This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
For our staff profile, we thought it would be fun to have perspectives from both the oldest and the newest tenured staff.
After coaching for 20 years, Julie Brooker stepped down to support her husband, Michael, and his coaching. In June, she and Michael and their two children moved from Douglasville, Ga. to Raleigh, N.C. She connected with her friend, Douglas County Director James Walker, who had connections with FCA in the N.C. Triangle area, and after conversations and prayer, Brooker stepped out in faith, went to Boot Camp in September and officially started her role as a Representative at North Carolina State University as of January 1, 2025. She is a character coach with the N.C. State softball team and is envisioning ways to grow softball ministry in the area.
What made you consider joining FCA?
I love FCA. I helped with the Huddles at my schools when I was teaching and coaching and have done camps and trips with FCA throughout the years. I always felt called to coach, but I never understood what a fantastic organization FCA is and that it could be a full-time job and livelihood. But the more I was educated about it and talked with staff like Bob Wiedemann, Johnny Evans and Elizabeth Ledford, I realized the opportunity that was there and how blessed am I that this is a next phase of being a coach, where I can be plugged in as a character coach on the team and still be employed by FCA.
What’s something you’re learning about FCA now that you’re on staff?
It's more fantastic of an organization than I could have ever imagined. Being on a team "of staff" as strong as the Triangles, I see how many great opportunities there really are. I can't believe the benefits and the way I’ve gotten plugged in with so many high school and middle school coaches. And now, at the collegiate level, that is just an absolute dream come true for me because I was a college softball player but chose to go the high school coaching route and it's next to impossible to get back into the college coaching ranks if you don't jump in and be a graduate assistant from the get-go. So, to be 20 years removed from playing ball and now to be with N.C. State softball, I didn't realize that sort of opportunity existed.
What’s something God has been showing you about Himself?
When you put God first, absolutely anything is possible. And living in complete trust and without fear. When trying to make the decision [to join FCA], I've never been in ministry, so I wondered if I really could do this full time. It was like, “This is here. Are you brave enough to do it?” Regardless of what friends, family or anyone else thought, I came to the point where this is what God wants and I'm going to go for it. And He's just blessed me immeasurably.
On the other end of the spectrum is Steve Robinson, Tennessee FCA Director Emeritus, who has served 52 years on staff. Raised in a strong Christian home, Robinson came to Christ at a young age. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he played football and became deeply involved in FCA. Shortly after graduating, he felt unfulfilled. At a New Year's Eve church service on December 31, 1972, he fully surrendered to wherever God led. The very next day, he received a call that led to the FCA job in Nashville.
What was it like when you came on staff?
In 1973, FCA had 25 to 30 staff nationally. Our Nashville Board only had enough money for one year and said that if God was in it, the money would come. In 52 years, I've never missed a paycheck. God has been faithful! Back then, we had little to no real training. It was sink or swim. Above all, I sought to keep FCA centered on Jesus. I started in 15 to 18 high schools and colleges, growing steadily each year.
What have been some highlights during your time with FCA?
The greatest highlight has been seeing coaches and athletes come to Christ and grow in their relationship with Him and now being used powerfully by God. A favorite example is a young athlete we sent to camp in 1984 at St. Simon’s Island, Ga. That young man is now our Tennessee State Director — Brian Harrell. A favorite FCA camp I directed was in 1994, FCA's 30th anniversary at Black Mountain N.C. The FCA Board of Trustees met there, and Billy Graham came over one night to speak. It has been a joy and privilege to serve 52 years and do something that has eternity stamped on it. I'm thankful that, as the saying goes, "God can hit straight licks with crooked sticks." Seeing all that God has done, I can only say like King David in 2 Samuel 7:18: "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?” To God be the glory.
What are some changes you’ve seen over the years in the ministry?
When we started ministering to coaches at schools and getting more staff so we could go deeper, we were more evangelism focused, and now we have become more discipleship focused over the last 8-10 years. And allowing staff to raise their own support has helped us to find the people who want to support and invest in them.
What would you say to someone just starting out with FCA?
I’d say the juice is worth the squeeze. All the struggles and troubles are worth it, seeing God’s work for eternity. Find accountability partners, listen to your spouse and get into God’s Word every day. You didn’t get into this for the money, but you’re going to eat well and get good fellowship and gear. The paycheck we get is in eternity.
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