Advertise on podcast: Beyond the Huddle - Central Arkansas FCA

What happens when you pray boldly…and the outcome is completely out of your hands? In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, the Central Arkansas FCA team sits down for an unscripted conversation about prayer, healing, trusting God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it really means to walk by faith. The guys begin with an incredible update about eight-year-old Abigail and the brain tumor her family, church, and FCA community have been praying over. A recent scan brought remarkable news: doctors could no longer detect the tumor. That testimony leads into a much bigger conversation: How should Christians pray for healing? Can we believe boldly that God can move while still surrendering the outcome to His sovereignty? What does Scripture mean when it talks about laying hands on the sick? And have some of our church traditions unintentionally limited the way we think about prayer and the Holy Spirit? The conversation also wrestles honestly with the other side of prayer—the times when the outcome isn't what we desperately hoped for. How do we trust God in grief? How do we minister to someone who is hurting without trying to fix everything? Sometimes faith means praying boldly. Sometimes it means simply sitting beside someone in the pain. The guys also discuss the tension between being a church grounded in the Word and a church open to the work of the Spirit—and why Christians need both. Finally, the conversation turns to Fields of Faith and an extraordinary night surrounding the Cabot–Little Rock Christian football game, when multiple medical emergencies unfolded and players, coaches, students, medical professionals, and fans responded with prayer, compassion, calm, and care. The takeaway is simple, but living it isn't: Do your job and trust God with the results. You don't control the scoreboard. You don't control every circumstance. You don't control how God chooses to answer. But you can trust Him. Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast, where faith meets competition and we talk about what God is doing in and through coaches, athletes, schools, and communities across Central Arkansas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? On this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Central Arkansas FCA sits down with former professional boxer Oscar Cantu, whose career took him from the Olympic trials to multiple championship belts and a top world ranking. But just as he was preparing for an opportunity to fight for a world championship, doctors discovered a brain aneurysm, bringing his boxing career to an unexpected end. For Oscar, losing boxing meant losing much more than a sport. His identity had become wrapped up in being “the champ.” Retirement led to depression, frustration, and a difficult season in his marriage and faith. Through the prayers and faithfulness of his wife—and ultimately through Christ—Oscar began discovering that his real identity was never supposed to rest in championships, accomplishments, or what he could do in the ring. Oscar also shares how his uncle introduced him to Jesus, the influence of his father and longtime boxing coach, and how FCA and Fields of Faith even played a role in meeting the woman who would become his wife. Plus, Josh Hayter and the FCA team preview Fields of Faith across Central Arkansas, including the massive Cabot gathering where local churches and businesses are coming together to serve thousands of students. The goal goes far beyond one night: connect students with Jesus, help them find a local church, and create opportunities for lasting discipleship. It’s a conversation about identity, discipline, adversity, marriage, competition, faith, and what happens when God redirects the life you thought you were going to live. Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the thing you built your identity around disappears? In this deeply personal episode of FCA Central Arkansas: Beyond the Huddle, Cason Mertens steps behind the microphone alone to share his testimony—a story of sports, success, addiction, brokenness, searching for truth, and ultimately discovering what it really means to surrender your life to Jesus. Growing up in Benton, Arkansas, Cason’s world revolved around athletics. He became an All-State basketball and football player, and his identity was deeply connected to his performance and what others thought of him. But beneath the success was a spiritual emptiness he didn’t fully recognize. After an ACL injury disrupted his athletic future, Cason continued searching for identity and satisfaction through college football, relationships, partying, marijuana, money, business, and plans for the future. Eventually, those pursuits left him asking much bigger questions: What is truth? What is the purpose of life? Is there really a God? And if Jesus is who He says He is, what does it actually mean to follow Him? Those questions led Cason to open the Bible for himself. As he read the Gospels, he became captivated by the person of Jesus. Then Ecclesiastes confronted him with the emptiness of chasing everything the world promises will satisfy us. Eventually, Jesus’ call to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him became impossible to ignore. Cason also shares the struggle that followed—trying unsuccessfully to free himself from marijuana, crying out to God for direction, and the unexpected way God brought a man named Adam into his life to disciple him. What looked like a simple job mowing yards became a season of studying Scripture, prayer, spiritual growth, and learning what following Jesus actually looks like. At the heart of Cason’s story is a message from Galatians 5: Christ has set us free. Real transformation isn't found simply by trying harder to fix ourselves. It comes as we know Christ, receive His love, walk with Him, and allow that love to overflow into serving others. If you’re struggling with your identity, addiction, pornography, marijuana, performance, or the feeling that something is keeping you from becoming who God has called you to be, Cason’s story is a reminder that your past does not have to determine your future. There is forgiveness, restoration, freedom, and a new identity in Jesus Christ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when faith and football come together? In this episode of Central Arkansas FCA’s Beyond the Huddle, host Rick Maupin sits down with Dustin Grimmett, head football coach at Little Rock Christian Academy, for an honest conversation about faith, family, coaching, leadership, and the impact of living out the Gospel through sports. Coach Grimmett shares the story of his faith journey—from placing his trust in Jesus as an eight-year-old, to discovering how God was working through difficult seasons of moving and transition, to meeting his future wife in seventh grade. He also talks about how football became more than a game and ultimately became a ministry opportunity. Dustin explains his journey into coaching, his time as a player and coach in Arkansas, and how God led him back to Little Rock Christian Academy, where he now serves as head football coach. He discusses his philosophy of relational leadership and why coaches have an incredible opportunity to disciple and influence young men both on and off the field. The conversation also highlights the powerful connection between FCA, faith, and sports, including the role FCA has played in connecting student-athletes' faith with their lives on the football field. Dustin shares about multiple student-athletes and coaches who publicly declared their faith through baptism in front of their teammates. Throughout the conversation, Rick and Dustin discuss the importance of attitude, effort, accountability, teachability, discipleship, and trusting God even when we can't see what He is doing. Most importantly, Coach Grimmett shares his desire to use every opportunity God gives him to glorify Christ and disciple young men. In this episode: Dustin Grimmett's testimony and faith journey Growing up in Little Rock and Clinton, Arkansas How football became connected to Dustin's faith Meeting his wife, Casey, in seventh grade Dustin's journey into football coaching His path to becoming head coach at Little Rock Christian Academy FCA's impact on coaches and student-athletes Faith and sports as an integrated way of life Baptism and public declarations of faith Discipling young men through coaching Leadership, accountability, attitude, and effort The importance of being grateful and teachable Balancing coaching, ministry, marriage, and fatherhood Trusting God's plan even when the path is unclear Living for Christ beyond the football field Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, student, or simply someone seeking encouragement in your faith, this episode offers a powerful reminder: faith doesn't stop when the game starts. We are called to live for Christ wherever God has placed us. Beyond the Huddle is a Central Arkansas FCA podcast focused on the intersection of faith, sports, leadership, and life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you achieve the career, income, comfort, and success you thought you wanted—and discover it still isn’t enough? In this episode of the FCA Podcast, Caeson Mertens sits down with Justin Harrell, Men’s Pastor at Collective Church, for a powerful conversation about identity in Christ, finding true purpose, living by faith, and the influence coaches and mentors can have on the next generation. Justin shares his journey from growing up in Mayflower, Arkansas, to a successful career in occupational therapy and corporate leadership. On the outside, life looked good. But despite reaching many of the goals he had set for himself, Justin found himself increasingly dissatisfied and searching for something more. That “holy discontentment” ultimately became part of God’s process of drawing him toward a deeper relationship with Christ and a new calling. Justin explains how the Gospel became more than simply the promise of heaven. He began to understand that Jesus didn’t just save him from something—He saved him for something. Salvation meant living with purpose now, participating in God’s work, and allowing his identity in Christ to transform every area of his life. That conviction eventually led Justin to leave a successful corporate career and step into full-time ministry. Even when consulting work could have provided a comfortable financial safety net, Justin felt God challenging him to “burn the ships,” surrender his backup plan, and trust Him completely. It was a decision that required genuine sacrifice, but Justin says it also taught him dependence on God and allowed him to experience His provision and presence in new ways. The conversation also turns directly toward coaches, athletes, fathers, and mentors. Justin reflects on the lasting influence of Coach Boling, who cared about far more than wins and losses. His coach invested in players, put the Gospel in front of them, modeled humility, and demonstrated that caring for young men mattered more than the scoreboard. That leads to an important challenge for every person in a position of influence: the people you lead will learn to value what they see you value. If coaches and fathers value only performance, achievement, money, or recognition, young people notice. But when they see adults pursuing Christ, serving others, practicing humility, loving their families, and walking faithfully, they see what biblical manhood and discipleship actually look like. This episode is an invitation to move beyond comfortable Christianity and ask some deeper questions: Where is your identity? What are you pursuing? What are you teaching others to value? And are you willing to trust God when obedience requires more than common sense? Whether you’re a coach, athlete, teacher, administrator, pastor, parent, or follower of Jesus, this conversation is a reminder that the Gospel is meant to transform far more than what we say—it should transform the way we live. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Beyond the Huddle, the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition, we hear the story of Ryan and his journey into full-time ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ryan shares how God has used his faith journey, athletic background, adversity, and life experiences to prepare him for a new calling: reaching coaches and athletes throughout the Jacksonville area. From building relationships on local campuses to developing multi-sport FCA Huddles, Ryan talks about his heart for meeting students where they are and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. The conversation also explores what it means to step out in faith when God calls you into something new. Ryan discusses the process of joining FCA staff, raising financial support, building a team of ministry partners, and trusting God to provide the people and resources necessary to accomplish the mission. At the heart of it all is FCA’s desire to see every coach and athlete growing in a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. It’s a conversation about calling, obedience, perseverance, sports, ministry, and the opportunities God provides when we’re willing to say yes. You’ll also hear how listeners can come alongside Ryan and the FCA ministry through prayer, encouragement, and financial partnership as FCA continues reaching coaches and athletes across Central Arkansas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the thing you've built your identity around suddenly changes? In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Josh Adair sits down with Addison, Autumn Vissier, and Emma Robertson for an honest conversation about faith, athletics, identity, surrender, suffering, community, and learning to trust Jesus in every season. Autumn and Emma share how their experiences as college athletes helped expose the danger of finding identity in performance, accomplishments, and self-sufficiency. They talk candidly about difficult seasons that forced them to loosen their grip on control and discover what genuine dependence on Jesus looks like. Emma shares how softball had become such a significant part of her identity—and what happened when that foundation began to crumble. Through relationships, biblical community, and people willing to meet her in the middle of her struggles, she began to understand the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and actually following Him. The conversation also explores what biblical community really means. It isn't merely having friends, teammates, coworkers, or people around you. It's having people who know you, love you, challenge you, show up when life gets difficult, and continually point you back to Christ. And sometimes that starts with one simple question: “How are you doing?” The group discusses why asking good questions matters, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful relationships, and how God can use interruptions, suffering, changing plans, mentors, coaches, teammates, and friends to shape us into the people He has called us to become. You'll also hear Autumn and Emma discuss their transition from college athletics into serving with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, including how God redirected plans and created opportunities to invest in the lives of coaches and athletes across Central Arkansas. As a new school year begins, the conversation turns practical with encouragement for students entering their senior year: be present, don't waste the opportunities God has placed in front of you, resist comparison, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and recognize the influence you have on the people around you. And for parents of seniors: remain steady. Be the same faithful, dependable parent who helped bring them this far. This episode is a reminder that our identity isn't ultimately found in a sport, career, accomplishment, relationship, or carefully constructed plan. It's found in Jesus. Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Michael Loudermilk of Christ Community Church in Little Rock joins Rick Maupin on Beyond the Huddle to share a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about faith, coaching, ministry, and trusting God through life's greatest challenges. Michael recounts coming to faith as a 16-year-old at a Colorado camp, how athletics shaped his identity, and why coaching high school football in Texas became a ministry long before he entered the pastorate. He discusses the impact of FCA on his own spiritual journey, the lessons he learned about leadership, and the surprising humility of watching the ministry flourish after he stepped away. The conversation also explores his transition from coach to vocational ministry, God's call to Christ Community Church in Little Rock, and the unique partnership between local churches and parachurch organizations like FCA. In one of the most moving moments of the episode, Michael shares his family's current battle after his seven-year-old daughter, Abigail, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. He opens up about walking through suffering, trusting God's sovereignty, and finding hope in the middle of uncertainty. Rick concludes with a heartfelt prayer for Abigail and the Loudermilk family. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, pastor, or simply someone seeking encouragement in difficult seasons, this episode is a powerful reminder that God works through every chapter of our lives—and that faithfulness matters more than personal recognition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the greatest influence in a young person's life isn't a parent, teacher, or pastor—but a coach? On this powerful episode of Beyond the Huddle, Central Arkansas FCA welcomes longtime college football coach Ken Collums, who shares how three decades of coaching became a ministry of developing men, not just athletes. Coach Collums reflects on growing up in Texas, playing championship football at UCA, meeting his wife of 30 years, and discovering that coaching is one of the greatest platforms for eternal influence. From leading Bible studies with players to taking entire football teams to men's conferences during fall camp, he shares unforgettable stories of lives transformed through authentic relationships, intentional discipleship, and Christ-centered leadership. The conversation also explores: Why coaches have a unique opportunity to shape future husbands, fathers, and leaders The importance of living authentic faith instead of simply talking about it Lessons on marriage, family, and balancing the demands of coaching How FCA is equipping coaches to impact generations beyond the scoreboard Why every believer should see themselves as a steward—not an owner—of the people God places in their lives Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, pastor, or anyone passionate about leadership, this episode is a compelling reminder that true success isn't measured by championships—it's measured by lives changed for Christ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is never easy, but God often uses seasons of transition to prepare us for something greater. In this special episode of Beyond the Huddle, host Josh Adair honors co-founder Zach Rose as he transitions into a new ministry role as a sports pastor in Oklahoma. Zach's vision for the podcast has impacted countless athletes, coaches, and families by creating a space where authentic stories reveal how God works through both victories and struggles. Joining Josh are new co-hosts Rick Moppen and Kason Merton, who will help continue the mission of sharing powerful stories from across Central Arkansas FCA. Together, they discuss why storytelling matters, how adversity strengthens faith, and what it means to live authentically for Christ in every season. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as each host opens up about emotional health, trauma, repentance, counseling, marriage, grief, community, and the importance of being teachable. They explore how God often uses pain—not to defeat us—but to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, ministry leader, or simply walking through a difficult season, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to carry your burdens alone. God designed us for community, and true freedom begins when we honestly bring our struggles into the light. In this episode you'll discover: Why Zach Rose's legacy continues through Beyond the Huddle The power of authentic storytelling in strengthening faith How adversity becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth The importance of repentance, emotional health, and self-awareness Why counseling and biblical community are signs of strength—not weakness Lessons from sports that apply to everyday discipleship How God's grace meets us in seasons of transition and healing No matter what you're facing today, there's hope. God is still writing your story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the thing you've worked your whole life for is suddenly taken away? In this episode, James Renshaw and Parker Henry share honest stories about setbacks, injuries, disappointment, and how God used those moments to reshape their identity and purpose. Parker opens up about the heartbreak of falling short at the state wrestling tournament and how that experience inspired him to pursue sports psychology. James shares how two traumatic skull injuries, the loss of a classmate, and learning to put Christ above basketball transformed his life and eventually led him into student ministry. Whether you're an athlete, coach, student, or parent, this conversation is a reminder that your identity is found in Christ—not in wins, losses, or achievements. Topics include:• Wrestling and mental health• Recovering from failure• Faith through injury and adversity• Finding your identity in Christ• Student ministry and calling• Sports psychology• Leadership and perseverance If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that God can use even our hardest seasons for His glory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the sport you've built your life around is no longer what God is calling you to pursue? In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Zach Rose sits down with Ryan "Lodge" Lageness, FCA staff member and chaplain for the UCA football team, to discuss his remarkable journey from a troubled childhood to walking on at UCA, surrendering football to follow Christ, and ultimately serving collegiate athletes through ministry. Ryan shares how faithful mentors changed the trajectory of his life, why leaving football was one of the hardest decisions he's ever made, and what it looks like to disciple over 100 student-athletes while helping them discover that football is more than a game—it's a platform to glorify God. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone seeking to follow God's calling, this conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and reminders that God can redeem every part of our story. In this episode: Ryan's journey from Miami to Arkansas Finding Christ through the game of football The mentors who changed his life Walking away from college football to follow God's call Serving as UCA Football Chaplain Using sports as a platform for the Gospel Faith, leadership, and discipleship in college athletics 🎙️ Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition. Each episode features conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders who are making an eternal impact through sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the sport you've built your life around no longer defines you? In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Zach Rose sits down with former Henderson State and Evangel University basketball player Josh Mason to discuss his journey from finding his identity in basketball to discovering a deeper purpose in Christ. Josh shares how injuries, unmet expectations, and disappointment on the court led him to wrestle with who he really was. Through authentic Christian community, discipleship, and a growing relationship with Jesus, God transformed his perspective on athletics, success, and purpose. Now, Josh and his wife Abby are preparing to serve with Athletes in Action in Puerto Rico, where they will disciple college athletes and help raise up Christ-centered leaders on campus. In this conversation, you'll hear:🏀 Josh's basketball journey from Nixa High School to college athletics 🙏 How God used adversity to draw him closer to Christ 📖 The impact of discipleship and Christian community 🎯 Finding your identity beyond sports performance 🌎 Why Josh and Abby are stepping into full-time missions with Athletes in Action 💡 Encouragement for athletes struggling with pressure, expectations, and purpose Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or believer looking to grow in your faith, this episode is See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, hosts Josh Adair and Zach Rose sit down with longtime Cabot coach and FCA leader Danny Spencer. Danny shares how an FCA Camp experience as a teenager changed the trajectory of his life and led him into nearly three decades of coaching and ministry. Hear powerful stories about faith, mentoring athletes, the impact of FCA Camp, building relationships that last a lifetime, and why coaching is more than a profession—it's a calling. Danny reflects on seeing students come to Christ, the importance of being present in young people's lives, and how God uses sports to transform hearts. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, youth pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation will encourage you to invest in the next generation and trust God with the results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott and Pam Cameron share their incredible journey from Southern California and NASCAR chaplaincy to serving students and coaches through FCA in Central Arkansas. They discuss overcoming hardship, finding identity in Christ, the power of showing up for others, and how God uses ordinary acts of kindness to make an eternal impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.