Shannon Caughey
Area Representative
I was raised in central Illinois in a strong Christian home—and in a family that loves sports! Not only did I play multiple sports throughout my growing-up years, I also spent countless hours following Illini football and basketball with my dad. It was through sports—more specifically, the influence of a high school basketball coach who encouraged me to attend an FCA camp—that a key spiritual turning-point took place in my life. While I had come to faith in Christ many years earlier, I was still living largely for myself. Because of what I experienced at this FCA camp, I made a commitment to live fully for Jesus as the Lord and Leader of my life.
While pursuing a business degree at the University of Illinois, I sensed God calling me to full-time ministry. Upon graduating, I married Cathy, whom I had met at a campus Bible study, and a year and a half later we headed to Swaziland, southern Africa, as missionaries. After completing our two-year term, we returned to the States so that I could work toward a Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
For 18 years, I served as a pastor in a wonderful church on the edge of the U of I campus. We stayed connected with FCA through our three children (Josh, Matt, and Anna) who all play sports and have been significantly impacted by FCA’s ministry. When we sensed God directing us to transition out of my Lead Pastor role and into a new season of ministry, we were thrilled that the Lord opened the door for me to join FCA’s staff.
I love FCA’s heart to see Jesus Christ transform the world through the influence of coaches and athletes. I am passionate about helping others grow a life-changing relationship with Christ through his Word so that they love him deeply and love others sacrificially. The opportunity to invest in coaches, and through these coaches to impact athletes, is one that fills me with excitement. I am daily humbled and energized by the privilege God gives me to be part of his work through FCA. My prayer is that Jesus Christ would be glorified as coaches and athletes come to know him, grow as his vibrant disciples, and live for His honor!
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."