Good Faith Media (GFM) and Christian Athlete Circles (CAC) are excited to announce a partnership to highlight and amplify the stories of athletes living out a faith that uplifts justice, mercy and inclusion.

Christian Athlete Circles is a student-athlete ministry designed to walk with athletes as they explore and deepen their faith. CAC’s work centers on developing and sharing transformative resources, providing spiritual support and coaching, and championing justice and inclusion in sports ministry.

Unlike similar ministries for athletes, CAC unapologetically affirms LGBTQIA+ individuals and champions the cause of justice and inclusion in sports ministry. While affirming many aspects of legacy sports ministries, CAC seeks to create a space for more progressive and expansive Christian practice.

The organization was launched in 2020 as part of the incubator program at The Center for Contemplative Justice. CAC’s co-founders are Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee, both former athletes.

Davis, CAC’s executive director, has a background in soccer. She was a youth FIFA World Cup team member and participated in the camp for the 2009 U.S. Women’s National Team. She played collegiate soccer at the University of Portland, where she was an All-American.

McKee, CAC’s communications and content director, played NCAA Division I softball at Belmont University. She has been a vocal advocate for activism among athletes.

Both Davis and McKee are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. In dreaming about CAC, they said they created the organization they needed when they were athletes.

In a statement, they said:

“Our stories of needing assistance navigating political and social tension and the various difficulties of being an athlete are not uncommon. The spiritual and intersectional identities of an athlete have to be tended to just as much as the physical. Up until now, queer and progressive-leaning athletes have not had a community where they can explore and express their faith. We believe that the practices of the Christian faith, at their best, provide people of all identities a way to flourish and belong on and off the field.”

Through the partnership, GFM will provide space on its platforms for CAC to share stories that feature their revolutionary and transformative work in providing a nurturing faith community for athletes. This will include regular content on GFM’s online platforms, athlete features in Good Faith Magazine, and spots across a growing network of podcasts and multimedia offerings.

In a statement, Davis said, “Athletics is a rapidly changing world with dynamic pressures and possibilities. We are committed to supporting athletes navigating the athletic and spiritual life. We are honored to team up with Good Faith Media as we share the pursuit of building authentic community and creating resources reflective of the love of God.”

McKee is excited about the partnership because it “allows us to expand our reach, telling stories that challenge exclusionary narratives and offering theological resources that nurture belonging and transformation in the athletic community.”

Mitch Randall, GFM’s CEO, expressed excitement about the partnership and support for CAC’s “Core Four” values of “belong, grow, pray and act.”

Randall said, “Both organizations are deeply committed to faith and inclusivity. No athlete should ever be excluded from the faith community because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

You can learn more about Christian Athlete Circles here.