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Grace College's Sports Ministry Programs prepare students to share the Gospel through athletics. Learn about our Sport Ministry Major!

Sport Ministry Course Descriptions

Sport Ministry Course Descriptions

A sport ministry major at Grace College lies at the intersection between sport management and biblical studies. The major will prepare you to enter careers such as coaching, where you’ll train and minister to athletes.

Institutionally, our program curricula are founded on the truth that the Bible is inerrant — and nowhere is that conviction more crucial than in studying the Word itself! You’ll learn from professors who take a high view of Scripture, deeming it sufficient in all matters (even sports!).

As a sport ministry major, you can expect core classes in the Old Testament, New Testament, and sport ministry ethics. You’ll learn to apply biblical and theological knowledge in classes as you leran to teach the Scriptures. You’ll also engage in sport ministry-specific courses, where you’ll dive into topics such as sport management, marketing, and event management. These classes will culminate in your senior seminar.

Bible Requirements

An introduction to the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the Old Testament, the historical milieu of each Old Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each Old Testament book studied, the use of the Old Testament in modern ministry, and the foundation the Old Testament provides for the New Testament. Three hours.

An introduction to the Poetic and Prophetic books of the Old Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the Old Testament, the historical milieu of each Old Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each Old Testament book studied, the use of the Old Testament in modern ministry, and the foundation the Old Testament provides for the New Testament. Three hours.

This course introduces the New Testament with special reference to background, historical setting, literary composition, theology, and message. After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of background issues which introduce one to the study of various concepts of the New Testament, the historical milieu of each New Testament book studied, the purpose and general content of each New Testament book studied, the relationship between the New and Old Testaments, and the use of the New Testament in modern ministry. Three hours.

An introductory sport ministry course giving an overview of basic concepts, career preparation and professional opportunities within sports ministry. The sports environment will be explored relating to the Scripture and ministry opportunities in sport. Students will explore the many different types of sport ministry experiences available worldwide. Three hours.

Students will explore ethical principles for making judgments and choices on moral issues. They will study what various philosophers have said is good and right and leads to true happiness. They will examine various systems of ethics and values as well as the philosophical basis behind them. Applying biblical data to contemporary ethical issues, they will develop a Christian view of ethics. Three hours.

Foundational principles of effective Bible study will be applied for personal study and small group Bible study leadership. Observational skills of the English text of the New Testament will be developed through hands-on activities and assignments. Hermeneutical principles will be applied to various biblical genres with the goal to equip the learner to interpret the text based on its historical/cultural and literary context. Application of the meaning of the text for spiritual formation will be emphasized as well. Prerequisites: BIB1050, BIB2010, and BBL2020. Three hours.

Foundational principles of effective Bible study will be applied for personal study and Bible study leadership. Observational skills of the English text of the Old Testament will be developed through hands-on activities and assignments. Hermeneutical principles will be applied to various biblical genres with the goal to equip the learner to interpret the text based on its historical/cultural and literary context. Application of the meaning of the text for spiritual formation will be emphasized as well. Prerequisites: BIB1050 and BIB2010. Three hours.

Sport Management Courses

An introductory course to the Sport Management major. The course focuses on curriculum selection, experiential learning experiences, and career options. A study of the history of sport is also a central part of the class. Three hours.

The nature of today’s litigious society makes it imperative that the sport management student be familiar with the special issues of law related to sport. Topics include tort law, risk management, contract law, the legal system, and facility/event supervision. Special emphasis will be given to current legal issues and application of risk management principles. Three hours.

This course is a practical approach to event management. Event planning, sponsorship, budgeting, management, and evaluation will be emphasized. Events require a great deal of expertise and planning. Society demands that events be run professionally and efficiently. Prerequisites: SMT 2050. Three hours.

Lab: This course is the lab for SMT 3060. The students will conduct the event planned in SMT 3060. Prerequisite: SMT 3060. 0 hours

An investigation of the impact sport has on the American way of life. Emphasizes the social institution of sport as it relates to other institutions and the impact sport has on the general public. Three hours.

This course will explore the areas of finance, fund-raising, and marketing related to sport organizations. The emphasis of this course will be on marketing related to facilities, programs, and sport organizations. Three hours.

A study of the emergence and significance of sport in the media. The student will gain expertise in the areas of sport journalism, sport communications, and the ever-changing technology that covers sport. Three hours.

Senior Seminar Course

This course is designed to facilitate senior level students in the application of theory to ministry practice. The learner will be challenged to integrate biblical/theological knowledge gained in a variety of courses together with specialized research that pertains to specific ministry issues. Three hours.

A capstone course for the sport management major. This course deals with issues relevant to the governance of sport, fitness and health. Various sport governance organizations and structures will be analyzed. Three hours.

Required Application

Practical experience in areas related to Sport Management businesses and settings. Three hours. Three Hours.

Practical experience in areas related to Sport Management businesses and settings. Prerequisite: SMT2050. Three hours. Three Hours.

The internship includes activity in a work site situation giving the student a hands-on opportunity to apply the principles learned in class in a real-world setting. Permission of the department. Three hours. Three Hours.