FLBC is full of numerous opportunities and ways to get involved in the community. One of these opportunities is athletics! FLBC offers both volleyball and basketball, and it has been incredibly fun and rewarding to be involved in both!

One of my favorite parts about participating in a sport at FLBC is the team aspect. It has been so encouraging and impactful being surrounded by girls who love the Lord while playing a sport we all enjoy doing. Before each practice and game, we dive into God’s Word and put our minds on Jesus first. We were also given the opportunity to lead devotions which was a great way to hear how the Lord has been working in each other’s lives.

It was fun growing with these girls and going through each win and loss with one another. Some fun moments I especially enjoyed were the overnight travel weekends, dress-up practices, media day, parties at Coach’s house, and coffee runs with the team. For basketball, specifically, our focus and motto is “live on mission.”

Everywhere you go is a mission field for Christ, and the basketball court is no exception. We want to glorify God in our words and actions both on and off the court. We strive to be a light to the other teams we play. Winning is not our biggest goal here at FLBC. Although winning is fun, our goal is playing for God and glorifying Him with the gifts and skills He has blessed us with. Even at the end of each game, we huddle up with the other team and pray with them. This is an amazing picture that we are all children of God, not just opponents.

–JoJo Rieschl, second year at FLBC

When I think about the girls I go to school with, I realize that almost all of us are involved in extracurriculars. Whether it’s athletics, music, or various campus life activities, most people are invested in our community at FLBC.

However, a highlight for me and many others has been the music program, especially gospel teams. Several Worship/praise teams, men’s quartet, mixed ensemble, women’s trio and women’s ensemble groups and a vespers team are formed each year as a form of outreach through music.

These groups have weekly practices, sing in chapels occasionally, and travel to different churches to minister through music. I’ve personally lead worship on a praise team and the vespers team, which have both been great experiences.

What makes gospel teams special is that while you have fun singing and making music with friends, it glorifies the Lord! The Holy Spirit ministers to people by using our musical gifts, which have been given to us by God Himself.

Being on a gospel team also provides many opportunities for personal growth, connection and friendship with new people, leadership experiences, and “outside your comfort zone” chances that grow your faith and abilities to work with others.

When I’ve talked with my girlfriends about their experiences on gospel teams, we talk about fun weekend outings, conversations with church members, and plans for future ministries. As a current vespers team member, we are looking forward to our last few worship nights planned for our campus community! The joy of the Lord is so evident when you worship with others through song and testimony – the key purpose and outcome of gospel teams at FLBC!  

–Moriah Coyle, second year at FLBC