Thousands Gather at San Angelo Stadium for Fields of Faith 2026

"What hangs in the balance is far more than what we can see," Shipley said in an interview after the event. "It's all for the spiritual health of these kids. It's so important to be able to share that with other people. And ultimately, that's more important that any sports thing that I can do."

Shipley spoke for about half an hour, detailing his testimony and subsequent walk with Christ before inviting all in attendance to join him in prayer.

Overall, the event was a massive success. It was a chance for all to come and spend time together.

Fields of Faith is a student-led Christian outreach program organized through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, bringing students together at athletic facilities to share their religious beliefs and encourage their peers to read the Bible and develop their Christian faith.

"Organizations like this are some of the most important out there," Shipley continued. "The youth are moldable. They are trying to figure out who they are. They are also the next generation. Those who come before have to pass the torch. If the new generation is not being led spiritually, being discipled, and being shown who the Lord is, then that's a recipe for disaster. I think it's critical and awesome that [the FCA] has access in schools to really get in there and tell people who Jesus is, especially in public schools these days."

The event has become one of the Concho Valley FCA's largest annual gatherings, bringing students from schools throughout the region to San Angelo Stadium.

Fields of Faith began in San Angelo in 2009 as an effort to unite local students, churches and athletic programs through their shared Christian beliefs. Previous gatherings have attracted thousands of students and community members.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an international Christian sports ministry founded in 1954. The organization works with coaches and athletes at the youth, middle school, high school, college and professional levels.

FCA operates through school-based groups known as huddles, along with camps, community outreach programs and other events. Its stated mission is to help coaches and athletes develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and the church through the influence of sports.

Fields of Faith is one of the organization's nationwide outreach programs. The initiative began in 2004 and has expanded to communities across the United States and internationally.