2014 Fields of Faith Promo Video from FCA Vimeo.
A new generation will rise up on Wednesday, October 8, when students gather on athletic fields around the country for FCA’s 10th annual Fields of Faith.
This rapidly-growing, interdenominational outreach event will be held at more than 385 locations throughout the nation. Fields of Faith is a student led ministry in which they invite peers to hear student testimonies, pray for and challenge them to read the Bible and put their faith in Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral rally point where a community can come together.
The national growth of Fields of Faith has been remarkable. More than one million people have attended Fields of Faith since its inception in 2004, and in 2013 alone, over 170,000 students gathered on 463 fields to participate in the event.
It’s not just those numbers that have FCA organizers excited about Fields of Faith. It’s the real-life impact that these gatherings are having on young people. Last year’s series of events saw 5,397 students make first-time faith commitments to follow Jesus Christ, 7,921 recommitted their life to Christ and 9,834 committed to reading the Bible daily.
“The impact of Fields of Faith has been incredible in just these past few years,” said Les Steckel, FCA president and former veteran NFL coach. “It’s all about young people in these communities coming together on their school’s athletic field and challenging each other to go back to the fundamentals of reading God’s Word and coming to faith in Jesus Christ.”
Fields of Faith began with Jeff Martin, current Vice President of Ministry Programs and Resources. Then an FCA area director, he conceived the idea from an Old Testament reference in 2 Chronicles 34 after searching how to help today’s generation of students face spiritual battles and temptations. In the scripture, King Josiah, an influential teenager very similar to Fields of Faith attendees today, gathered his people and challenged them to read God’s word. As a result, they changed their culture.
In 2004, the Josiah-influenced dream came true when 6,000 students gathered on school athletic fields throughout three states for the first Fields of Faith event. That was the beginning of what has become one of the most significant faith-related gathering of students in a single day.
“We have seen God move in powerful ways at stadiums across the country during this time,” Martin said. “Lives have been changed. We’re excited to see what God is going to do this year through FCA and Fields of faith events in the communities our staff and volunteers serve.”
He added, “It’s students challenging students, peers challenging peers, and that’s the heart and soul of Fields of Faith.”
While Fields of Faith has its roots with FCA leadership, the event is designed to include multiple national Christian organizations, local churches and ministries. A local leadership team will determine the program of each Fields of Faith event.
More information about Fields of Faith is available at FieldsofFaith.com.