This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
Coaches TimeOut (CTO), FCA’s marriage ministry to coaches, is designed to help coaches and their spouses grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. CTO events are marriage experiences tailored for coaches and spouses. Hosted in a variety of settings across the globe, CTO events aim to help coaches and spouses in the following ways:
Reinvest Relationally
Spouses spend time getting back to the fundamentals of marriage, focusing on quality conversations and intentional time together.
Rest Meaningfully
A properly timed timeout can shift momentum. CTO events offer a change of place and a change of pace, which leads to a change in perspective. Coaches and spouses get the time they need to reevaluate the game plan for their marriage. Coaches and spouses can step away from the pressures back home and find space to make any necessary 
adjustments in their relationship.
Renew Spiritually
Discipleship is at the heartbeat of CTO events. We believe that transformation in coaches’ marriages is possible through Jesus Christ. Coaches and spouses will be inspired and will cultivate a deeper faith through Christ-centered biblical teaching.
If timeouts can change the outcome of a game, what can Coaches TimeOut do for your marriage?
CTO is another marker on the journey for deep discipleship with coaches.
Coaches TimeOut speakers and breakout sessions focus on three main topics:
Faith
Regardless of where coaches are at on their faith journey, Jesus Christ has a greater plan for their marriage. When He’s at the center, everything changes in the lives of coaches and their spouses.
Family
Coaches are always on the go. Oftentimes they realize that they spend more time in the locker room than they do at the dinner table. When the scoreboard turns off and they return home, a coach’s spouse and family shouldn’t need to settle for whatever’s left of them. Families should get a coach’s best.
Finance
Whether a coach makes a little or a lot, a lack of intentionality can cause financial pressure to increase strain on their marriage. With a foundation of biblical principles, coaches can steward their money in healthy ways.
CTO Event Reactions:
“The FCA Getaway was a game-changer and eye-opener. FCA gave us strategies and resources to combat our communication deficiencies. Above all, FCA taught and preached that God must come first in your life. My wife and I will commit to praying together every day.”—Passaic High School Baseball Coach (N.J.)
“My wife and I sincerely thought this getaway was extremely fruitful. We spent the entire hour-and-a-half drive back talking about how honest and transparent [the speakers were] and how great it was to connect with other couples. We have gained more than just spiritual clarity from 
sharing our thoughts and notes. I want to say thank you for expanding our knowledge, love for the Lord and for each other.”—Harrison High School Football Coach (N.J.)
"I thank God for FCA for creating venues and opportunities for me to be sharpened."—Jayson Gee, College Men's Basketball Coach
"My wife and I have been positively affected by multiple FCA marriage retreats. The Coaches TimeOuts have strengthened our marriage and our faith. With my position as a head varsity football coach, our lives are busy trying to serve 60-plus players and parents. We always come back from these FCA retreats with renewed and fresh faith. I highly recommend you and your spouse take the time to attend a CTO so you can honor Christ in your marriage."—Tim, Football Coach from Indiana
"This was my first time at such an event. Everything was wonderful. It was interesting to listen to different people and different stories. I will appreciate and love my husband. I thank God for everything."—Arpi, Wife of Boxing Coach
"This was our first time at such a family retreat. The meaning of the retreat was 100 percent embodied. We rebooted and escaped from the everyday hustle and bustle; cleared our heads; met and sincerely communicated with wonderful, kind and bright people; through serious topics; laughed and much more. It was also nice to be in a warm, international atmosphere in united glorification of the Lord!"—Kostya, Mixed Martial Arts Coach
"We made a new commitment for the new year to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and build our romance."—Attendee in Cambodia
We trust that God will continue to use CTO to save and strengthen coaches’ marriages across the globe. Like never before, FCA is ready to help coaches and spouses win where it matters most—at home.
Based on FCA’s annual ministry theme, the all-new CTO Handbook guides coaches and spouses through biblical lessons and application questions for their marriages. Visit www.cto.fca.org to learn more and find a CTO in your area.
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