Martin is retiring after leading Minnesota FCA the last seven years. Ness, previously Minnesota FCA's Central Lakes Area Director, is the state director effective Sept. 1.
"Glenn has brought tremendous growth and stability to the FCA ministry in Minnesota during his tenure," said Jeff Juni, the FCA's vice president of field ministry in the Northland Region. "We really appreciate his leadership, and we are thankful that he will be available to ensure a smooth transition.
"We are excited that Tom Ness brings with him over 20 years of ministry and coaching experience along with proven strengths in leadership and administration. As a current staff member and a long history of FCA involvement, Tom will be able to hit the ground running."
A native of Elk River, Ness earned economics and mathematics and education degrees from Concordia College and Moorhead State University, in addition to a master's in divinity from North American Baptist Seminary.
A local pastor for 24 years, Ness returned to FCA, which impacted him greatly in college. In 28 years, he's coached 60 different teams, both boys and girls, from youth to high school.
"As a coach, athlete, parent and pastor, I've seen the impact of the powerful medium of sports on people," Ness said, "and am excited to use it to impact others for Christ throughout the state of Minnesota."
This is Martin's second retirement.
In 2006, he retired from 36 years with the Spring Lake Park school district, including 17 as high school principal. In March 2009, Martin was named Minnesota FCA's state director, taking over a staff of 16 serving coaches and athletes at 92 middle schools, high schools and college campuses.
By this fall, Minnesota FCA's staff will number 28, serving coaches and athletes in over 160 middle schools, high schools and college campuses throughout the state.
"It has been a real privilege to serve God through Minnesota FCA and now it is time to hand off the baton to someone who can take it further – to reach even more coaches and athletes for Christ," Martin said. "Tom Ness will do a terrific job of leading and growing this ministry to transform lives."
Founded in 1954, FCA has been impacting the lives of coaches and athletes on the youth, middle level, high school, college and professional levels. Now reaching more than 2 million people annually in 47 countries, FCA has grown to be the world's largest sports ministry. There are 12,758 certified "Huddles" for Bible study, prayer and other faith-based activities.
Visit Minnesota FCA for more information.
Contact
Sean Jensen
***@fca.org
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