The university’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes started several years ago and continues to reach out to all students – not only those involved in athletics.

FCA, a national organization founded over 50 years ago, was created to help athletes strengthen their faith. The ACU’s chapter of FCA began about five years ago and has grown to between 30 and 50 active members this year.

David Pillen, senior electronic media major from Sugarland, has been a leader in FCA for the past two years. His duties include helping the other leaders prepare for the meetings, planning and organizing and occasionally leading the meetings.

“The purpose of FCA really … is more than just another ministry-based thing on campus,” Pillen said. “It’s like a family here, and we’re interested in seeing relationships develop and see our campus impacted for Christ.”

Pillen said meetings usually begin with a game followed by a time of worship usually consisting of two or three songs. After worship, the speaker for the evening presents his or her message, which sometimes includes a video. Then participants usually break into small groups to discuss the message. The evening usually finishes with a time of worship. The participants have the opportunity to fellowship with each other at the end of the meeting.

Erica Porter, junior Kinesiology and Nutrition major from Kerrville, has been participating in FCA since the beginning of the semester since her friends invited her to the meeting. She said she had always heard it was great and had a wonderful time at her first meeting.

Porter said she wanted to be involved in the FCA because of what it stands for and the community formed by students who are mainly athletes.

“They accept everybody and anybody,” Porter said. “They have so much going on in their lives and are trying to represent our school and themselves the best way they can, and that’s through Christ.”

FCA is open to all students and meets every Thursday from 9 – 10 p.m. in the Campus Center Living Room. More information about the ACU chapter of FCA is available at www.facebook.com/ACUFCA or at www.twitter.com/ACUFCA.