A Word From The FCA Atlanta Blog

From 4 to 250: What God Is Doing at the University of West Georgia

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:24:23 GMT

From a small Bible study to a campus-wide movement, see how God is transforming lives at West Georgia.

From 4 to 250: What God Is Doing at the University of West Georgia

A Door Opened at UWG

About a year and a half ago, Mike Wall wasn’t looking to start a college ministry. “I loved where God had me, in middle schools and high schools, building relationships with coaches and athletes,” he shared.

But God had other plans.

That small Bible study of about 4 athletes slowly grew to 20-25 students by the end of the school year. Then came an unexpected conversation… and an invitation to lead FCA at the University of West Georgia. “It didn’t take me long to know the Lord was calling me to it,” Mike said. “I was nervous. I’d never done college ministry before. But God made it clear.”

Not My Speed… God’s Speed

The plan was simple:
Start small. Meet a few students. Maybe connect with a coach or two. Then build from there. But God had a different timeline. At their official kickoff in August, they were hoping for a handful of students.

125 showed up.

Since then, the growth hasn’t slowed; it’s accelerated.

7 team-specific Bible studies
150–250 students at weekly huddles
Around 250 total students are involved in the ministry
25 baptisms since launch

“It’s not my speed,” Mike said. “It’s God’s speed.”

Lives Being Changed

Behind every number is a story. One of the most powerful stories has come from the cheerleading program on campus. At first, none of the cheerleaders were involved. Wednesday nights were practice nights, so they weren’t able to attend FCA gatherings. But in January, a few showed up. Then more. Now? Around 40 cheerleaders are involved in FCA, and growing.

Even more incredible, many of them had never opened a Bible before.

“Two weeks ago, we celebrated four baptisms of cheerleaders who had never even cracked open Scripture,” Mike shared. “And now there’s this hunger for the Word… It’s unbelievable.”

From Challenge to Blessing

Like any growing ministry, there have been challenges, especially financially. But even that has become a testimony.

Recently, God provided funding that:

Fully funded a staff position
Transitioned Mike from part-time to full-time ministry support
Opened doors for new donors and church partnerships

“What was one of our biggest challenges has now become one of our biggest blessings,” Mike said.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning.

Looking ahead, the vision is clear:

Build out a full ministry team
Add both male and female staff
Continue expanding discipleship across teams
Deepen partnerships with churches and donors

“My prayer is that God brings the right people,” Mike said.
“The right team… the right partners… the right opportunities.”

How You Can Pray

As FCA continues to grow at West Georgia, here are a few ways to be praying:

For the right staff to join the ministry
For continued provision through donors and partners
For open doors with coaches, teams, and campus leadership
For students to continue saying yes to Jesus

John Winter's Encounter Internship Story

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:21:08 GMT

What happened when a summer internship became a life-changing calling? For John Winter Wilson, the FCA Encounter Summer Internship wasn’t just a graduation requirement—it was the place where God grew his faith, shaped his leadership, and sparked a passion to disciple others. Just one year later, he returned to lead the very program that had transformed him.

When John Winter Wilson first heard about the FCA Encounter Summer Internship , he wasn’t entirely sure where it would lead.

A sport management major at the University of Georgia, John Winter knew he needed an internship to graduate, but he also wanted something that aligned with his passions and faith. “I was looking for something related to sports that I would actually enjoy,” he recalled.

His connection to FCA started years earlier and eventually led to him attending an FCA leadership camp during his junior year of college. “That was the first time I saw FCA from a leadership perspective,” he said. “I had been around FCA in high school, but that summer really showed me what it was all about.”

A Summer of Consistency

When John Winter finally stepped into the internship, it became more than a résumé builder; it was a season of personal and spiritual transformation.

“The Encounter internship helped me develop a healthy sense of consistency that affected every area of my life,” he shared. “It started with working out Monday through Friday, but it carried over into my quiet time with God and the way I approached life in general.”

That growth didn’t stop when the summer ended. He applied what he learned while serving in campus ministry at UGA, solidifying his calling to invest in others.

Stepping into Leadership

Just a year later, John Winter returned to FCA, this time as a leader for the Encounter program.

“Last year, I was a student in the internship. This year, I’m stepping into a leadership role,” he explained. “I’ve experienced consistency, applied it in my own life, and now I get to teach and guide others. It’s that 2 Timothy 2 idea, teaching and equipping others so they can go and teach others. This internship is all about life-on-life discipleship.”

His Vision for Summer Encounter Interns

For John Winter, the internship is like a greenhouse—an environment where growth is nurtured daily.

“My heart is for the interns to grow deep roots with Jesus,” he said. “This summer isn’t the real world; it’s a unique, intentional space. But as they go back to their campuses, I want them to have such a strong foundation that their relationship with Jesus continues to grow and impact others.”

Looking Ahead

Now, John Winter is prayerfully pursuing a full-time staff role with FCA Atlanta. His passion for discipleship, his experience as both intern and leader, and his heart for athletes make him eager to keep investing in coaches, athletes, and campus ministries year-round.

“I’ve seen firsthand how God can use FCA to transform lives,” he said. “I want to keep being a part of that…helping people grow spiritually, mentally, and physically in Christ.”

From college student to ministry leader, John Winter’s journey is a testimony to what can happen when you follow God’s leading into the unknown and trust Him to guide your next steps.

More Than a Summer: Trinity's Story

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:43:45 GMT

Meet Trinity Chastain , a former Clayton State University soccer player from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, who never imagined her summer would turn into a life-changing journey of spiritual growth and deep community.

After finishing her final semester at Clayton State in December, Trinity was encouraged by her local FCA rep, Kevin, to consider participating in FCA Atlanta’s summer internship, Encounter. At first, she was hesitant.

“I wanted to have my own summer. I wanted to go home, work at the beach, play soccer with friends,” she said. “I didn’t have a strong community in Atlanta, so I thought, Why would I stay? I just didn’t see how it would be beneficial.”

Despite her reservations, Trinity kept praying and kept walking through the doors God opened.

From Uncertainty to Connection

With almost no connections in the city, she arrived at Encounter unsure of what to expect. But something shifted immediately.

“After just two days, I became so close with the other interns. It was like God was saying, This is why you’re here. I was overwhelmed, in a good way, with how much I was learning about the Lord and about myself.”

That bond with the Encounter community would become a central part of Trinity’s experience, one so strong that she returned the following year as staff.

A Heart Made Soft

One powerful moment Trinity recalls was during a day-long prayer walk. She had been seeking God all day in silence and solitude but felt like she hadn’t heard from Him, until something unexpected happened on her walk back.

“In the last few minutes, I literally felt my heart soften. I had been struggling with unforgiveness, and suddenly I felt so much love and compassion. For the first time, I prayed for the person I had been holding something against. It was like God said, This is my child too.”

It was a moment of healing, a clear reminder that God was working deeply in her life through this internship.

Why She Came Back

This summer marks Trinity’s second year serving on staff with Encounter, and her passion for it hasn’t faded one bit.

“Encounter changed my faith. The staff pour into you. The structure builds you up. And the community is unlike anything else,” she said. “There’s never a doubt that God is in this place.”

Trinity now helps lead other college students through the same program that once changed her life. Her hope for each intern is simple but powerful:

“That they’re so set on fire for the Lord that they go back to their campuses shining bright. And that their light draws others to Jesus. FCA is about disciples who make disciples.”

Encounter is more than just a summer internship; it’s a launching point for student-athletes to deepen their faith, build lasting community, and return to their campuses as bold, equipped leaders for Christ. Trinity’s story is just one of many that shows what happens when we say yes to where God is leading.

Interested in Encounter? Learn more about our internship and how to apply at https://www.atlantacollegiatefca.org/fcaencounter .

All In

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:26:01 GMT

How One Gym Owner is Using Burpees, Brotherhood, and Bold Faith to Bring FCA to Life in Woodstock

When you step inside Hew Fitness in Woodstock, Georgia, you're not just walking into a gym, you’re stepping into a mission field.

For gym owner John Szarzewski, what started as a passion for fitness became a calling. And that calling led to more than just training athletes. It led to discipling men, serving schools, and building a gospel-rooted brotherhood.

“Fitness was always an outlet for me,” John shared. “It kept me grounded in college, while everyone else was out partying. I was waking up early to hit the weights.” That discipline would one day carry him through firefighting school, coaching roles, and eventually, the traumatic experience that changed everything: being attacked by a stranger during a shift at the gym in Florida.

“I woke up in the ICU with a brain bleed and a shattered face. But what I saw when I opened my eyes was powerful. The room was filled with members I had coached, hugging my wife and my family. That moment—that was God showing me this was where I belonged.”

With renewed purpose and a bold new direction, John and his wife sold their Florida business and moved to Woodstock. There, they opened Hew Fitness with a new mission: to create a space that strengthened not just bodies but souls.

From Dumbbells to Discipleship

It didn’t take long for God to orchestrate the next step.

During the gym’s early buildout, John met Josh Lanford, a friend-of-a-friend who casually joined a workout and asked if he could pray afterward.

“It was the first time I’d ever heard someone pray like they were talking to a friend,” John said. “It hit me different.”

Josh kept coming back. Every morning: workout, then prayer. Over time, that spiritual consistency grew into discipleship, and eventually, John gave his life fully to Jesus. And through that spiritual rebirth, an idea was born: a Wednesday night men’s Bible study inside the gym.

“Guys walk in here and get their egos broken down. They’re already in a vulnerable place. So why not go beyond the physical strength and tap into something eternal?”

Over the last three years, that group has grown into a community. Men from all walks of life come in—sweaty, unfiltered, and honest—and talk through real struggles. “We’ve had salvations right here on the gym floor,” John said. “It’s real.”

Burpees for the Kingdom

That grassroots ministry soon caught the attention of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Cherokee County Director, Steve Hyland.

Josh, who had become a bridge between John and the local FCA team, invited him to help raise funds for an upcoming Tim Tebow event. As a brand-new business, John didn’t have much to give financially, but he had an idea: “I’ll do one burpee for every dollar donated.”

What started as a couple hundred dollars quickly snowballed. Members rallied. One business owner gave $500, and another matched it in cash. John kept doing burpees—1,000...1,500—until Steve Hyland showed up mid-workout, stunned.

That day raised over $1,500, but more importantly, it formed a friendship between John and Steve that would lead to a deeper collaboration. They began meeting regularly—Steve helping John grow spiritually, while John helped Steve physically.

“That’s what discipleship looks like in this world. It’s mutual growth.”

FCA & Hew Fitness: A Local Movement

Today, that connection has evolved into something even greater. John now serves as an FCA Ambassador for Woodstock High School. He partners with local coaches, student-athletes, and churches to bring the truth of the Gospel onto campuses and into sports communities. His gym continues to function as an FCA hub, open to the public for Wednesday night studies—welcoming anyone, regardless of background or belief.

“This place isn't just a gym,” John said. “It’s a platform God gave me to steward. And FCA helped me see that. Steve helped me recognize that this wasn’t just my business—it’s my ministry.”

Whether hosting small groups, praying with coaches and athletes, or getting invited to speak at local events, John lives out the FCA vision: to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

“Gym owners, teachers, business owners—we all have platforms,” he said. “God didn’t call you just to run a business or win games. He called you to make disciples.”

And when you give God your business? “It changes the culture. It becomes a place where healing happens. Salvation happens. Community happens.”

Want to Get Involved?

Join the Men’s Group
�� Hew Fitness , Woodstock, GA
�� Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m.
�� Open to the community

Support FCA Atlanta
FCA is working through coaches, teachers, and leaders like John to bring the Gospel to athletes across the region. Whether you give, serve, or simply show up—there’s a place for you.”

Tanner Smith: Faith, Motocross, and a Mission in Atlanta

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:01:51 GMT

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For Tanner Smith, the FCA Atlanta Motocross and Fayette County Representative, motocross has always been more than just a sport. It’s a platform for ministry, a way to connect with others, and a calling that has shaped his life.

A Passion Turned Calling

Tanner fell in love with motocross at a young age, but as he got more involved, he faced a dilemma—races were on Sundays, the same day as church. "We can't do this if it’s going to take you out of church every Sunday," his dad said. His father challenged him to find a way to balance both. That’s when he discovered FCA Motocross.

After attending an FCA Motocross camp in Indiana at 10, everything changed. "I fell in love with the sport and the ministry," Tanner remembers. "This was it; this was everything I wanted."

That realization led him to intern with FCA Motocross through high school and college. Originally from Illinois, Tanner later attended Lee University in Tennessee. Even without any prior connections, he felt called to move to Atlanta. Now, as FCA’s Fayette County Rep, Tanner juggles his time between local ministry and national motocross events.

Race Day Live

Tanner recently appeared on Race Day Live, a pre-race show for professional motocross, much like the College GameDay of motocross, where experts and insiders give race previews and updates. But for Tanner, it was so much more than just a chance to be on TV—it was an opportunity to speak about faith and share the gospel with thousands of viewers across the world.

As Tanner recalled, “They allow us just a few minutes to come on a live broadcast and share a little bit about God and our camps and what the ministry does.” It may have been a short segment, but the impact was far-reaching.

After the broadcast, Tanner received a direct message from a viewer.

"I get a message from a well connected motocross media personnel who said, 'I saw you do that interview, and I felt like I needed to reach out to you.'"

He said he’d been struggling with his faith. He told me, ‘Hearing your story made me realize I need to reconnect with God.’ That was huge.”

For Tanner, that moment reaffirmed why he does what he does. “If we weren’t there, I know God would have sent someone else. But to be the ones to share the gospel and see how it impacted him… that’s why we do this."

The opportunity to reach such a wide audience on a stage like Race Day Live is a testament to the power of FCA Motocross’ mission. It’s about much more than riding dirt bikes; it’s about sharing Christ's love in spaces that traditionally might not hear the gospel.

Growing FCA Motocross in Atlanta

Looking ahead, Tanner sees Atlanta as a future hub of motorsports ministry. “Atlanta is becoming a hub for the sport, and that means we have a chance to impact more people than ever before,” he says. “It’s not about me,” Tanner emphasizes. “It’s about making Jesus known.”

As FCA Motocross expands in Atlanta, Tanner remains committed to following God’s call—one race, one rider, and one conversation at a time.

Building Bonds, Shaping Athletes

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:25:18 GMT

Tremond Gaither’s FCA Journey

The power of relationships in sports extends far beyond the game itself. At FCA Atlanta, mentorship and faith intersect to create lifelong bonds that shape athletes both on and off the field. Tremond Gaither’s journey is a testament to this impact, as his connection with FCA Atlanta Sports Director Brent Slade played a pivotal role in his growth as an athlete, mentor, and man of faith.

"My journey with FCA began in 2012 when I tried out for the baseball team as a 6th grader at Coan Middle School. Out of all the hopefuls, I was one of just three 6th graders chosen to play, and I took on the role of a pitcher. As the season started, Coach Slade would visit our school to lead devotionals before practice. Growing up in a Christian family, I already knew a little about Jesus, but Slade’s visits—along with the food he brought—helped me learn more about my faith.

Midway through the season, our head coach was fired, which led to several teammates quitting. With only two games left, Slade stepped in to coach and brought along extra players to fill the roster. The following year, I returned to play in the league as a 7th grader. While the season was an improvement over the previous year, it lacked the same personal impact.

That summer, my family moved to the westside of Atlanta, where I attended Brown Middle School and later Mays High School. Brown didn’t have an FCA program, but I stayed connected with Coach Slade and the Middle School League through social media. Once at Mays, I met a classmate, Zydarius Boykin, who had played against me in the league. We quickly bonded and, during our high school summers, reached out to Slade to volunteer at FCA camps. Eventually, we started coaching at Bunche Middle School together in the spring.

In the summer of 2017, just before my senior year, my father passed away a week before school started. It was a devastating loss that took a significant toll on me mentally. I struggled deeply, even questioning my will to keep going. Outside of my family, the only people who knew were Slade and Chris Sherwood. Despite my struggles, I finished my senior year, competing in wrestling and lacrosse, though my passion wasn’t the same. That spring, I convinced Zydarius to coach with me at Bunche, and it turned out to be an incredible experience. After graduation, he pursued college football while I stayed in Atlanta to work and continue volunteering in the league. We kept in touch, and over time, Zydarius became the friend I needed to help pull me out of depression and grow closer to God.

For the next few years, I worked at the zoo and a trailer shop while reserving my spring and summer seasons for volunteering with FCA. Then, in 2021, I received a call from Slade, asking if I would be interested in joining the FCA staff. Given all that FCA had done in my life, it was an easy decision. Since then, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to mentor and coach just as Slade once did for me. FCA had a profound impact on my journey, and now, I hope to be that same guiding presence for the next generation."

Tremond Gaither

FCA Atlanta Sports, Baseball Ambassador

Building Champions for Christ: Brent Slade’s Mission Through FCA Sports

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:30:41 GMT

How FCA Atlanta Sports is Transforming Lives On and Off the Field

FCA "In the City" Blog Feature - Part 2: Brent Slade, Director of FCA Atlanta Sports

When Brent Slade first stepped into the world of FCA in 2010, he was already deeply embedded in the Atlanta sports scene. Having spent ten years as a teacher and baseball coach in Atlanta Public Schools, he had seen firsthand the impact of sports on young lives. But something more was stirring within him—a call to ministry that had been planted years earlier during a mission trip in college.

"I always knew I wanted to do ministry in the city," Brent recalls. "I just didn’t know which city. But over time, God made it clear that Atlanta was where He was leading me."

Brent’s journey with FCA began when an FCA staff member visited his school and invited him and his baseball team to participate in an FCA baseball mission trip. That initial encounter opened the door to conversations, prayer, and ultimately a calling that led Brent to join FCA full-time as the middle school baseball league representative.

The Birth of FCA Sports in Atlanta

Brent saw a glaring need in the city’s middle school sports programs, particularly in baseball. "The ninth graders coming into my high school baseball team had never played before—some didn’t even know which hand to put the glove on," he shares. "That made it clear that if we wanted to change the trajectory of inner-city baseball, we had to start earlier."

So, in 2011, FCA launched its middle school baseball league with five schools, 75 players, and ten coaches. The goal was twofold: to develop athletes and to minister to their hearts. What started with baseball has since expanded into basketball and soccer, offering a holistic ministry to the city’s youth and their families.

Beyond the Game: Holistic Ministry in the City

FCA Sports isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about changing lives. "A lot of these kids come from single-parent homes. They face anger management issues, financial struggles, and educational challenges," Brent explains. "We’re not just serving the youth; we’re serving their families. Our ministry meets physical, emotional, and spiritual needs."

One story that encapsulates the heart of FCA Sports is that of Tremont "Trey" Gaither. Brent met Trey as a sixth grader playing in FCA’s middle school baseball league. Though Trey changed schools, FCA remained a constant in his life. By high school, he was volunteering at FCA summer camps. Later, after giving his life to Christ, he became a part-time FCA staff member. Today, Trey is a full-time FCA middle school baseball representative, mentoring the next generation of players just as Brent once mentored him.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for FCA Atlanta Sports

As FCA Sports continues to grow, Brent envisions an even greater future. "We’ve run our leagues in various locations over the years—some have been great, others not so much," he says. "Our vision is to have an FCA Sports Complex, a home base for our programs where we can expand into new sports and serve even more families."

Beyond the local leagues, FCA offers club teams, summer camps, and domestic and international mission trips. "Whether it’s taking kids on college visits, to the Dominican Republic, or Brazil, we want to give them experiences they might never have had otherwise," Brent shares. "But ultimately, our mission remains the same: to lead coaches and athletes into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church."

As FCA Sports in Atlanta continues to impact lives, Brent Slade remains at the forefront, guiding, mentoring, and living out his passion for sports, the city, and the gospel. His journey is a testament to how God uses ordinary moments—like a baseball flyer handed out in a high school—to spark extraordinary change.

Joyce Owens' Impact on Atlanta Public Schools

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:21:33 GMT

In the City with Joyce

Empowering Youth Through Sports and Faith: Joyce Owens' Impact on Atlanta Public Schools

In our "In the City" blog series, we spotlight inspiring individuals making a difference in Atlanta. This week, we had the privilege of interviewing Joyce Owens, Director of Atlanta Public Schools and South Fulton FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Joyce shared her incredible journey, her calling to ministry through sports, and her powerful vision for the future of FCA in Atlanta.

Answering the Call: Joyce Owens' Journey

Joyce Owens' journey into FCA began with a simple introduction. While serving as the Children and Youth Ministry Director at Elizabeth Baptist Church, she connected with Brent, an FCA leader, who shared his vision of bridging local churches with sports and recreation. Initially, Joyce collaborated on basketball camps and served as a financial supporter, but it wasn’t long before her vision for sports ministry grew.

“I figured sports was low-hanging fruit the church was missing,” Joyce explained. “God started showing me a bigger picture—connecting with students through sports ministry in schools.”

Encouraged by her connections and the support of Rob, another FCA leader, Joyce eventually made the leap to full-time ministry with FCA. It wasn’t without challenges, but through prayer, fasting, and obedience, she answered God’s call. “When God calls you to do something and you obey, everything else falls into place,” she shared.

Transforming Lives: Stories of Impact

Joyce’s work with FCA has touched countless lives, but a few stories stand out as testaments to her mission.

Derrice Hamlin – Westlake High School Derrice Hamlin, a former student at Westlake High School, found herself in a dark place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family stopped attending church, her parents divorced, and she felt disconnected and alone. When she returned to school, Derrice felt God calling her back to Him. She learned about FCA huddles and, though not an athlete, began attending.

Principal Adams introduced Derrice to Joyce, and together they worked to launch a Bible club at Westlake. Derrice’s vision, called WOKE (Walking Out Kingdom Endeavors), aimed to create an inclusive space for students seeking God’s presence. What started with just four members grew to over 20 students. Today, Derrice is in college, continuing to lead and share her faith. “For me, that’s success,” Joyce said. “It’s about showing up, caring, and empowering students to lead.”

Isaak Esquival – Langston Hughes High School Isaak Esquival, a student at Langston Hughes High School, began attending FCA huddles with his soccer team. Encouraged by Joyce, he took on leadership roles, eventually speaking at a youth event. Inspired by attending a Fields of Faith event in Douglas County, Isaak expressed his desire to organize one at Langston Hughes.

Joyce and Isaak have since met with Principal Harris to discuss the necessary protocols and permissions. While still a work in progress, Isaak’s passion for empowering his peers and starting a Bible group at his school exemplifies the ripple effect of FCA’s mission. “He’s engaging, equipping, and empowering others,” Joyce said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

A Vision for the Future

When asked about her vision for FCA in Atlanta Public Schools and South Fulton, Joyce shared an ambitious dream:

“My ultimate vision is to create an all-inclusive environment that becomes contagious. Starting with athletes, we can inspire students to lead and live out their faith. But I also want to reach students of all abilities, ensuring everyone feels seen and included. I envision a movement where neighboring churches collaborate with schools, serving students where they are and grooming them to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Joyce also highlighted the importance of empowering teachers and staff. “Teachers spend just as much time with students as coaches, if not more. We’ve started huddles for teachers at two high schools, and I want that to grow. When FCA is in the building, change happens. Lives are transformed, and communities unite.”

Joyce Owens’ dedication to FCA is not just about sports or ministry—it’s about creating a movement that transforms schools, communities, and lives. Her story is a reminder that when we answer God’s call, the impact can be immeasurable.

Stay tuned for more stories in our "In the City" series as we continue to highlight the incredible individuals shaping Atlanta.

Staff Highlight - Amy Pointer

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:23:16 GMT

Welcome Amy Pointer, Director of West Georgia

Amy Pointer is the West GA FCA Area Director and has been passionately dedicated to FCA since 2018. Before joining FCA, she spent 14 years as a high school softball coach and world history teacher at Bremen High School. In September of last year, she became the director after serving as an area representative for community and club sports, as well as schools in Haralson County. With over 25 years of coaching experience, she continues to coach travel ball with 9:13 Athletics.

Amy is married to Nolan, who owns and operates Gateway Printing in Bremen, Georgia. Together, they have five children—Erin, Olivia, Ragan, Amilee, and Ty—and two grandchildren, Lucas and Joanna. Both Amy and Nolan share a passion for coaching softball and enjoy celebrating their anniversary by traveling to Oklahoma City for the Softball College World Series.

Gardening is one of Amy's great loves. She finds joy in preparing the soil, planting seeds, and nurturing them until harvest, experiencing precious moments with Jesus in her garden. She also loves reading and, most importantly, studying the Word of God. Sundays are her favorite time of the week, as she delights in having family dinners with her children. Although all their daughters are grown and out of the house, Amy loves cooking for the whole family, especially using produce from her garden.

A significant turning point in Amy's FCA journey occurred at The Huddle For Women event a few years ago.

"Debbie Jobe was speaking to us on the last night, and she challenged us to walk in leadership roles the Lord was calling us to. I had sworn off ever being a director of any kind (I love being in the field!), but after that moment, doors began to open and confirmations began coming. The power of her words that night have rippled throughout the last 2 years, and even though half the time I’m not real sure what I’m doing, the Lord does… and that’s good enough for me. I love the team I’m leading and the people we serve together, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside some of the greatest people I’ve ever known. The people who have been brought into my life because of FCA have been such a blessing to me and my family, and I look forward to what the Lord has for us on our Atlanta team!"

- Amy Pointer

Staff Highlight: Jay Cathey

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:04:47 GMT

Meet Jay Cathey, Director of Paulding County

Jay Cathey is an experienced educator and sports ministry leader. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Jay spent 20 years in public education and earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University. He has served as a teacher, lead teacher, administrator, and principal.

Currently, Jay is an Area Director with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he focuses on helping coaches and athletes grow in their faith. He has been with FCA for six years and is committed to his mission.

Jay and his wife, Robyn, enjoy spending time with their family. They have two daughters, Aidan (21) and Piper (15), and a son, Nolan (13).

Jay values the impact of working at camps, finding them to be a significant part of his ministry. He enjoys serving at leadership camps, team camps, and winter recharge sessions, and is proud to be part of the Atlanta team.

Staff Highlight: Sarah Roberts

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:09:19 GMT

Welcoming Sarah Roberts to the FCA Atlanta Team!

Sarah is joining us to focus on pro and elite discipleship.

As a coach's daughter, former college athlete, and coach's spouse, Sarah has a burden and passion of teaching the Word of God to coaches and athletes. She surrendered her life to Jesus when she was 13 at an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp in Colorado. Sarah is passionate about FCA because she’s a product of it.

She began working for FCA as a sports missionary in 2003 serving women and men of sport through speaking, Writing, team chapels/bible studies, and building relationships. In the FCA ministry she has served in many roles including Women in Sports Director, NBA/NFL wives chaplain, Area Director, and Area Rep. She is in her 20th season of serving the 8-time National Champions, University of Oklahoma softball team as their chaplain. Sarah is the author of three devotion books for the athlete, coach, and coach's spouse and a contributing writer for FCA Curriculum and Sports Spectrum magazine. She has been married to High School coach, Chris Roberts, since 1998. They have 5 kids, one daughter-in-law, and 2 grandkids. She enjoys reading, working out, and shoe shopping.

Being connected to the Vine of Christ, God has opened the doors to teach at some amazing venues including the Women’s College World Series, the Women’s Final Four, FCA camps, the Clemson Football team, churches, and various events and retreats. Her passion in teaching the Word of God is not only seeing the lost found but teaching how the found stay faithful.

DON’T STOP AT DOUBT

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:08:51 GMT

A Breakthrough Story from Olivia's Journey

FCA Blog Series: Atlanta Game Changers

Atlanta Area: Collegiate

Olivia Crum's journey embodies the raw honesty of grappling with doubt while navigating the winding path toward faith.

Despite growing up in the familiar church embrace, Olivia questioned the possibility of a personal relationship with Jesus. "Even though I grew up around church, it made me still feel uncomfortable that they talked about Jesus so much... But there was something attractive about it."

Navigating the complexities of young adulthood, Olivia found herself straddling the line between embracing her faith and succumbing to the allure of worldly pleasures. "I would go to FCA, love it, but then run away... I didn't want the authentic community because I knew once I got community, I would have to start living a life for God."

Amidst the confusion of her sophomore year, Olivia's path intersected with a pivotal moment of revelation surrounding an FCA retreat. "I was saying, Jesus should pick someone else. I'm never going to be able to stop sinning. I'm never going to be able to live the life that God wants me to live. Like I'm never going to be good enough... I'm out."

“The retreat was next week—I was already signed up, but I really didn't want to go.”

Wrestling with the gravity of her own sin and inadequacy, she experienced a profound realization of the sacrificial love of Christ. “The first night of the retreat, the message was about exactly what I was struggling with- you can't do anything to overcome your sin…it was the first time I realized Jesus didn't die on the cross for sin in general. He died on the cross for my sins.”

It was precisely in this moment of surrender that Olivia found herself embraced by the grace of God. "After that, I became FCA obsessed. I lived by Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Embracing the transformative power of the Gospel, Olivia's journey took on a new trajectory of purpose and service. "I've just been running after God through the mission of FCA... My heartbeat is how do we make a lifetime of followers of Jesus."

Today, as a metro director in Atlanta, Olivia's passion for discipleship reverberates through her commitment to engaging, equipping, and empowering others. "The mission to reach every... you have to go after the heart of one athlete and then see where it goes from there."

Olivia's story profoundly reminds us that amidst our greatest doubts, breakthroughs of faith await. Through the highs and lows of our journeys, wrestling with uncertainty often leads to the deepest revelations and encounters with God.

This summer, you can find Olivia working with our Encounter Interns all over the city of Atlanta. Encounter is an immersive five-week internship with FCA in Atlanta, Georgia focusing on three spiritual aspects. We are making disciples who make disciples! Encounter is designed to develop the spiritual lives and leadership skills of student athletes interested in growing in these areas or coming on staff with FCA.

Game Changers | FCA, Ray Fajay, and Coach Sellers at Kell High School

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:44 GMT

FCA, Ray Fajay, and Coach Sellers at Kell High School

Atlanta Game Changers | A Winning Combination

FCA, Ray Fajay, and Coach Sellers at Kell High School

Atlanta Area: East Cobb

In a world where connections are made every day, the unexpected ones often leave the deepest impact. This is exemplified in the extraordinary journey of Ray Fajay and Kell High School Basketball Coach, Jermaine Sellers, whose partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Atlanta has transformed lives and exceeded the boundaries of sports.

Ray Fajay, a retiree from the northeast, embarked on a journey with FCA Atlanta after crossing paths with the organization at a football camp. Ray's passion for volunteering led him to Kell High School's basketball program . We recently sat down with Coach Jermaine Sellers, who shared insights into the profound impact of FCA Volunteer Ray on his basketball program.

"He was showing up every day, and he just enjoyed it. We built a good relationship, and he built a good relationship with my other coaches, and he became part of our program. You see the guys dap him up, or you can see him talking to some of the guys during breaks."

Ray's commitment to serving and Coach Sellers' dedication to holistic development created a powerful collaboration that shaped the team's culture and success.

"He wants to be a part of their world. When he shares, the guys understand and receive what he's trying to tell them. He can relate to what we need to hear at any time—it’s geared around what he sees every day: ‘We need to talk about more unity or accountability.’ His talks at the last two state championships have been very powerful. I think that got the guys focused. I think there's been a difference because we've been winning since he's been here."

Ray's impact extended beyond the court as he became the players' trusted confidant and mentor. His daily presence, personalized character talks, and unwavering support fostered unity, accountability, and unwavering support among the team. The Kell High School boys’ basketball team are back-to-back state champions, winning their second title in March of 2024 . In 2023, Ray's selfless service earned him the title of Kell High School Volunteer of the Year, a testament to his profound influence on the program .

"Ray has been an integral part of our basketball program for five years! He began through encouragement through FCA but now is part of our day-to-day operations. He is incredibly giving of his time, wisdom, and support for our student-athletes!"—Kell High School Principal Peter Giles.

Meanwhile, Coach Sellers' journey with FCA developed his coaching philosophy, shifting from focusing solely on wins and losses to prioritizing character development and mentorship. Through FCA's support, Coach Sellers witnessed his players undergo a profound transformation, evolving into compassionate leaders who were empowered to make a difference both on and off the court.

"He's made a difference in my life for sure just as a coach. He's allowed me to be more mindful of how to deal with certain situations and approach a young man – to help them succeed and take it to another level, on or off the court. Of course, the wins are great. But, seeing these guys achieve their goal-- or when we go off campus, we get compliments on our kids' behavior and character—that’s been really impactful for me."

Together, Ray Fajay and Coach Jermaine Sellers exemplify the transformative power of faith, service, and community. Their partnership with FCA Atlanta transcends accolades and titles, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all. As they continue to guide their team toward success, Ray and Coach Sellers remind us that true victory lies in the character and impact of those we serve.

In a world often defined by wins and losses, their story serves as a powerful reminder that character will always be the ultimate measure of success. Through their unwavering commitment to faith and service, Ray Fajay and Coach Jermaine Sellers have left a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of all who have known them, earning their community's respect and admiration.

*Engaging in discussions about spiritual development is entirely optional for both players and coaches; individuals can choose to participate based on their own preferences.

Game Changers | FCA Atlanta Stories - Cole Gilmore

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:38:17 GMT

FCA Atlanta Stories - Cole Gilmore

In the bustling realm of Atlanta-area high school sports, Cole Gilmore , a junior baseball player from Coweta County , shines brightly, not just for his athletic ability but for the depth of his character and commitment to service . Cole's journey is one of dedication and leadership, both on and off the baseball diamond. From his early days in 6th grade, he embraced the values of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and has transitioned from a participant to a leader, serving on the FCA leadership team for the past two years. His involvement in FCA speaks volumes about his desire to integrate faith into every facet of his life, whether in the classroom, field, or community.

As a Newnan High School Cougars baseball team member , Cole's impact is undeniable. Whether playing infield or taking the mound as a pitcher, his leadership inspires his teammates to strive for greatness. Despite the demands of his busy schedule, he finds time to give back to his community, volunteering at local assisted living facilities. He also maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA.

Cole's leadership and dedication have earned him a remarkable opportunity this year. He has been chosen as the first pick of Baseball 4 Christ's 2024 Mission Team , which will travel to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Alongside his teammates, Cole will showcase his baseball skills and engage in various mission projects. They will embody the spirit of service and spread the gospel wherever they go.

“Cole is the kind of kid that peers love to compete with, have fun with, and study God's word. He’s the kind of kid coaches love to coach, and FCA guys like me get blessed with serving alongside him. It will also be an honor to serve alongside him this summer.”

– Brian Morgan, Coweta County Area Director

Cole's impact extends far beyond the confines of Newnan and Atlanta. He carries with him the values of integrity, compassion, and faith that define him as an athlete and a disciple of Christ . His story is a living testament to the transformative power of Gospel-centered leadership and sacrificial service.

Mike Leazer - Embracing the Vision

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:54:49 GMT

Mike Leazer's Journey with FCA Atlanta

In the intersection of faith and sports, Mike Leazer, the Atlanta Multi-Area Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), embodies a commitment to transformation. His journey within FCA reflects FCA's vision: "To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes," and mission: "To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church." Since 2007, Mike's journey evolved from coaching basketball to ministry, leading him to FCA. His dedication spans roles from South Carolina to East Cobb, always empowering Christian athletes.

Mike envisions FCA Atlanta fully embracing its mission to guide every coach and athlete toward a deeper relationship with Christ. This commitment extends to schools like Walton High , where character talks sparked a desire in student-athletes to start a Bible study.

“It started August of last year through a senior football player at Walton, saying, ‘Hey, why don't we do a Bible study?’ It started with four or five guys showing up at a Mellow Mushroom on a Wednesday night. And then throughout the year that grew to, 15 or so. Sometimes we just cut up and joke around and then share a biblical truth in that. Other times we could get into heavier topics. We're talking about dealing with anxiety, pressure, and demand to perform—how to achieve and keep Christ at the center. It took six years, but to see a campus where we had very little ministry presence to now, we have several Bible studies, small groups, and character-coach-led teams on campus is becoming one of the stronger communities that we have in the East Cobb area.”

The shift from surface-level engagement to authentic discipleship exemplifies the profound impact FCA can have within schools.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by FCA Atlanta, Mike acknowledges the need for adaptation amidst evolving ministry landscapes. However, he views these transitions as opportunities to expand FCA's reach into uncharted territories of ministry. From exploring club sports leagues to catering to differently-abled athletes, FCA Atlanta aims to diversify its impact beyond traditional campus ministries.

As Mike Leazer and the FCA Atlanta team pave the way for future growth, their commitment to serving every coach and athlete underscores the organization's enduring mission of faith, fellowship, and empowerment.

PRAISE IN THE REVOLUTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 05:00:00 GMT

My routines have been disturbed. No, destroyed. I am a creature of routine. I wake up around the same time, go to the gym at the same time, watch my kids go to school and get home at the same time. I coach practices on the same days and the same times. If you are like me you have routines and these routines are in chaos at this moment. I’m watching the news more than I want to. I am inside more than I need to. I worry more than I have to. The problems we face are beginning to become our new routines and focus.

This is where, I believe, many of us find ourselves today. Our lives have been disrupted. We have gone from predictable routines and plans to uncertainty, fear and confusion. We need a change of perspective, a revolutionary change.

I have found myself hunkered down in 1 Peter 3:3-6. In this passage Peter writes to his audience, in my opinion, on how to change our mindset. He writes our perspectives are created on the foundation of our “new birth of living hope” found in our “imperishable inheritance” through Christ. But the verse order is just as important. Peter begins, in verse 3, proclaiming praise before he proclaims the problem. In verse 6 he writes a fact, we may face suffering, but he begins in verse 3 with giving praise. This is a wonderful lesson for us all, we must filter everything through praise not problems. Our perspective changes when we choose praise before we address the problem.

This is a great lesson to us all. I think most of us, especially in today’s time, see the problem first. We go to news or social media and are flooded with the problem. When, in fact, God is calling us to praise and to base this praise on the fact we are on the cusp of a revolution not just a revival. A person who chooses praise first, is a revolutionary leader who views situations not as problems but opportunities. These opportunities are buoyed by the new birth and inheritance shielded by God’s power. To choose praise is truly revolutionary, causing a dramatic or complete change.

I’m aware our circumstances can overwhelm our praise and magnify our problems. I’m not sure what God is calling us to, many smarter than me seem to have that figured out. What I do know is God has provided us a living hope no matter our circumstances and he did this through the most revolutionary act the world has ever seen, his son, a cross, a grave and a resurrection. To me this deserves a revolutionary leaders. This deserves revolutionary perspectives. This deserves revolutionary praise.

A TEAM WHO C.A.R.E.s

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, I reconnected with a friend who is the founder of a great organization here in Atlanta. Even though we don’t see watch other a lot, I am able to keep up with him (as most of us do) through social media.

One of things that I see him doing as much as anything is caring for his team. His company is spread out across the country, and he spends a lot of his time visiting everyone. Whether it’s at his main office in Atlanta, or their multiple offices across the country, care is something you see from his culture every day; they really seem to care for one another.

They model this in how they treat people who visit as well. When I visited the main office for the first time, I had my own entrance music, confetti, and every employee greeted me at the entrance. I’m not even a customer, and they all cared enough about me to make me feel like a big deal.

That, my friends, is great teamwork.

Great teams show that they care. What does care look like beyond showing up in someone’s life or showing empathy for them? I believe the following words best encapsulate what a team who C.A.R.E.’s look like:

Great teams show Confidence in one another. Howard Shultz has said, “At its core, I believe leadership is about instilling confidence in others.” One of the greatest gifts we can give our team members is to show that we have confidence in them. We can all remember the confidence we gained when someone believed in us for the first time. The greatest teams believe in one another.

Great teams Appreciate one another. If you want to build a team that cares, then you have to build a team that appreciates everyone’s ability to contribute. Everyone may contribute to a team in a different way, with different skills and approaches. Teams that care, appreciate the special ways their teammates contribute. They don’t try and change them, or wish the team member did it their way. Appreciate who each team member is and where they are.

Great teams take the time to Recognize each other. “ Successful people use their strength by recognizing, developing, and utilizing the talents of others,” said Zig Ziglar. Recognition does not always have to be about rewards, though those are fun too. Recognition can also be about awareness and being aware of other’s contributions, their value, and their role in the organization’s missional success.

Great teams learn how to Empower each other. Successful teams build their culture on the ability for everyone to empower one another. John Maxwell has said, “Great leaders become great, not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others.” America was founded and built on great leaders empowering others to lead. A team that cares is a team that looks to download power to each other, believing in each other and helping each other succeed.

Teamwork is about caring, if we don’t care then we don’t win.

Lead Differently!

Greg

BEING A MAN OF SUBSTANCE

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s culture, men are becoming the focal point of many debates, divisiveness and controversy. I think we would all agree that men are being called out more and more for the lack of true manhood. Men are failing at many levels of leadership in their families, their offices, and their communities.

I’m not here to make excuses for us as men, or to claim that I have the anecdote to this type of behavior. What I do believe to be true is that as men, we have lost the concept of substance, and WE have to regain true manhood. Someone once said, “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at moments of controversy and challenge.”

That’s what being a man of substance is about, standing up to and through the difficult times in life for yourself and others. I believe all men of substance continually focus on the same road map.

Set Priorities. Great men of substance understand priorities. As a general rule, our priorities are set by what we deem to be the most impactful or meaningful for us. However, men of substance set priorities around what is the most impactful and meaningful for others . Focusing on quality time, being a peace maker, encouraging others, and helping others fulfill their dreams are top priorities for great men. The value of a great man is his capacity and desire to serve everyone else.

Learn to Fight. John Wayne defined manhood as, “Men should be tough, fair, and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either.” Fighting is not always done with our fists; in fact, men of substance rarely resort to this type of fighting. Great men fight for the hearts of others, partnering with Christ to protect the hearts of the ones they love. They don’t allow harmful behavior, discouraging rhetoric, or destructive relationships into their home and circle. Men of substance are on the front lines, holding the line, protecting their tribe.

Let Go of the Past. Great men do not let the pain and mistakes of the past write their future. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear,” said Nelson Mandela. Men of substance see their past as just that – the past. They learn from it, not lean into it. They don’t allow fear to have power over them, and they use the strength of Christ to plow a trail forward not looking back to see how straight it is.

Do you consider yourself a man of substance? What must be removed from your life that will allow you to flourish?

Tell one man in your life how great he is.

Lead Differently!

Greg

DREAM TEAM(WORK)

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT

The 1992 men’s Olympic Basketball team has been described by many as the greatest sports team ever assembled. As a result, the team was given the name Dream Team . As a basketball junkie, and a player who grew up with these superstars in the 80’s, I couldn’t wait to watch them play in the Olympics! The team did what many predicted, and handily won every game they played. They defeated every opponent by an average of 44 points; the players on the other teams were not only overwhelmed by their play, but also in awe of these superstar players being on the court at the same time. Since the original Dream Team, no other USA team has really been able to compare.

The Dream Team had exceptional talent at every position, a team made up of the greatest of all time, so talent alone would guarantee their wins. It might look different for us as most of the teams we lead are made up of lots of different types of people, and many that are not all talented in the same way. Despite the discrepancies that may exist in talent and skill, all great teams have a few things in common:

Every great team is united . Hellen Keller is quoted as saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Teamwork is about standing on the line together and supporting one another through the highs and lows. Great teams unite around common mission, and help each other execute their roles in the accomplishment of the mission they serve. They don’t allow outside forces to destroy one another, always playing offense together against what comes against them.

Every great team has short memories. If you’ve ever played sports, you know that in order to be successful, you have to have a short memory during games. If you or your teammates make a mistake, you can’t continue to live out the mistake…you have to move on to the next play. Great teams don’t stay too low in the lows, or too high in the highs. They are always learning from and growing to the next opportunity.

Every great team is responsible to not for . This may be the most important quality of great teams. Teamwork is about working together, and the best teams that work together are the teams that understand they are responsible to their team’s success and contributing to it, but not for the success of others. President Harry Truman said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” Every team member should focus on being responsible for what they bring to the team, and not worrying about credit or accolades. The team, working together, is responsible for outcomes.

Every great team is agile. I can be accused of overusing this word, but it is one of my favorite words when talking about leadership. Teams that work great together are agile – able to take on, accept and manage change and obstacles when they come their way. We have to move quickly, lightly, and in a graceful manner together through change or obstacles. Teams that have members who can’t do this tend to clog the effectiveness of the team.

Questions for you:

Lead Differently!

Greg

GUIDE ON THE SIDE

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT

A number of years ago, Monica and I took a trip to Italy. We traveled with two other couples and visited Florence, Rome and a few other great cities.

If you have ever traveled anywhere in the world with a rich history, you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing while you are there. As we prepared for this trip, we spent some time reading up on this history as well as some of the most popular sites to see. As great as the books were on information, they could not help us much once we got there… seeing everything in a book is much different than being there in person.

What made this trip come alive for us and provide us with a memorable experience, was servant leadership of one of our friends on the trip. She became our guide and she was great. She guided us through the entire trip, making sure we didn’t miss anything, and introduced us to much more than the book ever could. As our guide, she became a part of the journey and the experience – it simply would not have been the same without her guidance.

This is what servant leaders do for us in our life – they help guide us in the journey. My good friend Tim Elmore, calls great leaders the ones who are “guides on the side.” How can we become effective guide on the side servant leaders?

Servant Guiders are Prepared. On our trip to Italy, one of the things that made our friend such a great guide is that she had done a lot of preparation for the trip. She had been there before; she knew where to go and what to avoid. Great servant leaders who help guide others are always more effective when they are growing and learning themselves and can help to serve as guardrails in our life, keeping us from going over the edge.

Servant Guiders Share a Passion . Great guides who serve others are passionate about the same “macro” things we are. For example, they share the same worldview, values, or mission in life. Our friend was passionate about travel and the experiences just as we were, as a result she knew what we would connect with and connect to. That’s what great servant guides do – they connect to each other’s passions.

Servant Guiders are Pushers . Great servant guides push others to see what they may not see in themselves, and thus create experiences they may never have experienced on their own. For us on our trip, we would have been fine staying in Florence and Rome. These two areas were familiar and popular, but our guide pushed us into other towns during day trips – ones that were less popular but created some of our most memorable and magnificent experiences.

Servant Guiders are Pullers. Finally, servant guiders not only push, but many times will pull you in the journey. When we visited Italy, we could have moved at our own pace, which would have been slower, based on our limited knowledge of what there was to experience. Our guide was great at pulling us out of our pace, so we could experience as much as possible in the limited time we had. Great servant guiders have to pull us out of comfort and self-imposed limitations in order for us to flourish.

Lead Differently!

Greg

FIRM

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT

I came across a word recently in reading, that is not uncommon, but I had never spent much time thinking about. The word firm is a word used in many ways and in many contexts. There is nothing extremely revolutionary about the word’s meaning— to have a solid and unyielding surface . But it’s one of those words that when changed from an adjective to an adverb or verb, it comes to life and can have an extremely transformational result.

We hear the phrase “stand firm” a lot around our values, believes and convictions. Tim Keller writes that stand firm is essentially a military word. We have all stood firm over and around something throughout our lives, whether it was as a child refusing to eat our vegetables, as teenager with a relationship, or as adults in our beliefs.

Tim Keller, in his book Galatians for You, briefly lays out three qualities of firmness I would like to expand on here:

I pray you stand firm and lead differently!

Greg

TO SERVE, YOU MUST FIRST GO

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT

I once had a young couple come and see me for counseling. They had only been married a few months and were experiencing what they determined to be some major issues. She was upset with him because she felt he was self-centered, only doing the things that made him happy at the exclusion of her needs. He simply did not understand the problem – he saw the things that he wanted to do as a release for him. His new job was stressful, and he needed some things to help him escape. After listening to them, I began to guide them on journey of understanding what it means to actually serve one another. I let them know the first place we must start is to simply go – to move forward and change each other’s lives before changing our own. To me this is the first part of adopting a life of service.

When we serve, many times, we have to get up and go, not letting bitterness, pain or pride stand in the way. Great servant leaders get up, go, conquer obstacles and change people’s lives. It requires more than showing up or carrying a title… it requires movement toward transformational change.

Ask yourself these questions:

Lead Differently!

Greg

SERVICE: A HIGH CALLING

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT

When organizations talk about values, an important point to consider is how can the value connect to the heart of the individual and encourage action. Service is the second value of FCA, and it does just that – connects to the heart and encourages action.

In my life, I have had one of the greatest models of earthly service I could ask for. If service really is modeling how Christ served on earth and continues to serve today, then my mom is that person. My mom did not have what would be called the greatest childhood…there was a lot of dysfunction in and around her home. She does, however, love her parents and her siblings unconditionally at all times.

Over her lifetime I have watched my mom truly serve all types of people in all types of situations, but nothing has stood out to me more than how she served within some of the toughest moments of her life. My mom led the charge on service – taking care of the family when her brother’s life was cut short too early, when her mother had Alzheimer’s for too long, and her father’s health failed at the same time. She served her sister, as she slowly died from painful rheumatoid arthritis. She never said no, and she was always there, doing whatever needed be done. She always did and has taken the high road and always put others’ lives before her own. She is a servant leader if there ever was one. It is from her life of service that I have come to my own conclusions of what service actually is, and over the next few weeks, I am going to lay this out in more details but here is a synopsis:

Dr. King said; “To serve, you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

I wish I was more like my mom when it comes to service, it seems so easy for her and like so much work for me. I have to work on my servant leadership every day, and sometimes I fail miserably. But I’m very fortunate that Jesus and my mom have provided examples and a roadmap for me to follow. Thank you, Mom!

Lead Differently!

Greg

ACCOUNTABILITY NEVER FAILS

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMT

September: The Month of Integrity

Great Leaders Understand This: Accountability Never Fails

I recently watched a documentary President Richard Nixon. The documentary primarily focused on the end of his presidency, and the Watergate crimes committed. One of the people interviewed made a statement that could not have been more accurate – he said Nixon’s ultimate undoing was his lack of integrity in believing he was accountable to no one.

This, I have learned, is the most common mistake leaders make, their lack of integrity is rooted in their belief they have no accountability. Much of this is rooted in narcissism – an inflated sense of their own importance. Simply put, the highest integrity requires the highest understanding of the importance of accountability. When speaking on accountability, Henry Evans says, “Accountability is the obligations of an individual to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner. “

Great leaders understand how accountability works.

Accountability often gets a bad rap. It’s not as negative as many may believe. Accountability is not encroachment into our leadership – it allows us opportunities to show the highest integrity and frees us up to lead with authenticity and credibility. Great leaders seek out accountability in all areas of their lives.

Lead Differently!

Greg

THE McPHEE EFFECT

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Years ago, our family stumbled across a couple of movies on TV, called Nanny McPhee . My family will tell you – once I find a movie I like, I will watch it every time it comes on, regardless of who is with me. And now, the Nanny McPhee movies fall into this category.

A brief background on the movies: Nanny McPhee is based on the book series Nurse Matilda written by the British children's author Christianna Brand . Nanny McPhee is a Mary Poppins-type character who is called upon to help a family in need. There is a deeper lesson on unity, and a focus on helping the children learn and grow. She has a motto for the way she works; “ When you need me but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go.” I love these statements and they really hit home for me on many levels, especially with my relationship with Jesus.

There are two points made in the statement and I want to look at the first one first: When you need me but do not want me, then I must stay. When I think about my faith, and the times in my life I find myself needing God but wanting to fix everything myself (which honestly is always), God actually does not fight against that. Many times, He actually waits me out. Think about the times where we really need guidance, wisdom, provision or protection… in those times, we search out hundreds of ways to deal with on our own, thinking that we can fix it. It’s really cool that God stays – He does not abandon us as we attempt to go about it without Him. He realizes we need Him, and His hope is that we give up the fight and turn to Him for wisdom and guidance.

The second statement, though on the surface seems contradictory to the first, is an intriguing statement as well; When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go. This statement has everything to do with God giving us the room to grow and learn. James writes about this in James 1:3-4:

“Because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work so can be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I don’t believe for a second God ever departs us, but I do believe He leaves us alone to grow and mature in many circumstances. For me, I realize the trails and tests I have been through have helped me mature and grow. I’ve been tempted to wait on God to “fix” it all, instead of letting perseverance run its course. When He gets me upright, I have to begin to walk, moving forward toward purpose.

My prayer time begins to reflect less a person who is always in need, to a person who takes on the strength and gifts of Christ. A person who moves forward to deal with issues and praises Him in the process.

“Find it pure joy my brother and sisters when you face trails of many kinds.” (James 1:2)

It’s not that we don’t need God, but there is a time when our need to praise Him and find joy in where we are needs to outweigh our desire for Him to fix everything.

7 STEPS TO GREATER AWARENESS

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Steven Covey has been quoted as saying, “Self-Awareness involves deep personal honesty. It comes from asking and answering hard questions.” I have dedicated September as the month for our journey through the importance of integrity in our leadership. In Fellowship of Christian Athletes, integrity serves as one of our main pillars toward seeing our vision – to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes – successfully implemented. This week I will expand on the importance of awareness in being a leader of integrity.

I can remember the first time I drove a car. There is something about driving for the first time that you become keenly aware of things one never observes as a passenger. I was now aware of names of streets, other cars, buildings, landscapes and people. They had always been there but now my view had changed. This is what self-awareness is… changing the view. How do we change our view in order to become more aware? Emotions, personality and reactions all play a major role in our awareness.

Paying closer attention to skills, emotional patterns, deeper feelings and our behaviors allow us to live lives of deeper integrity. This awareness will become the foundation of personal growth, success and sustainability over our lifetime.

Lead Differently!

Greg

Be the GPS

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Four Qualities of a Strategic Leader

Strategy is a term that has been around for centuries. Strategy is one of those words, as soon as we hear it, we know exactly what it means. Life is full of strategic moments; how we plan our day, what we will eat, what we will do in the game, or how we must navigate relationships; all of these have strategic moments. We can’t get the optimum results without having a well thought out and actionable strategy. The other day I was trying to remember the last time I went somewhere new without my GPS. Did we really use paper maps back in the day? Don’t they seem so primitive in today’s world? But a paper map was critical for us to get around to new places, especially when traveling to faraway places. My GPS has become my strategic tool to get me from where I am starting to where I need to end up. It is there for me on the journey and even gives me a very encouraging statement at the end; “You have arrived at your destination.” I need to hear that every day!

Strategic leaders are similar to GPS systems in their organizations or teams. A strategic leader is someone who takes all the actions necessary to convert strategy into success for creating competitive advantage. I read somewhere; “Vision without action is a daydream. Action with without vision is a nightmare.” Here are four qualities I believe make up an effective strategic leader:

Be the GPS your team needs. Push them toward a destination that requires a collaborative strategy, the impact will be greater together. And the journey will be a lot of fun. “You have arrived at your destination.”

What type of leader are you?

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT

What Type of Leader Are you?

I can’t begin to recount how many books and articles I have read on leadership over the years. I have been drawn to the importance of leadership since I started in ministry, seeing the importance of leadership in faith settings. What I have found is that just about every book and article on leadership tackles leadership style. There are many different opinions on the types of styles a great leader should have. At its core, leadership style is very subjective. I have found that most styles mirror the personality, background, experience and life history of the leader, as a result it makes it very hard to pigeonhole everyone into one or two styles of effective leadership. Author Peter Drucker is known for saying; “Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”

I have been around a lot of leaders. I have been led by them, influenced by them and even had the opportunity to lead right beside them, what I have found is most leaders fit into one of three categories.

As a leader, always remember it is you who must forge the path toward greatness. Leaders who do this initiate risk, count the cost and paint a picture that all can follow.

An Octopus and an Ice-Covered Unicycle

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT

An Octopus and an Ice-Covered Unicycle

When I was a kid there was a cartoon called the Wonder Twins that I would find myself watching on a Saturday morning. The premise involved a twin brother and sister who were superheroes. Their “superpower” was to put their fists together, say “Wonder Twin powers activate, form a…” and become whatever they said they wanted to be. Supposedly they would become something that would be beneficial for fighting whatever enemy they needed to fight at the time. As a kid, I thought everything they turned it to was cool and innovative. As an adult, I look back on these transformations as very odd and peculiar. Recently I stumbled upon a video of an episode of the wonder twins where they were fighting some kind of evil and they did their thing: put their fists together and became…an octopus and an ice-covered unicycle. Yep you heard me right.

What in the world do an octopus, and an ice-covered unicycle have in common? Absolutely nothing. But this did get me thinking, beyond how weird it is, about the teams we lead. Our teams are made up of a combination of very different skills, talents, emotional maturity, experience, and passions…octopuses and ice-covered unicycles. Great leaders lead through differences, take those differences and make them work together to achieve the vision. If we combine our talents, perspectives, and gifts to lead with one voice we have a different kind of influence with the next generation.

Let’s look at how we do this.

Make sure you encourage your octopuses and your ice-covered unicycles to work together. If you do, you have a much better chance of accomplishing what you set out to achieve

The Most Important "P" in Leadership

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT

The Most Important “P” in Leadership

I spoke to the leader of an organization once who was having trouble moving the organization forward toward its goals. When we sat down to talk I began to ask him specific questions about his challenges and then asked him to tell me some of the things he had done to try and fix those challenges. He did what most leaders do during these types of challenges, he rattled off a lot of policies and procedures he had put into place with his leadership team. He stated that the bulk of his meeting times were spent on strategies and procedures to implement those strategies. I asked him to describe, in one word, his feelings about the current state of his team’s response those policies and procedures.

His response: “Frustrated!”

The reality is he had not truly done anything wrong, he simply needed to reorder his priorities as a leader. Too many leaders jump to policies, procedures or game plans when attempting to execute a vision, reach a goal or fix a problem. Polices, planning and procedures all have a place in the leadership of an organization, the reality is everyone needs recognized boundaries and road maps in order to execute their responsibilities. But this is not where leaders need to invest the bulk of their time. Great leaders understand that it’s always People over Policies . I heard a football coach once say, “we can have the best game plan but if we don’t have the buy in from the players than the game plan is just a sheet of paper.”

As leaders, how can we continue to put people first?

Envision . Great leaders envision how people can best influence the organization toward success. Webster’s definition of envision reads; “to imagine as a future possibility; visualize.” When leaders put people first that are able to see the impact a person can have on the future and then they begin to invest their time into that potential. Eleanor Roosevelt once stated about leading others; “For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” Great leaders, who put people first, design future strategies around the strengths of those they lead; not design people around policies.

Energize . Great leaders create a people first culture by providing leadership and direction that energizes people to achieve goals and tackle policies. Too many times I have seen leaders use policies and strategies in an attempt to build an energetic culture. This type of leadership is never sustainable. Great leaders build a culture where people find their energy around their why instead of a created how. “There are only three measurements that tell you nearly everything you need to know about your organization’s overall performance: employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and cash flow. It goes without saying that no company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.” – Jack Welch, former CEO of GE

Enable. Great leaders who put people first, enable people to lead, succeed and even fail. Leaders who grow frustrated with those they lead are usually leaders who feel they know everything, have all the answers, or don’t trust their people. The most successful organizations are full of people who have the space to feel enabled and empowered to do the work and execute the vision. Steve Jobs, the late CEO of Apple once said, “It's not the tools you have faith in. Tools are just tools -- they work or they don't work. It's the people you have faith in, or not .” - Steve Jobs. Enabling your followers builds strength and allows other leaders to rise to the top of the organization.

Invest in your people and the return may be amazing.

New Leadership

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT

New Leadership

Starting something new can make anyone a little anxious. I can remember when I was hired as the new Atlanta Director for FCA, I had a lot of anxious thoughts. One of those thoughts centered around leadership. When I started this new position I had to decide how I was going lead over 100 staff who really had no idea who I was. In fact, to make things more complex, I was not from the FCA world. I had not led in the field or been where many of my team had been in their years of ministry. I think this can be similar to taking over a new team in athletics. Many of the members of the team have no idea who you are, you may be new to the area or even the culture. In many cases you may be a head coach for the very first time. Regardless of all of these difficult situations though, you and I are given the task to lead.

I had the blessing of learning three principals in leadership that have kept me from capsizing the ship. I believe these principals, if practiced, can benefit new leaders or even seasoned leaders who may be taking on a new mission or casting a new direction. It’s all about leadership pace! President John Quincy Adams once said, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” This is great leadership, the combination of patience and perseverance. Could it be that patience and perseverance can help us lead something new toward sustainability?

Three Principals for Leading Something New

I’ve learned a lot about leadership over the years and one important principal I learned is I can never let the need outpace the resources. There is always need but there are never enough resources to meet every need. Starting small means charting a smaller course, taking one step instead of one leap. This is not the absence of risk or courage, in fact it’s quite the opposite. It actually takes more risk and courage to slow down than to speed up an idea or vision. Don’t feel the need to get everything done now, pace yourself and get some small wins to build momentum. I love the Billy Joel line, “Slow down you're doing fine. You can't be everything you want to be before your time.” And you can’t do everything you want either!

Starting small does not mean your vision needs to be small. Great leaders always have large visions, even ones that may seem impossible to achieve. These visions usually require time. You may have a vision to win a state championship and that may be a big vision depending on your history, lack of resources, doubters or other circumstances. Despite all of that, keep the vision! In the classic book The Magic of Thinking Big David Schwartz writes, “Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” Don’t stop believing Big things!

For anything to be sustainable over time it must have deep roots and deep foundation. Whatever it is that starts small but is still big must be deep in its impact. For example if your goal is to win a state championship, then you ask yourself, why is it important for us to win a state championship? Think beyond the trophy and the accomplishment and think about the deeper impact it may have your teams individuals. At FCA we desire to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. “Every” is a big vision and we know we have to start small, with one coach and one athlete before it can be accomplished. The depth comes in thinking, what could happen to campuses around the world if all coaches and athletes grasped the power of Jesus in their heart and led out from there. “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." -Woodrow Wilson. Make it count!

What Our Team Needs

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT

What Our Team Needs

Leadership comes in many forms and effective leadership is dependent, in many cases, upon the leader themselves. Our experiences, learned responses, gifts, and personality traits all play role in how we lead. I have found it is much harder to change a leadership style, and many times we spend the bulk of our time attempting to change who we are as a leader instead of focusing more on how we are leading. I’m worried that we abandon the needs of people for need for sound strategy. I love what Simon Sinek says about leadership, “A leader's job is not to do the work for others, it's to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible.” In other words, great leaders help others succeed.

Everyone has needs and every team has basic needs that lead to success. Our team needs help to drive sustainable success.

Four Basic’s Our Team Need From Us

Most teams fail for a lack of clear information. Information is where you give your team the necessary resources; clarity of vision, the why behind the what, the game plan to succeed. We can’t expect a team to move toward success if they have not been informed about what that success is. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Leadership is the about people. It’s about having the ability to move people toward a common, transformational goal or cause. Many leaders use strategies to attempt to move people, but the only way to truly move people with passion and purpose is to lead through inspiration. A great leader communicates in a way that connects to the heart before it connects to the head.

Once a team is clear on expected outcomes, and feel that their heart has been connected to that outcome, a great leader must then begin to take steps to walk a team through the journey. This is where strategy and planning begin to take form. The great coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Hope is not a strategy.” A team can be informed and inspired but without the process of beginning to move toward the goal there is no success. We must help our teams walk the steps needed toward the goal.

Lastly great teams need to see the important influence plays in success. This stage allows a team to empower one another by holding each other accountable to the stated goals. If your team is informed, inspired and taking steps toward the goal, many times influence will happen naturally. “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Kenneth Blanchard

Teams

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Teams

I’ve had the honor and privilege to be around great teams at all levels. Having access to teams has opened my eyes to healthy and unhealthy team cultures. A team culture is paramount to the success of a team. Great coaching leaders are able to lean in and lead a healthy culture. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player to play the game, achieved incredible individual success. However the most important thing to him was team success. He once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

In order to understand how to lead a healthy team culture, we have to first see our team for where they are now. Our first part on teams will look at five distinct qualities of ineffective teams.

1. They have a muddy vision.

Teams with no outlined vision are likely headed toward disaster or at the very least are not nearly as likely to reach their fullest potential. Vision must be clear to all team members, but first it must start with a compelling “why.” Thomas Edison said; “Vision without execution is hallucination.” Ineffective teams never truly understand their “why” so they drift from their purpose and effectiveness.

2. They avoid accountability.

It could be argued, that in today’s society, accountability gets a bad wrap. Many times accountability is associated with something negative; however it is just the opposite. Mike Krzyzewski attributes much of the USA Basketball Olympic success to the team holding one another accountable to standards or “collective identity.” It’s accountability that holds the team together. Ineffective teams are not accountable to one another, they don’t take the time to understand one another or help one another toward the desired goal.

3. They refuse responsibility.

I heard years ago, from a speaker, that understanding individual responsibility is key to a healthy organization. Ineffective teams are full of members who “pass the buck” on responsibility. It’s important to always remember that your irresponsibility becomes someone else’s responsibility. Winston Churchill said; “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

4.They are scared of conflict.

Avoiding responsibility is usually rooted in the desire to avoid conflict. Ineffective teams are usually teams that avoid any type of conflict. They see conflict much the same way they view accountability, as being negative. However, just like accountability, dealing with conflict is extremely important for the health of an organization. We have to change the way we view conflict. Stephen Covey is quoted as saying, “To solve our most difficult problems we must change our thinking.” Avoiding anything is never healthy. It’s like the patient who visits the doctor to heave tests run, but never takes the call to learn the results because they don’t want to deal with the responsibility.

5. They don’t trust.

This is the biggest roadblock to teams becoming effective. The lack of trust within a team leads to or many times is a result of the above 4 issues. If a team can’t trust, they can’t move forward. Ernest Hemingway said; “The best way to find out if you can trust someone, is to trust them.” Lack of trust becomes the weighted jacket that keeps teams from gaining momentum, power and productivity.

You may serve on or lead a team that is ineffective in one or more of these areas. The first step in overcoming is to determine how did you get here. Fear not, in the second edition of our blog on teams we will layout what an effective team should look like.

Books for Coaching Leaders

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 05:00:00 GMT

5 Recommended Books for Coaching Leaders

During this season, I thought I would mention 5 books I have found to be very profound and helpful for coaching leaders. Great leaders are always in the process of taking advantage of opportunities and training to be better.

1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand . Incredible true story of inspiration, survival and perseverance.

2. 7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas . The compact stories of seven great leaders in world history and what drove them toward greatness.

3. Becoming a Strategic Leader by Richard Hughes and Katherine Beatty . This is a great book for any leader looking to increase the effectiveness of your role in your organization.

4. The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon . Great read on how to energize your life, work and organization.

5. Pivotal Praying by John Hull and Tim Elmore . I re-read this book at the beginning of every year. It helps me to get back focused on the power of prayer and its effectiveness in times of great need.

These are five books I believe will help you in every area of your life. Find the time to lean in and learn. Great leaders never sleep on progress they are always working to get better.

When things get tough as a coaching leader, what do you consider?

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 05:00:00 GMT

What Do You Consider in Your Leadership?

No one will dispute the fact that coaching leaders have a lot of responsibilities. We are called to lead our homes, families, other people’s children, careers and communities. This calling brings with it a responsibility to be leaders of integrity, perseverance and results. As a result we can become overwhelmed by life. It is important that we take time out to do a self-inventory of where we are in our leadership. One of the greatest books in the Bible focused on leadership are 1 ^st and 2 ^nd Samuel.

Take time to think about these questions in your own life and look over 1 Samuel 12 for some encouragement in your coaching leadership.

As coaching leaders we are called to not only lead our homes, families, businesses, and communities but called to lead through the difficult times. We are called to be “faithful” to the God who provides us with a savior and a heavenly reward. Never ever forget to “consider” this during your times of struggle as a man

You’re doing great! Keep peeling back the onion and exposing your heart to God’s grace, healing and leadership.

Leaving a Mark

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Leaving a Mark

I have mark, behind my right knee, that is a scar from when I fell as kid. I will not go into the gruesome details of the accident but let’s just say it was not pretty. Every time I see the scar it reminds me of the day of the accident but also reminds me of a lot of other events, relationships and other things that happened during that period of my life. That’s what scars do they are marks with a story and those stories are usually attached to other stories which many times shape who we are.

As coaching leaders we leave our own marks on the lives of those we lead, little reminders of our influence in their lives. I started coaching junior lacrosse last year and part of my preparation, besides learning a game I knew nothing about, was thinking through the kind of mark I wanted to leave through my leadership into the lives of these young boys. I believe this is something we should all be mindful of and think through as we prepare to lead through each season. Marks can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes but I believe all marks should contain the same basic attributes.

Coaching leaders will always leave marks. The decision we all must make is what type of mark we want to leave. Remember all marks are part of a story that many will carry around with them for the rest of their lives. When you lead you have a role in the present and the future of those we influence.

Qualities of a CEO Coaching Leader

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Qualities of a CEO Coaching Leader

As coaches we all carry many heavy burdens. Our level of responsibility can vary depending on our level of experience, our school, the number of student athletes or any other number of factors. Many of us see ourselves as CEO’s of our organization, where many decisions and responsibilities stop with us. However, truth be told, all coaches can be CEO type leaders. A CEO Leader makes the decision to lead at a higher level, with a faster pace and a design on greater impact. I wanted to talk some time to engage and equip coaches on what an effective CEO Coaching Leader might just look like. I have found that most CEO’s implement the following 4 activities into their leadership:

1. Be Decisive

2. Engage for Impact

3. Adapt Proactively

4. Deliver Reliability

So, regardless of your level of experience or responsibilities, if you are leader you can lead at a CEO level. Someone said “Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.” Take the time to implement these qualities into your leadership so that you can be a leader others want to follow.

Best,

Dr. Greg Steely