FSI: Faith & Sports Institute   

In this course, developed by an expert in New Testament Studies and Theology, we will consider, use, and interpret the Bible for sports contexts thoughtfully and faithfully. We will first examine several unhelpful uses of the Bible applied to sports before looking at how we might understand the Scriptures on its own terms. We end the course by returning to the world of sports and the Bible and discovering how they might be brought together in a way that is faithful to the text, useful for the believer, and transformational for our involvement in sports.

Course outcomes include:

• Explore how Christian athletes can meaningfully connect their activities in sports to the Bible
• Thoughtfully and faithfully apply the Bible to their daily lives
• Understand and articulate the diverse cultural contexts of the Bible and the role it plays in interpretation
• Understand how to read sporting contexts through the Bible (and not vice versa)
• Appropriately understand and apply the athletic metaphors in the Bible
• Explore creative ways the Bible speaks into sports apart from athletic imagery

The course is eight weeks long and delivered online through Canvas Catalog. As a non-credit course, there are no academic prerequisites to enroll. Each week will include specially designed and selected readings and learning engagement activities. You will receive constructive and meaningful feedback from the instructor and opportunities to interact with your peers.

Developed by a historian in consultation with experts in theology, ethics, and sports ministry, this class examines the intersection of race, sports, and Christianity in the United States from a historical and contemporary lens.

Course outcomes include:

• Develop a theological and biblical framework for approaching questions about racial identity and racial justice in sports
• Enhance cultural literacy and understanding of sports by exploring how the past has shaped the present
• Consider and examine the ways that racism has been both promoted and resisted in American sports history
• Learn from the historical examples of Christian athletes and coaches who were involved in debates about racial inclusion and racial justice.
• Evaluate current issues related to racism in sports from a Christian perspective.
• Apply course concepts to an action plan specific to the context of your sport.

The course is eight weeks long and delivered online through Canvas Catalog. As a non-credit course, there are no academic prerequisites to enroll. Each week will include specially designed and selected readings and learning engagement activities. You will receive constructive and meaningful feedback from the instructor and opportunities to interact with your peers.

Developed by a team of experts with experience in theology, spiritual direction, virtue ethics, psychology, counseling, and sports ministry, this course introduces students to the ancient and modern practice of spiritual formation in and through the experience of sports.

Course outcomes include:

• Engage with a practical theology of spiritual formation
• Understand the place of spiritual disciplines within the Christian tradition
• Analyze the culture of sports and its impact on spiritual formation and Christian worship
• Examine how others have connected spiritual formation to athletics 
• Identify and practice disciplines for spiritual growth within sports
• Reflect on and experience the importance of the Christian community for spiritual formation

Developed by former athletes who are experts in practical theology, sports ministry, biblical studies, and history, this class will help Christians understand and relate to sports in a deeper way. 

Course outcomes include: 

• Understand how to see and experience sports through God’s story 
• Apply theological concepts to the people and culture of sports 
• Explore the ways sports culture shapes motivations, values, and practices 
• Practice self-reflection for spiritual growth and leadership 
• Examine current issues and trends in sports through a Christian lens 
• Develop a contextually relevant theological model for engaging in sports 

Developed by a team of experts with experience in theology, history, chaplaincy, counseling, and sports ministry, this course introduces students to the role of a chaplain in sports, the practice of holistic spiritual care, and ways chaplains can engage with the people and culture of sports. This course is intended for those interested in sports chaplaincy and those already serving within the field.

Course Outcomes Include:

• Examine the history and current landscape of sports chaplaincy
• Articulate a working theology of sports chaplaincy
• Develop an awareness of cultural context, including pluralism and diversity in sports
• Explore the practical skills and competencies of effective sports chaplaincy
• Identify and understand standards of care, ethics, and accountability
• Learn different approaches to sports chaplaincy from experienced practitioner

This course is centered on Brian Smith’s book The Christian Athlete. It will provide students with additional readings, video content, and activities intended to help Christian athletes and those who lead them engage in a deep way with the questions, concerns, and issues addressed in The Christian Athlete. 

Course outcomes include:

• Enter into an ongoing conversation about what it means to be a Christian athlete
• Understand and reflect on key questions and concerns facing Christian athletes within their sports contexts
• Align sports participation for self and others with an understanding of who God is and our place in the biblical narrative
• Learn practical steps for spiritual growth and discernment within real-world situations in sports and life
• Participate in and help to cultivate safe spaces for questions, conversation, and dialogue related to sports and the Christian faith

The course is eight weeks long and delivered online through Canvas Catalog. As a non-credit course, there are no academic prerequisites to enroll. However, you must purchase Brian Smith’s book The Christian Athlete. Each week will include selected readings and learning engagement activities. You will receive constructive and meaningful feedback from the instructor and opportunities to interact with your peers.