From Coach-Led to Student-Led: A Practical Roadmap for FCA Huddles
The ultimate goal is to cultivate empowered students who embrace their faith and take ownership in leading FCA Huddles.
4-minute read
Gospel Imperative
The goal of discipleship is multiplication, not dependency. Jesus didn't create followers who needed Him to do everything—He equipped disciples who would carry His message forward. Student-led ministry isn't just an FCA best practice; it's a biblical model of empowerment that transforms passive attendees into active leaders.
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." — 2 Timothy 2:2
I'll never forget the first student-led huddle I witnessed at Roosevelt High School this year. About sixty students divided into small groups, each with a scripture posted on the wall.
Each group had a student explain the scripture, then facilitate discussion about how it applied to their lives. What made this huddle so memorable? The students were leading! Coaches circulated between groups, but their role had shifted. Instead of delivering the message, they were summarizing what students discovered. The kids opened in prayer. The kids closed in prayer. The transformation was real.
But Roosevelt didn't start there.
Here's the roadmap that works:
Phase 1: Active Participation You can start by having students read the scriptures aloud instead of the coaches doing the reading. It sounds simple, but it breaks the "sit and listen" mentality. At Madison High School, when I led an impromptu devotional using the four-symbol FCA bracelet, I made sure different students read each scripture—John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9. Every kid who read became more engaged than those who just listened.
Phase 2: Personal Application Once students are comfortable reading scripture, the coaches invited them to share how a scripture applied to their life. It started with volunteers. At Roosevelt, after students read their group's scripture, each person had the opportunity to give input on how they can apply the scripture in their life. Not every student shared immediately—but creating the space matters.
Phase 3: Student Facilitation The leadership responsibility shifted gradually. A student facilitated a small group discussion while the coach observed. Then students get to choose which scriptures to study. They also get the opportunity to lead the opening or closing prayer. These incremental steps build confidence without overwhelming them. Little by little, the students start to grow in their faith and boldness.
Phase 4: Full Student Ownership The ultimate goal—students plan, lead, and facilitate the entire huddle while coaches provide support and accountability. This is where Roosevelt is getting close to now, and it's beautiful to watch. The goal is to establish a student-athlete leadership team, known in FCA as S.A.L.T. (Student-Athlete Leadership Team).
The reality is that every school is different. Madison is still more coach-led, and that's okay. The timeline isn’t as important as the trajectory. Some schools need a semester to transition; others need a year. The key is intentionally moving students from passive recipients to active leaders at a pace that meets them where they're at.
Heart Check
Imagine releasing even more trust and ownership to those you're pouring into—what that would look like, and how might it deepen their faith and confidence?
2. Are there areas where you need to practice patience with someone's spiritual journey? How can you find joy in each small step of progress and celebrate God's work in their life?
Who in your life is showing signs they’re ready to step into greater leadership? What gentle invitation could you extend to encourage them to take that next meaningful step this week?
Invest in Student Leaders
Student-led ministry doesn't happen by accident—it requires patient, strategic investment. Your support of FCA makes this transition possible. It takes time and consistent presence to coach students through this journey. Right now, I'm working with five high schools at different stages of this journey, and each one needs sustained presence.