Decades of Discipleship

John Taylor has spent more than two decades shaping young lives at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox, Illinois. As a full-time teacher, cross country coach and leader of a long-standing FCA Huddle, Taylor’s steady influence has stretched across generations.

“I first started in FCA back around the year 2000 when some of my students approached me and asked if we could start a Bible study,” said John. “We started gathering in the morning before classes. It was really informal, nothing big. When our FCA area director heard about it, he suggested that the group become an official FCA Huddle.”

The small Huddle’s continued growth has multiplied over decades because of John’s investment. He showed up early, stayed late and trusted God with the outcome. John’s always had a flexible posture toward the changing landscape of public school. His behind-the-scenes role included organizing schedules and adapting to new formats, which has allowed FCA to reach different students in different seasons.

“There have been years when the group has had more faith-based students, and there have been years when we’ve had a lot of non-believers come to see what we’re about,” John said. “All of the seasons of this Huddle have had their place. I’m confident that the Lord directs the right kids to us at the right time.”

FCA Representative Sue Crawford has worked alongside John for years and continues to witness the long arc of his ministry. In a school environment that has shifted significantly over the past two decades, she points to John’s commitment and courage.

“Coach Taylor is someone who’s been with me the longest in FCA,” Sue said. “He’s always consistent. Being at a very prominent public school, he’s been an inspiration for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

“He doesn’t like a lot of attention and spotlight,” Sue added. he “He’s very humble, and that shows up in how he leads students. He doesn’t jump in and tell them they’re doing something right or wrong. He walks alongside them.”

It’s an incredible gift for student-athletes to have a dedicated teacher and coach who leads by faith at school. For John, the fruit of FCA often comes long after students graduate.

“I love it when students come up to me and tell me that they were in my Huddle,” John said. “Knowing that they remember it as a very positive faith experience means the world to me. Hopefully, they continue in their relationship with the Lord.”

Sue can name the fruit more specifically.

“John has so many students that came out of his Huddle that are now at the pulpit,” she said. “Over the years, some of his student-athletes have gone on to serve as pastors, missionaries and Navy chaplains. John discipled these guys and then stepped back to watch them grow in the Lord on their own.”

Yet even with this legacy, John remains focused on the present moment and the students in front of him. There are always challenges that come with the ministry, such as a balance of time and family responsibilities while caring for students, but Taylor returns again and again to the heart of FCA’s mission.

“I’m just a guide on the side,” John said. “The student leaders are the ones who really attract and inspire their fellow classmates. They’re the ones reaching out to their friends at school and in their neighborhoods. We can’t always see physical results right now, but we know that God’s hand is always at work.”

Find a local Huddle near you to join with what God is doing in the lives of athletes.

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