To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.
Kristin Stockfisch | A story of place, calling, and welcome
Why Santa Barbara Felt Like Home Before It Became Our Ministry
Santa Barbara was part of our story before it became our ministry home. Austin played a semester of baseball at Westmont between Arizona State and Grand Canyon. I had just started dating him, so I visited—and began falling in love with him and with the place. I remember thinking, “What is this place? It’s the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen.”
About a year or two later, UCSB hosted an FCA camp for high school students. College athletes from Arizona were invited to help, and I went up to serve. Jen Shinn was the huddle leader coordinator. I watched her faithfully doing ministry and thought, “She’s incredible. I want to be like her.”
After serving on FCA staff in Arizona and then Chicago, I ran into Daniel Rich at a Real Time gathering. He asked what my dream was. I told him I’d love to do college ministry for FCA on a beach somewhere. A couple of months later, Barry reached out about a position in Santa Barbara. Eventually, Austin said yes, too.
On our vision trip, we met Jen and Garth at Panera. Jen told me about the secret menu, which immediately made me think she was so cool. More than that, she and Garth welcomed us with generosity. Jen had served faithfully in Santa Barbara and offered wisdom without trying to take over the work. They brought us into a community that was already deeply rooted.
Jen continues to be someone I look to. Having her guide us into a place she loved was a gift—and it helped Santa Barbara feel like home before our ministry there had even begun.
Local Area FCA Blog
