FCA invites students to deepen their faith at Holmes

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, commonly known as FCA, is a national Christian sports ministry that blends faith and athletics to support athletes of all ages. Holmes Junior High is one of many schools that hosts a weekly FCA gathering, meeting Fridays from 7:15 to about 7:50 a.m. Teacher Joseph Rottinghaus helps coordinate the program at Holmes and works closely with students who participate.

A key part of FCA’s mission is community-centered outreach, which encourages students to put their beliefs into action through service. Rottinghaus said Holmes FCA focuses on connecting students with both the school and the Cedar Falls community.

“At Holmes, we help out the community through outreach events designed to connect our students with members of the school and the Cedar Falls community,” he said.

These events are largely student-led, with adults stepping back so students can take responsibility for planning and organizing.

“Students help plan and carry out the outreach events with minimal adult assistance,” Rottinghaus said. “Students are the face of the event, with adults taking a back seat.”

For many students, FCA also serves as an opportunity to grow personally. Ninth grader Adalynn Mason said the group has helped her become more confident in speaking and leading.

“Being a part of FCA has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone by speaking in front of people and giving me more leadership opportunities,” Mason said.

Fellow ninth grader Tiffany Johnson said she values the friendships she has formed through the group.

“I have created some very great relationships with so many amazing people,” Johnson said. “I learn new things every time I go.”

Along with FCA, many students participate in Bible Study during Tiger Time, and Rottinghaus said the combination has helped several students become more involved.

“I have seen multiple students grow as a result of FCA,” he said. “From students who were non-participants to frequent attendees to those who have become more outspoken, a variety of positive effects have resulted from FCA becoming more active and relevant at Holmes.”

Both Mason and Johnson serve in student leadership roles, which give them the chance to guide younger members. Mason helps lead Bible studies and a small group during FCA.

“Being part of FCA leadership has allowed me to pour into younger Christians, and it’s amazing to see the growth happening in our school,” she said.

Johnson also leads a small group and said watching seventh graders gain confidence has been one of her favorite parts.

“At first, the new seventh graders were too scared to talk, but now that we’re halfway through the year, they’ve really opened up,” she said.

Student leadership extends beyond small groups. FCA also encourages students to help plan discussions and activities. Johnson said she is currently working with two other students on new small group activities for after winter break.

Peer involvement plays a major role in FCA’s growth. Rottinghaus said students inviting other students has been one of the strongest drivers of participation.

“The value of peer-to-peer interaction is more powerful than anything I could come up with on my own,” he said. “Learning from fellow students has been critical to the growth of FCA.”

Mason said she tries to make FCA welcoming to anyone, regardless of their personal beliefs.

“I encourage people to come because, whether you believe in Jesus or not, you get to experience what it feels like to have a supportive community around you,” she said.

Johnson said she shares her own experiences when inviting others.

“I like to tell people how amazing an opportunity it is and that it’s open to anyone who wants to try it out,” she said.

Attendance continues to grow, with about 30 students attending each week. Rottinghaus said seeing students express themselves and take ownership of their growth has been the most rewarding part of leading the program.

“Giving students an opportunity to express themselves while growing is simply the best part of it,” he said.