“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20
The history of the modern-day circular huddle was invented in 1894 by Gallaudet University football player Paul D. Hubbard. It was created as a strategy to protect their play calling from opposing teams. However, people have been huddling up since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve even huddled in the garden to figure out a game plan after eating the fruit. For many different reasons, we circle up in all areas of life: sports, family, business, church and social.
6 purposes of the huddle:
1. Rest - Refuel and regroup
2. Game Plan - Create clarity and alignment on strategy
3. Preparation - Provide instruction and insight
4. Motivation - Give encouragement and inspiration
5. Correction - Make changes
6. Celebration - Recognize success
Even though there is power, value and purpose in the huddle, there has to come a time to break the huddle. You can’t stay in the huddle forever! You even get penalized in sports when you huddle too long. Nobody wants all talk and no action. The power of the huddle is what happens after you break the huddle, and you only know if a huddle is successful after the huddle is broken. Time reveals the impact of the huddle.
In the church, there has been a huge emphasis on the small group over the last 30 years. We have seen the church get people out of sitting in rows and into circles. Sharing and sharpening one another in small groups has been transformational. However, we often stop with just circling up. Huddles are meant to be broken, not to sit in the holy huddle.
4 reasons to break the huddle:
1. Impact - You make a contribution.
2. Growth - You fulfill your potential.
3. Accomplishment - The team fulfills its purpose.
4. Experience - You grow from losses and victories.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus was breaking the huddle. The disciples were enjoying the huddle and didn’t want to go. They were commanded to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world, but they got stuck in Jerusalem. They were comfortable. Jesus said, “Disciples go make disciples!” Making disciples was the game plan. He was communicating the strategy not only for the disciples but the entire Church. There is value in gathering, but we must scatter. We often get stuck in the huddle like the disciples, but we must break the huddle and go!
FCA is breaking the huddle. We are engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to first become disciples and then make disciples. We desire to lead every coach and every athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. And we aren’t just focused on Jerusalem but also Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world! Since 2013, we have witnessed God opening doors for us to minister in over 73 countries. We broke the huddle!
Huddle up with us! But just know we will break it, so that God can use us to impact the world!
Father, thank You for the blessing to huddle up with others to grow and learn. But, Lord, there is a time and place to break the huddle for Kingdom work. Show me where You desire for me to go and make disciples. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.