Overview
FCA Policies
As a volunteer with FCA, it is important to understand our Statement of Faith, policies and guidelines regarding behavior. We ask that all participants who go on a FCA International Trip complete a Ministry Leader Application, or MLA. If you already have completed an MLA, then please notify your team leader.
FCA is an interdenominational organization. We recognize that there are differing views among denominations. You will meet people who do not believe as you do on all points of doctrine. Remember that the Kingdom of God is unique in that we, as God’s people from around the world, can maintain unity in the midst of diversity. However, unity is not easily maintained and unless we are committed to a few basic principles, these differences can cause tension and disunity on our team.
To maintain unity, let us agree to disagree on issues which are not essential to salvation and continue to love and accept one another (Romans 14). We realize people will not agree on issues such as baptism, the work of the Holy Spirit, eschatology, etc., but we can unite around the absolute essentials of the faith concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture and salvation by grace through faith.
Read FCA’s Statement of Faith »
As you serve in a different country, you will be exposed to a different culture and may encounter other believers whose practice of public prayer and worship differ from what you consider familiar or normal. The strong imposition of one person’s view of a particular issue upon another is unsuitable. Let us respect those who differ from us. FCA and our partnering organizations choose to work with churches, organizations and individuals that hold the Bible as God’s authoritative Word and who see it as the basis of faith and living. Being both an international and interdenominational organization, FCA emphasizes the necessity of “agreeing to disagree” on secondary theological issues in order to work together for the transformation of the lives of coaches and athletes.
You will be representing Jesus Christ, FCA and our partnering organizations/individuals on this trip. Your service on this trip supports ongoing ministry and partnership efforts in your destination country. Your actions and words can impact future teams and future ministry opportunities.
If at any point before, during or after your trip you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your Trip Leader.
Failure to comply with FCA’s Guidelines (outlined in this section and in the MLA) may result in being asked to return home at your own expense.
THE FCA VALUES:
- Integrity - We will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately and publicly. (Proverbs 11:3)
- Serving - We will model Jesus’ example of serving. (John 13:1-17)
- Teamwork - We will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships. (Philippians 2:1-4)
- Excellence - We will honor and glorify God in all we do. (Colossians 3:23-24)
At some point on your trip you will encounter a situation that is completely foreign and awkward (food, language, local traditions, behavior, hygiene practices). Your reaction to the foreign and awkward will either allow you to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of this world or cause conflict and discomfort while limiting your ability to listen to God during your trip. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Your comfort zone might be challenged but with a humble heart and desire to learn, God will be able to show and teach you some incredible things while on your trip.
Be aware and sensitive to what the locals are doing and follow their lead. Do they remove their shoes before entering buildings? How do they greet each other? Do they sit on the floor? Eat with their hands? Be careful what you ask of your hosts – many cultures will go out of their way to make sure you, as their guests, are comfortable; even if it means scrambling behind the scenes to fulfill a spoken request. If you are eating dinner and there are no forks, napkins or similar “familiar” item, avoid asking for one as it may not be something they use in their culture. Your in-country hosts will be excited to share their culture with you. Feel free to ask them questions with respect and a desire to learn.
Avoid nationality jokes and unnecessary generalizations which can cause hurt feelings and create disunity (i.e., Americans are always loud, Italians always wave their hands). Sensitivity, kindness, and respect will make a big difference. Be cautious if someone wants to discuss political issues. Many non-US citizens have a strong opinion about US foreign policy and sometimes political discussions can cause dissention or become a distraction.
Attitudes toward alcohol and smoking vary from culture to culture. In some countries, your salvation may be questioned if you drink. However, there are some countries (i.e., France and Germany) where believers do drink alcohol in moderation. Certain things which may be considered “sinful” in one culture may be acceptable in another.
Please be tolerant and avoid a judgmental attitude when facing issues with which you do not agree (Matt 7:1-5).
If you have never been in another country or culture before, you will find things to be different from the way they are in America. The book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier will greatly aid your understanding of different cultures.
The primary purposes of FCA International Trips are to serve the Lord, serve one another and reach others with the Gospel, so we ask you not to initiate or pursue a relationship of a romantic nature for the duration of the trip. After the trip is over you may pursue a relationship as you please, but for this short period of time we want you to be able to give yourself wholeheartedly to serving, evangelism and spiritual growth.
Some situations to avoid in this regard are prolonged conversations, private prayer walks or intensive counseling sessions with the opposite sex. Please also be aware of how you behave toward other people so that your actions are not misinterpreted. For instance, a friendly hug may be misunderstood by others on the team. In the case of existing relationships, whether in or outside the team, try to be discreet and sensitive. If doubts, questions or strong feelings arise, speak with your Trip Leader, but please do not discuss your feelings with the person concerned or a fellow team member.
- Personalities - As we are all aware, people come in different shapes, sizes and temperaments. Some of your team members may be untidy, loud, stubborn, shy, uncooperative, etc. Be patient, tolerant, forgiving, open, honest, kind, gentle, communicative and most of all, loving. Remember we are all in the process of growing. You may be asked to work long hours in less than ideal conditions in the name of serving our Lord.
- Have a team attitude – Humbly focus on the team at all times and submit to the team leader, even when it isn’t easy or you do not agree with a decision. Please be on time for all devotions, meetings, and outreaches.
- Be flexible – Maintain a patient, creative and flexible spirit that can be used by God.
- Respect the Nationals – It is easy to approach a new culture with the mindset that “we are better.” We ask that you respect, and do not degrade the national workers. Make every effort to value and lift them up. Try to learn from them when possible, regardless of circumstances.
FCA is an interdenominational organization. We recognize that there are differing views among denominations. You will meet people who do not believe as you do on all points of doctrine. Remember that the Kingdom of God is unique in that we, as God’s people from around the world, can maintain unity in the midst of diversity. However, unity is not easily maintained and unless we are committed to a few basic principles, these differences can cause tension and disunity on our team.
To maintain unity, let us agree to disagree on issues which are not essential to salvation and continue to love and accept one another (Romans 14). We realize people will not agree on issues such as baptism, the work of the Holy Spirit, eschatology, etc., but we can unite around the absolute essentials of the faith concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture and salvation by grace through faith.
Read FCA’s Statement of Faith »
As you serve in a different country, you will be exposed to a different culture and may encounter other believers whose practice of public prayer and worship differ from what you consider familiar or normal. The strong imposition of one person’s view of a particular issue upon another is unsuitable. Let us respect those who differ from us. FCA and our partnering organizations choose to work with churches, organizations and individuals that hold the Bible as God’s authoritative Word and who see it as the basis of faith and living. Being both an international and interdenominational organization, FCA emphasizes the necessity of “agreeing to disagree” on secondary theological issues in order to work together for the transformation of the lives of coaches and athletes.
You will be representing Jesus Christ, FCA and our partnering organizations/individuals on this trip. Your service on this trip supports ongoing ministry and partnership efforts in your destination country. Your actions and words can impact future teams and future ministry opportunities.
If at any point before, during or after your trip you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your Trip Leader.
Failure to comply with FCA’s Guidelines (outlined in this section and in the MLA) may result in being asked to return home at your own expense.
THE FCA VALUES:
- Integrity - We will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately and publicly. (Proverbs 11:3)
- Serving - We will model Jesus’ example of serving. (John 13:1-17)
- Teamwork - We will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships. (Philippians 2:1-4)
- Excellence - We will honor and glorify God in all we do. (Colossians 3:23-24)
At some point on your trip you will encounter a situation that is completely foreign and awkward (food, language, local traditions, behavior, hygiene practices). Your reaction to the foreign and awkward will either allow you to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of this world or cause conflict and discomfort while limiting your ability to listen to God during your trip. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Your comfort zone might be challenged but with a humble heart and desire to learn, God will be able to show and teach you some incredible things while on your trip.
Be aware and sensitive to what the locals are doing and follow their lead. Do they remove their shoes before entering buildings? How do they greet each other? Do they sit on the floor? Eat with their hands? Be careful what you ask of your hosts – many cultures will go out of their way to make sure you, as their guests, are comfortable; even if it means scrambling behind the scenes to fulfill a spoken request. If you are eating dinner and there are no forks, napkins or similar “familiar” item, avoid asking for one as it may not be something they use in their culture. Your in-country hosts will be excited to share their culture with you. Feel free to ask them questions with respect and a desire to learn.
Avoid nationality jokes and unnecessary generalizations which can cause hurt feelings and create disunity (i.e., Americans are always loud, Italians always wave their hands). Sensitivity, kindness, and respect will make a big difference. Be cautious if someone wants to discuss political issues. Many non-US citizens have a strong opinion about US foreign policy and sometimes political discussions can cause dissention or become a distraction.
Attitudes toward alcohol and smoking vary from culture to culture. In some countries, your salvation may be questioned if you drink. However, there are some countries (i.e., France and Germany) where believers do drink alcohol in moderation. Certain things which may be considered “sinful” in one culture may be acceptable in another.
Please be tolerant and avoid a judgmental attitude when facing issues with which you do not agree (Matt 7:1-5).
If you have never been in another country or culture before, you will find things to be different from the way they are in America. The book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier will greatly aid your understanding of different cultures.
The primary purposes of FCA International Trips are to serve the Lord, serve one another and reach others with the Gospel, so we ask you not to initiate or pursue a relationship of a romantic nature for the duration of the trip. After the trip is over you may pursue a relationship as you please, but for this short period of time we want you to be able to give yourself wholeheartedly to serving, evangelism and spiritual growth.
Some situations to avoid in this regard are prolonged conversations, private prayer walks or intensive counseling sessions with the opposite sex. Please also be aware of how you behave toward other people so that your actions are not misinterpreted. For instance, a friendly hug may be misunderstood by others on the team. In the case of existing relationships, whether in or outside the team, try to be discreet and sensitive. If doubts, questions or strong feelings arise, speak with your Trip Leader, but please do not discuss your feelings with the person concerned or a fellow team member.
- Personalities - As we are all aware, people come in different shapes, sizes and temperaments. Some of your team members may be untidy, loud, stubborn, shy, uncooperative, etc. Be patient, tolerant, forgiving, open, honest, kind, gentle, communicative and most of all, loving. Remember we are all in the process of growing. You may be asked to work long hours in less than ideal conditions in the name of serving our Lord.
- Have a team attitude – Humbly focus on the team at all times and submit to the team leader, even when it isn’t easy or you do not agree with a decision. Please be on time for all devotions, meetings, and outreaches.
- Be flexible – Maintain a patient, creative and flexible spirit that can be used by God.
- Respect the Nationals – It is easy to approach a new culture with the mindset that “we are better.” We ask that you respect, and do not degrade the national workers. Make every effort to value and lift them up. Try to learn from them when possible, regardless of circumstances.
