FCFI Disinvited from Texas FFA Convention but Sets Up Ministry on the Sidewalk Outside – by Art Free

As thousands of students, teachers, and supporters prepare to gather in Fort Worth for the annual Texas FFA Convention, our FCFI longtime ministry at the convention this year will look very different.

For many years, the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, International has maintained an exhibit inside the Texas FFA Convention, where volunteers greeted attendees, shared their faith, distributed Christian literature, and offered the encouragement and the message of salvation to students and agricultural families. That tradition has come to an unexpected end.

FCFI says it was informed that it would not be permitted to exhibit at this year’s convention because its Christian message did not meet the event’s participation requirements. Members of the organization believe the decision effectively excludes them because of their faith and raises important questions about religious expression at a public event.

Rather than withdrawing from the convention altogether, FCFI has chosen a different approach.

Throughout the convention, volunteers will gather on the public streets outside the Fort Worth Convention Center for what they describe as a peaceful First Amendment outreach. The group plans to welcome attendees on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, distribute free gifts, answer questions, and explain why they believe they were excluded from this year’s event.

Art Free, a former Ag teacher and FFA advisor and now volunteer with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, said the organization remains committed to serving the Texas FFA community despite not having a booth inside the convention.

“We’re not abandoning Texas FFA,” Free said. “We want students, advisors, parents, and guests to know we’re still here. We invite everyone to stop by, receive a free gift, and hear our story.”

For FCFI, the outreach is about more than the loss of an exhibit space, it is an opportunity to share their faith, engage in respectful conversation, and encourage those attending the convention.

The organization is inviting all convention attendees to visit their outdoor location during the week, meet the volunteers, and learn more about the events that led to this year’s decision.

Whether attendees agree with the FCFI’s position or simply want to hear its perspective, volunteers say they look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the convention.