By George Archer, F288074
April 2016
FMCA currently has eight Coaches for Christ chapters. Each functions independently, yet they share the common purpose of providing faith-based fellowship, spiritual encouragement, and prayer support. This is accomplished through meetings, rallies, websites, emails, and participation in FMCA morning devotionals.
In the fall of 2011, CFC chapters joined together in Branson, Missouri, for the first National Coaches for Christ Rally. It was a huge success, with many calls to do it again. That dream came true in July 2015 with the second National Coaches for Christ Rally in beautiful, historic Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. A rally planning advisory committee, composed of CFC chapter presidents, was led by George Archer from the Coaches for Christ – South Central chapter. George and his wife, Darline, served as rally masters.
Every rally attendee volunteered to help make it happen. The genesis of the volunteer plan was that 90 percent of the volunteers had a one-time assignment, leaving them open to fully enjoy the recreational, spiritual, and relational aspects of the rally. Such great involvement helped the rally reach its goal of building fellowship and community among all CFC chapter members, providing spiritual growth for individuals, and encouraging and supporting each chapter.
Each day, the early bird-coffee and midmorning brunch were prepared by volunteer teams. Other volunteers oversaw logistical operations. Following brunch, three teachers, all representing different chapters, led Bible study. Bible study was followed by 12 discussion groups, led by people from all of the CFC chapters. This turned out to be the highlight of each day.
Three CFC musicians led the singing each morning and evening. At midafternoon, volunteers led game time and sight-seeing. Delicious evening dinners were prepared and served by more volunteers. Evening worship, with music by our three musicians and Dickey Bryan, a CFC member and pastor, was very inspirational. The final evening concluded with a gospel concert by Dane Bailey, a CFC member known as “The Singing Auctioneer.”
FMCA Executive Board members who attended were national president Charlie Adcock and his wife, Gloria, and national senior vice president Jon Walker and his wife, Sondra. Current national secretary Gaye Young and her husband, Jerry, also attended.
Leaders representing the various Coaches for Christ chapters included Rick Guhse, Rusty La Barre, James Dykes, Dane Bailey, Dave Nelson, Frank Taber, Clint Smith, and Jerry Andre.