Building a Network of Faith: How Mobilized Volunteers Transform Campus Ministry

One of the most important lessons I've learned in ministry is this: it can't be a one-man band. When I look at all these schools across our area—each with their unique needs, cultures, and challenges—I know that no single person can effectively serve them all. That's where the power of mobilized volunteers comes in, and it's transforming how we reach students for Christ. 

At FCA, we call them "mobilized volunteers," but I like to think of them as multipliers of ministry. These are dedicated believers who go through our Ministry Leadership application process, watch a 30-minute training video, and commit to being part of something bigger than themselves. But they're so much more than just helpers—they're essential partners in reaching every corner of every campus. 

Let me tell you about what's happening at Medina Valley High School. We have a mobilized volunteer there who's taken what we call the "SALT" approach—Student Athlete Leadership Team training program. Instead of just leading Bible studies themselves, they’re training students to lead their own peers. Think about that for a moment: we're not just ministering to students; we're equipping them to minister to others. That's what we mean when we talk about engage, equip, and empower so they can be sent. 

This approach is critical because every school has its own unique DNA. The needs of students at Holmes High School are different from those at Stevens High School and different from those at Sotomayor, and the culture at Warren is different from the culture at Clark. That's why we need volunteers from different backgrounds, representing our multi-ethnic culture. When we have the right fit—volunteers who understand the specific context of their school—we can reach kids more effectively than any one person ever could. 

Here's what makes mobilized volunteers so powerful: 

1. They bring diverse perspectives and experiences 

2. They understand their local school culture 

3. They can build consistent, long-term relationships 

4. They multiply our ability to reach students 

5. They create sustainable ministry that doesn't depend on one person 

But this isn't just about expanding our reach—it's about deepening our impact. When mobilized volunteers get plugged into a school, they don't just run programs; they build relationships. They become familiar faces that students can count on seeing regularly. They create safe spaces where kids can ask questions, share struggles, and grow in their faith. 

One of our ultimate goals is to connect students with local churches. As an FCA representative, I know we're not the church—we're a bridge to it. Our mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and the church. Our mobilized volunteers, many of whom are already connected to local churches, help make these connections natural and meaningful. 

I've seen this work beautifully at middle schools in Northside and even at elementary schools in Medina Valley. When we have the right volunteers in place, the ministry takes root and grows organically. Students who were once just participants become leaders themselves, creating a cycle of discipleship that can impact a school for years to come. 

For anyone considering becoming a mobilized volunteer, know this: you don't have to be a former coach or athlete. You don't need decades of ministry experience. What you need is a heart for students, a commitment to being present, and a willingness to let God use you. The training we provide will give you the tools you need; your faithfulness will create the impact. 

And for those already serving as mobilized volunteers: thank you. You're not just helping run programs or lead Bible studies—you're transforming campus ministry. Every time you show up, every conversation you have, every student you mentor is making a difference that goes far beyond what any one person could accomplish alone. 

To my fellow FCA staff and representatives: we have to think bigger than ourselves. We need to be actively looking for and developing mobilized volunteers who can multiply our impact. Remember, we're not losing control by sharing responsibility—we're gaining partners in ministry who can help us reach more students more effectively. 

Building a network of faith through mobilized volunteers isn't just a strategy—it's a biblical model. Jesus himself invested in disciples who would then go and make more disciples. Paul mentored Timothy, who was then instructed to teach others who would teach even more people. This pattern of multiplication is how the early church grew, and it's how effective campus ministry grows today. 

As I look at the schools in our area, I don't see impossible challenges—I see opportunities for mobilized volunteers to make a difference. Every campus represents countless students who need to know they're loved by God, and every mobilized volunteer represents the potential to reach those students in ways I never could alone. 

The future of campus ministry isn't in having more staff or bigger budgets—it's in mobilizing volunteers who can build authentic relationships and create sustainable ministry in their local schools. Together, we're not just building programs; we're building a network of faith that can transform lives, schools, and communities for Christ.