Quick Links WHAT IS FCA? GET INVOLVED FCA IN ACTION RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL ABOUT SHOP DONATE “If there is ever a question about what God can do with a life totally surrendered, called and risking all to follow His vision, we can point to a young basketball coach from Oklahoma, who in 1954 saw the potential of athletes and coaches to share the gospel with the world.” Les Steckel - Current FCA President Don McClanen, FCA Founder Born Feb. 3, 1925, McClanen was a young athlete and coach in the ’40s and ’50s and wondered why professional athletes endorsed products like shaving cream and cigarettes, but not a Christian lifestyle. That insight became the backbone for one of the largest sports ministries in the world that seeks to serve coaches and athletes, all while bringing glory to Jesus Christ. After reading that 30 million American youth had no religious training, McClanen began posting his articles in the locker room and praying before games. Soon, he was dreaming of a way for well-known Christian athletes to advertise their faith on television and in magazines the way they advertised other household products. But McClanen didn’t know where to start. For seven years before the birth of FCA, McClanen prayed about what the organization would look like and whom it would serve. Eventually, he joined forces with the other FCA “Founding Fathers”—Dr. Louis H. Evans, Dr. Roe Johnston and Branch Rickey, among others—who made FCA come to life. Backed by McClanen’s passion and persistence, the first FCA National Conference was held in 1956 in Estes Park, Colo.—a precursor to today’s FCA Camps, which are now a staple of FCA’s ministry. Today, McClanen’s legacy has immensely far-reaching effects. And thanks to his vision and commitment to God’s will for his life, millions have been changed for the better through their love of sports. McClanen passed away on February 16, 2016, at the age of 91. The Influence and Legacy Obeying God’s Call – Don McClanen FCA Magazine, November 2008 60 Years And Counting FCA Magazine, January 2014 FCA Mourns Passing of Founder FCA.org, February 2016 Donate to the Don McClanen Memorial Fund Birth of FCA Video Extended Version | Shorter Version FCA Resources Radio Interview Sharing the Victory Radio 2008 Caution to the Wind Faith Lessons from the Life of Don McClanen By Joe Murchison Photos 1 / 9 High Resolution Downloads for Media Outlets - Original Headshot - Updated Headshot Don Through The Years Invitation Letter Quote FCA Timeline, March 1954 Don Explains The Name “Fellowship of Christian Athletes” FCA Timeline, September 1954 FCA Founded FCA Timeline, November 1954 FCA’s Founding Fathers FCA Timeline, November 1954 First National Conference (Camp) at Estes Park, Colorado FCA Timeline, August 1956 The Founder, The Football Legend and The Preacher FCA Timeline, December 1957 Leave a Tribute About Don Fellowship of Christian Athletes © 2020 8701 Leeds Road | Kansas City, MO 64129 Phone: 800.289.0909 Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM CST Fri - 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM CST Comments or Questions, fca@fca.org Privacy Policy | Donor Privacy Policy | Report a Problem Sitemap | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube What is FCA? Get Started International Stories FCA In Action FCA STAFF TeamNet Help Center FCAU About Us Vision & Mission History Careers Donate Most Popular Find Local Staff Local Staff Websites Ministry Leader Application Employment Opportunities Start Ministry Daily Impact Play Email e-Newsletters Submit a Story Logos & Photos Student Rights Request to Certify Your Ministry