Life in ministry and sports can be hard. It helps to have people who get it.
That’s why co-founders Sarah Roberts and Mindy Hopman came up with [THE] Huddle: for women, a gathering event for female coaches, athletes and staff to pray and worship together, hear biblical teaching, and have a space to share struggles and how God is working in their hearts.
A video and curriculum series that will be released on January 25, [THE] Huddle: for women brings women together in homes, churches, coffee shops and any meeting space to watch teaching videos and create authentic community.
“From the very first meeting we had, we knew that if God was in it, we couldn’t stop it, and if He wasn’t, we couldn’t force it,” said Roberts, FCA Georgia Director with Pro and Elite. “That’s why the foundation of [THE] Huddle: for women is and will always be PRAYER.”
This is the fifth year of the [THE] Huddle: for women. What began as a way to connect with female coaches and athletes in small groups quickly pivoted in 2020, when COVID-19 closed in-person gatherings, and the teaching was recorded and streamed online.
This approach evolved into a format that blended live, in-person events with opportunities for staff to watch session recordings and attend live breakout sessions dedicated to ministry and personal development.
“When Mindy approached me about partnering with her in creating an experience for FCA women in sport, I was beyond excited, but more importantly, hopeful,” said Roberts. “I knew we had a unique opportunity to create something I wish I had 22 years ago coming on staff with FCA: both a community of female staff to do this ministry life alongside, and resources geared specifically for the woman in sport.”
The live filming and staff development week were hosted at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island, Ga., a tranquil campus on the Frederica River, with sprawling moss trees, palm trees lining the river walk, and white-painted chapels scattered along the property.
The theme verse is John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,’” but the curriculum guides through FCA’s ministry theme, this year’s journey exploring God’s glory. Everything is centered around Scripture.
“Jesus' words gave us a sense of urgency, and we knew we did not want to miss the moment,” said Hopman, FCA Florida Regional Director of Ministry Advancement. “We wanted EVERY female to have the opportunity to meet Jesus right where they are (home, dugout, gym, court, field, etc.).
Throughout the week, thoughtful personal touches made the experience truly special. Each table was beautifully set and attendees received gift bags filled with goodies like journals, an encouraging book, a tea candle and a Huddle sweatshirt. A cozy cottage was transformed into an intimate prayer room with words of encouragement for each attendee that were personally prayed over by the Huddle Lead Team. The week also included moments of worship and an afternoon of free time with options to explore the island and spend time in fellowship.
The event also featured Run to Remember, a 5K run/walk in honor of Paul Cifaldi, FCA Regional Director of Donor and Board Advancement for the Carolinas Region who passed away this summer from a cancer battle. Cifaldi championed the Huddle from the beginning.
A special touch this year was the generational connections. Women from the early years of ministry, pioneers in serving female coaches and athletes, mingled with young staff, some as new to FCA staff as just a few weeks.
“What hope I have for the future of FCA with the generation He is raising up,” said FCA Chief Advancement Officer Debbie Jobe. “To God be the Glory for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will do!”
It’s a community that cares. Roberts, Hopman and their leadership team want every woman to feel seen and valued. Unity was a central theme that resounded throughout the week. “You are not alone” was a saying heard in messages and staff interactions that lived it out. Women left feeling cared for, seen, encouraged and equipped.
“My heart’s desire is for all the women on our FCA staff to have the opportunity to experience this type of community and fellowship as they serve and lead and live out God’s call for them in FCA,” said Jobe.
There’s much to be excited about with [THE] Huddle: for women in the coming years, but Hopman and Roberts won’t rely on old manna.
“We have set [THE] Huddle: for women before God and asked Him to lead us as we lead others,” said Hopman. “We do not want to rely on our past experiences but rather inquire of the Lord for wisdom and discernment into next year. We know the best is yet to come!”
To learn more about [THE] Huddle: for women and view the resources and teaching, visit thehuddleforwomen.org.
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