Fields of Faith Encourages Fellowship Across The Community

Members of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) leadership team and their speakers worshipping as the student-led band plays a song during Fields of Faith 2025. “It doesn't cost anything to you. It is just for you and to glorify God and have fellowship with the Christians in your community that maybe you've never met and maybe you want to meet,” said Gracie Lesesne, President of FCA. (From left to right) Gracie Lesesne (12), Caroline Strickler (10) and Natalie Johnston, graduated. Photo Credits: Rebecca Billette

Rebecca Billette, Editor-in-Chief of The Powderhorn

On September 14, 2025, students from all across the High Country came together for a night of fellowship and worship. Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Fields of Faith is an annual event held in the Watauga High School football stadium that features a tailgate, testimonies, guest speakers and a student-led worship band. 

“I thought it was great,” said Aubrey Brumfield, a sophomore who attended Fields of Faith. “I thought it was amazing how many people came out. It made me feel a lot closer to the Lord.”

FCA is a national organization with installments across the country. Watauga’s chapter engages in various activities throughout the school year, such as team huddles and See You At the Pole. Fields of Faith is their largest event and takes a great deal of dedication and planning, as well as assistance from outside organizations and community leaders to make it happen.

“So FCA is like a group-wide Bible study,” said Gracie Lesesne, the 25-26 President of FCA. “Anyone from the school is invited. It's primarily focused on athletes and their walk with Christ, but non-athletes are also invited to come and join our Bible studies.”

FCA’s student leadership team stands on the football field after the group prayer at Fields of Faith. FCA’s Student Leadership Team works diligently a year in advance to set up church tailgates, book speakers and reserve the football field for Fields of Faith. “It took many months,” said Lesesne, “And we actually start planning Fields of Faith the year before Fields of Faith is. So, our next leadership meeting is this week, and we have to book the football field for next year.” (From left to right) Lainey Gragg (11), Eli Bishop (12), Luke Benson (12), Channing Jeffers (12), Sydney Helms (11), Bella Battern (11), Maddie McIver (12), Ashlyn Smith (11), Riley Benson (9), Gracie Lesesne (12), Thomas Deiters (12), Stacy Eggers V (11) and Anna Koontz (12). Photo Credits: Sydney Moretz, Watauga Yearbook

A key element of FCA’s Fields of Faith is the student worship band that leads the congregation in song throughout the event. These bold students stand in front of the crowd and act as the transition between prayers, testimonies, and music. 

“I think for me, I was pretty nervous at first, but I think just coming out and watching all the students just praise the Lord and raise their hands and just really jump around,” said Sadie Rhyne, a junior, who is one of the lead vocalists for the band. “It was just so fun, and I think it was meaningful to kind of reveal, like, the Lord is so mighty and so wonderful and truly worthy of our praise. And I think all the students showed that today for me.” 

While FCA is a long-standing club at Watauga High School, Fields of Faith is relatively new, having only been an annual event for the past 3 years. For senior leadership in FCA who have watched the tradition be built from the ground up, there is a bittersweet feeling in the air as their final Fields of Faith comes to an end.

“I literally was just standing down there, and I just kept saying, ‘I'm going to cry. I'm going to cry. This is just beautiful,’” said Lesesne. “Staring up at the stands and just seeing all the people glorifying God together, I was like, ‘it's done’.”  

The crowd worshipping in the bleachers during this year’s Fields of Faith. “It's really impactful and moving,” said sophomore Savannah Moretz, an attendee of Fields of Faith, “It just makes you feel close to the Lord, and it's nice to be with other people who've shared your experience of that.” Photo Credits: Rebecca Billette

Around 200 people attended the event. A large crowd of students, families and other community members enjoyed warm food and each other's company in the parking lot during the preliminary tailgate and then in the bleachers for the main worship. Beyond offering students an opportunity to express their faith freely, FOF provides a lively event all members of the community are welcome to attend.

“It's so much fun, and the Lord is truly honored,” said Anna Riley, a singer in the student worship band. “So, if you are interested in the Lord and interested in coming to know Christ, totally come out. You'll learn a lot about who Jesus is in his character and all that.” 

FCA’s student leaders were happy with the results of this year’s Fields of Faith and are looking forward to what next year’s event will look like, offering the community an opportunity to come together and share their faith.

“He just took it from my hands, and he did it,” said Lesesne. “He made it beautiful and perfect, and it was amazing.”