In this episode of Stories of His Glory, we sit down with longtime Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader Randy Jensen, a man who has spent more than four decades living out his calling as an “ambassador in sports.”
Growing up in the sandlots and fields of the 1960s, Randy’s identity was built around competition. But everything changed during a high school Bible camp when he realized that faith in Jesus wasn’t about earning God’s approval, rather it was about receiving His grace.
That moment reshaped the way Randy saw sports, leadership, and life.
Mentored by faithful coaches and surrounded by a community of believers through FCA, Randy began learning how to compete for something bigger than trophies or recognition. Over time, that calling grew into a lifelong mission of helping coaches and athletes discover what it means to follow Jesus in the arena of sport.
Now, after 46 years on FCA staff, Randy shares powerful stories of mentorship, discipleship, and the eternal impact of investing in people. From high school huddles in basements to decades of ministry across Minnesota and beyond, his life is a reminder that small acts of faithfulness can plant seeds that grow for generations.
Whether he’s mentoring coaches, officiating basketball games, or simply building relationships, Randy continues to point people toward the ultimate victory found in Christ.
In this Episode Ryne and Randy discuss:
• Growing up in the sandlots of the 1960s and discovering a love for sport
• The Bible camp moment that transformed Randy’s understanding of faith
• How a high school coach saw leadership potential Randy didn’t see in himself
• Starting an FCA huddle in his basement and creating community for young athletes
• Learning that identity is found in Christ and not in performance or success
• Sharing the gospel as a college athlete and discovering his calling as an ambassador in sport
• A powerful story of a coach who came to faith decades after watching Randy live out his faith
• Why relationships are the real engine of ministry, not programs
• What 46 years with FCA has taught him about discipleship, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness
Verse of the Day:
"God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." -2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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Resources:
💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org
🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate
☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND
Call to Action:
If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.
🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.
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