Building Culture and Character Through a Foundation in Christ | Jacob Holmen | Ep. 017

Building Culture and Character Through a Foundation in Christ | Jacob Holmen | Ep. 017

Author: Ryne Jungling February 3, 2026 Duration: 40:22
Stories of His Glory
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf ImprovementSpiritualitySports

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, we sit down with Jacob Holmen, head football coach, math teacher, and FCA huddle leader at Minot North High School.

Jacob shares his journey of growing up as a coach’s kid, playing college football at the University of North Dakota, and eventually helping launch a brand-new high school football program from the ground up. Throughout the conversation, Jacob reflects on how his faith in Jesus Christ has shaped his identity, his leadership, and his purpose as a coach.

From building relationships beyond the X’s and O’s to leading FCA huddles, Jacob explains why coaching is about far more than wins and losses and how God can use the game of football as a powerful platform to impact lives for eternity.

Topics include:

  1. Growing up as a coach’s son and learning the impact of servant leadership
  2. Identity rooted in Christ, not wins, losses, or titles
  3. Playing college football at UND and finding community through FCA
  4. Lessons learned from a missions trip to Guatemala
  5. Launching a brand-new football program at Minot North
  6. Building culture, character, and faith in a public school setting
  7. Why relationships matter more than championships
  8. Encouragement for coaches and athletes to live out their faith daily

Verse of the Day:

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

_____

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.

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Hosted by Ryne Jungling, Stories of His Glory explores the profound intersections where faith meets competition. This isn't a podcast about winning games, but about the personal transformations that happen when individuals in the world of sports encounter something greater. You'll hear directly from coaches, athletes, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff as they share unscripted conversations about the moments that defined them-stories of unexpected hope, resilience forged through loss, and the quiet impact of a life lived with purpose off the field. These narratives move beyond simple inspiration, offering tangible glimpses into how faith shapes character, leadership, and community in the high-pressure environments of athletics. Tuning in provides a space for reflection, whether you're deeply involved in sports or simply appreciate hearing about authentic human journeys. The Stories of His Glory podcast connects the universal themes of struggle and triumph to a deeper spiritual context, making it a unique listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, or the untold stories behind the scores. Each episode feels like a candid locker-room talk, focusing on real-life application and the ongoing journey of faith.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 28

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