The Ohio State University’s college football national championship victory brought the faith of those young athletes to the fore. Not just them but also the Christian faith of their opponents, the University of Notre Dame. And not just football but athetes in other sports are vocal about their faith. And not just athletes but young people in general seem less reticent than older people to express their faith publicly.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action are organizations I’ve heard of that help athletes grow in their faith.

Other organizations focus on specific disciplines. For example, Fellowship for Performing Arts has a Campus Initiative that brings CS Lewis to campuses around the US.

At a more general level, I’ve heard of UniteUS, which holds events on college campuses, and Passion Conferences, which does similar things. No doubt there are more groups that serve young people and help them grow in their Christian faith.

Takeaways for young people preparing for adulthood:

• Embrace Your Faith Boldly – Young people today are more open about expressing their faith in public settings compared to older generations. Take advantage of this cultural shift to live out your beliefs confidently.
• Seek Faith-Based Communities – Organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Athletes in Action provide support and encouragement for athletes looking to grow in their faith. Similar groups exist for other disciplines.
• Look for Faith-Based Opportunities in Your Field – Whether you are in sports, performing arts, or other disciplines, there are organizations that integrate faith with professional growth, such as the Fellowship for Performing Arts Campus Initiative.
• Engage with Broad Faith Movements – Groups like UniteUS and Passion Conferences offer opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship on a larger scale, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose with peers.
• Develop a Support System – Connecting with faith-based organizations can provide mentorship, accountability, and encouragement as you navigate the challenges of adulthood.
• Take Advantage of Campus Resources – Many colleges host events and programs that support Christian students in their faith journey. Stay informed and get involved to build a strong spiritual foundation.
• Be an Example to Others – As young people become more open about their faith, they can inspire others by demonstrating integrity, humility, and service in their daily lives.
• Balance Faith and Professional Goals – Use your faith as a guiding force in making career and life decisions, ensuring your values align with your ambitions.
• Stay Connected Beyond College – Continue involvement with faith-based organizations and conferences to maintain spiritual growth and connections beyond your academic years.
• Recognize the Diversity of Faith Expressions – While Christianity is prominent in many of these organizations, be open to learning from different expressions and practices within the broader Christian community.

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