to believe that. God, on the other hand, calls you to come to Him with any and all needs and struggles. (James 4:8)

My most recent struggle has been one of loneliness. It feels strange to even write that, but I believe confidently that I’m not alone in this feeling. (Wait, is that an oxymoron?) The main reasoning behind this is because the Bible specifically addresses the topic of loneliness and teaches that we are created and built for community.

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” [Ephesians 2:19-22]

I’ve struggled over the past two years as I’ve watched relationships change— not because of any sinful or negative reasons but simply because rhythms of life and family change as we grow (our family included). This is normal. In April of last year, we felt the Holy Spirit calling us to help with a church plant in our city, which meant changing churches, and positions changed within our ministry work (or “jobs”), which meant not physically being in the places or around the people we had been around for nearly a decade. I thought for awhile that perhaps my friendships were just “friendships of convenience” based on frequency of interaction. This too is normal. Sometimes that is the case with relationships, but this was just another lie the enemy was using to tear me down and trap me further in my loneliness. The truth is I had become more reliant on my roles and security within certain friendships than I was on God at times, and while that is also normal it is certainly not healthy nor is it Biblical.

The trouble with loneliness is if you don’t see the gift in it and address it head-on, the enemy will very likely use it to shame, discourage, and weaken you. When you allow lonely feelings to bring up past failures in friendships or relationships (and they often do) or you place the goal of making and keeping friends as supreme to the role of serving God and those friends first foremost, you enter into troubling territory. What’s the old saying, you have to be a friend to make a friend? You also have to pray to be a friend and pray to make/keep/love/serve friends (past, present, and future).

This season of loneliness (that I am still walking through at times) has allowed me to draw near to God and find myself more frequently than not with my face pressed against the floor crying out to God literally asking him to draw near to me and send people who will walk with me, encourage me, and I with them. This means praying not just for the friends themselves but for the opportunities to be a friend.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. [Psalm 145:18-19]

The blessings of this season of loneliness have also extended to and impacted my family— my marriage has strengthened through this season of loneliness because instead of running to share my struggles with girlfriends, I’m sharing those struggles with God first and my husband also. I’m learning transparency is helpful and “stuffing my emotions and feelings” is not so much. The truth is that although I FEEL lonely at times, the heart can often be deceitful (we are human after all). Scripture is not deceitful though (at all), and I’m reminded of Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” I don’t want my friends reading this to be surprised by this revelation— this season has been more about God growing me than it ever was about them “not being my friends anymore.” Quite the contrary, my friends are amazing and loving people who of course are still there emotionally, spiritually, and are very much present in my life; it’s just that roles have shifted and our children are growing which makes scheduling regular get-togethers difficult. That, too, is very normal. Roles change. Friendships change. People even change— often for the better. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Loneliness has been a painful but helpful tool the Lord has used to reveal areas of selfishness, self-reliance, and surface-levelness (just made it a word, don’t question it). But you know what’s really lonely? Not admitting you’re lonely. Pouring yourself into your children or your work or your schooling or your fitness and hoping that everything will return to normal or fix itself without pouring yourself out to God and sharing the depths of what your experiencing and ensuring. That’s not only lonely but dangerous. Scripture encourages us in avoid this danger.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” [Philippians 4:6]

I do believe that God answers prayers— not always in the way I expect or desire— but always in the way that’s best for me. Often times that involves action on my part— first the praying and second the response to what he’s asking me to do. It’s a formula seen repeatedly in scripture: a call to action followed by an immediate response (did you catch the immediate part?). So, even though I still feel lonely in this season, I’m clinging to scripture, the Truth of God’s Holy Word and instruction for me, and focusing on what I’ve been called to do— to seek Him, to pray, and then to act. I’m searching the scriptures daily for words of Truth that are a balm to my hurting human heart. I’m boldly approaching the throne of grace with all confidence that God can and will heal my loneliness if He chooses. I’m learning more of what God has designed for my life in serving Him as I lift up brothers and sister in Christ, bearing their burdens, and going deeper in conversation with others to reveal how God is using/stretching/growing all of us. We are the called “the body” for a reason.

What about you? Are you in a season of loneliness? Have you seen blessings come from your loneliness? Name them one by one.

Carry the Love Weekend Conference is less than TWO weeks away! These two nights of worship and the student day conferences on January 28 and 29 are going to be powerful, and you’ll want to make sure you/your students are there. Use the QR Code to register or check out for more info.

EVERYTHING IN CHRIST.

“And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” [Ephesians 1:10-11]

Looking to start your year off right, grounded in God’s Truth?

Embrace this year’s theme (EVERY, in case you didn’t catch it 😏) and complete the Every Challenge with us.

⏰ Become grounded in your identity.

⏰ Dive into God's Word with the 4-day Every devotional

⏰ Receive monthly challenges and impactful
content.

Check out our stories to get a FREE Every Challenge Book.

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 RYAN GLOER 🏅

Greater Charlotte Multi-Area Director

Fun Facts:
- Proposed to his wife, Brittney, with a green Ring Pop.
- Has four kids
- As a kid he was an avid roller-blader and juggling club member.
- Former college football player
- Enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, and working out

Favorite Verse:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:12-14]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 BRITTNEY GLOER 🏅

Greater Charlotte Admin

Fun Facts:
- Wife to Ryan and mom to four fun, hilarious, and nonstop kids
- Founded The Glo Show, a deal sharing website and business
- Loves quality time with her husband and kids, great food (especially Lebanese), a good deal, skincare, travel, and a spontaneous adventure
- Served on LSU Homecoming Court

Favorite Verse:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” [Micah 6:8]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 JORDAN GEALY🏅

Davidson College Ambassador

Fun Facts:
- From the great state of Nebraska (Go Big Red!)
- Can do a Rubix cube in under 4 minutes
- Dr. Pepper is his kryptonite

Favorite Verse: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” [James‬ ‭1:22‬]

Follow him: .fca

MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 Meagan McCleney 🏅

Gaston County Area Representative

Fun Facts:
- She has two different color eyes
- Loves the beach
- Enjoys cooking
- Wayyy too competitive for regular life

Favorite Verse:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” [Galatians 6:9]

Follow him: .Meagan

MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 Pat Colson 🏅

Fun Fact:
- Has four children and two grandchildren

Favorite Verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [Jeremiah 29:11]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 RANDY MELLICHAMP🏅

Greater Charlotte South Metro Director

Fun Facts:
- Married to the amazing Michelle and dad to three great sons
- Blessed to be in ministry for 32 years
- Loves Friday night football more than Saturday or Sunday sports
- Can quote most of Talladega Nights and Step Brothers by heart

Favorite Verse:
“Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls.” [Matthew 11:28]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 DEBBY ZIMMERMAN 🏅

Greater Charlotte Administrative Assistant

Fun Fact:
- Once sang in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Favorite Verse:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4;6-7]

MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 ANGIE LANIER 🏅

Winthrop University Area Representative

Fun Facts:
- She loves trying new restaurants.

Favorite Verse:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” [Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 Miena Powell 🏅

Wingate University Administrative Assistant

Fun Facts:
- Married her college sweetheart and has two amazing boys
- The only Lefty in her family
- Former HS Band & Chorus Director
- Performed a concert with the Air Force Concert Band
- Pitched in World Series for Fastpitch softball (3 different seasons)

Favorite Verse:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 Shannon Powell 🏅

Wingate University Collegiate Director

Fun Facts:
- Married his college sweatheart
- Loves traveling with his family
- Hosted a Christian radio program
- Performed the National Anthem before a MLB baseball game

Favorite Verse:
“Pray without ceasing…” [1 Thessalonians 5:17]

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MEET THE STAFF:

🏅 AMANDA SHIVE 🏅

Mount Pleasant Area Representative

Fun Facts:
- She has three kids between 18 months and 5 years old
- Has spent a total of 5 years in China over the last 10 years
- Speaks Mandarin
- Her favorite mode of transportation is by scooter
- Her favorite food is anything Asian

Favorite Verse:
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” [Psalm 37:4]

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