Following God’s Lead

Ready:

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19 NLT

Set:

As I sit and reflect on 2020, a year marked by challenges, I realize how much of a “pathway” of impact God made through the ministry of FCA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lord turned our ministry challenges into growth opportunities.

As the first African-American Female Board Trustee Chair, I feel the weight of that title and a greater responsibility to the Lord and those I serve. Serving in this capacity is a privilege not to be taken lightly, but thoroughly to be enjoyed.

I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Roman church about Phoebe in Romans 16:2: “Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many and especially to me.” Phoebe was a deacon (deaconess) in the church in Cenchrea. She was deeply valued by Paul. What I love about this passage is that it highlights that women held important roles in the early church. I can testify to the supportive help and opportunities I have been given over the past year as Trustee Chair, not only from fellow trustees, but also from support and field staff. When God’s people work together utilizing their gifts and talents and they trust God to make the pathway clear, great things happen.

FCA is seeing growth during challenging and changing times. God’s unchanging and guiding hand, along with the passion and servant leadership of both men and women serving together to accomplish common goals, is yielding great Kingdom fruit. Evangelism and discipleship are changing the lives of those we serve in all communities! Modeling Paul’s example of supporting women in leadership expands our reach to coaches and athletes, through staffing, for the Kingdom of God in ways that uniquely use the God-given gifts and talents of those leading.

Go:

• How can you help someone on your team take a biblical approach to grow as a leader? What sacrifices are you willing to make to help him or her grow?
• What “pathway” are you asking God to open so you can have the leadership impact you desire on your team? In your job? 
• What biblical approach to leadership training is the Lord asking you to implement at your school or on your team?

Workout:

Mark 10:43; Colossians 3:23, 24; Hebrews 13:7; 13:17

Overtime:

“Almighty God, will You strip me of anything that holds me back from leading with excellence or hinders me from helping my brothers and sisters to lead with excellence? Instruct and guide me as I minister to those You place in my path along this journey called sports ministry. All for Your fame, I pray. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”

Darlene Johnson

Darlene is currently serving as the Board Chair for FCA's Board of Trustees. She was elected in January 2020 and is the first female African-American board chair and the second female in FCA history to lead the board. Darlene currently resides in Maryland with her husband, Craig, who previously coached for the New York Giants. Currently, he is the Senior Analyst for the University of Maryland’s football team. They have two adult children, Shelby and Sydney.