Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies
Purpose Statement
The Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides a theological foundation, contextually-relevant formation, and cultural literacy so that Christians can engage with and lead the people and culture of sports in thoughtful, faithful, and responsible ways. The degree consists of a minimum of 39 hours, all of which can be completed online, and normally requires at least two years of study to complete.
Primary Goals of the Program
The George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University creates a learning environment that shapes scholar-ministers for the Church in the historic orthodox Christian tradition. The Seminary does so in the larger context of a major national research university with a confession rooted in the historic Baptist tradition.
As evidence of the Seminary’s commitment to both its ecclesial and educative contexts, Truett Seminary creates an intentional learning environment that promotes formation, deepens knowledge and embraces praxis. These three areas--being, knowing, and doing--prove equally foundational and absolutely essential for holistic ministerial formation.
Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary should be:
- Persons with a developing sense of calling and a growing dedication to the mission of God in the world;
- Persons with a deepening commitment to the life of the church;
- Persons who are continually being formed as followers of Christ, committed to integrating the Christian practices into daily life (e.g., worship, prayers, study, service);
- Persons of high ethical standards regarding their relationship and responsibility to self, family, congregation, colleagues, community, and creation.
Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary should know:
- The narrative of Scripture including the contours of the biblical stories of Israel, Jesus Christ, and the church, as well as the central themes of creation, fall, redemption, mission, and recreation that shape the narrative;
- The Great Tradition (and traditions) of Christian thought;
- Baptist history and doctrine, while developing an appreciation for the wider ecumenical community;
- Appropriate means for articulating the Christian faith in light of the context in which she or he ministers.
Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary should be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in basic ministry skills;
- Interpret accurately the Christian Scriptures and apply them effectively to ministry tasks;
- Reflect critically and theologically upon the acts and experiences of Christian ministry;
- Lead others in spiritual formation and discipleship;
- Practice contextual evangelism;
- Participate effectively in God’s mission locally and globally;
- Exercise skillful care of people in the midst of crises, but more broadly, through all stages of life;
- Relate effectively and authentically as a human to humans in the common concerns of life;
- Demonstrate appropriate self-care.
Student Learning Outcomes
The M.A. in Theology and Sports Studies program at Truett Seminary seeks to achieve holistic student development by equipping students through theological and biblical reflection, spiritual formation, ministry service, and contextual engagement. The outcomes for this degree include:
- Graduates of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary will possess foundational skills in the study of content, context, and interpretation of Christian Scripture as it relates to understanding and engaging in sports.
- Graduates of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary will possess foundational skills in the study of both the content and context of the place of sports within the larger Christian tradition.
- Graduates of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary will demonstrate active engagement with cultural context and social needs related to sports in ways that inform and enrich the practice of Christian witness.
- Graduates of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary will engage in patterns of practice and belief that will inform and enrich the spiritual life of the minister.
- Graduates of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary will demonstrate competency and capacity for integrating theology and ministry leadership in varied sports contexts.
Requirements for a Master of Arts with a major in Theology and Sports Studies
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Spiritual Formation | ||
PRTH 7101 | Spiritual Formation I | 1 |
PRTH 7102 | Spiritual Formation II | 1 |
PRTH 7103 | Spiritual Formation III | 1 |
Theology Core | ||
THEO 7340 | Introduction to Christian Scriptures | 3 |
THEO 7345 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
WOCW 7385 | Introduction to Christian Witness and Mission | 3 |
Theology and Sports Studies | ||
PTSM 7333 | Integration of Faith and Sports | 3 |
PTSM 7352 | Theological Ethics of Sports | 3 |
PTSM 7366 | Soul Care in Sports | 3 |
PTSM 7380 | Studies in Sports Culture | 3 |
PTSM 7390 | Organizational Leadership in Sports | 3 |
PTSM 7392 | Sports and Christianity in Historical Perspective | 3 |
Christian Tradition | ||
THEO 7396 | The Baptist Identity 1 | 3 |
or WSLY 7310 | Wesleyan Theology and Doctrine | |
or WSLY 7320 | Wesleyan History & Polity | |
or WSLY 7330 | Wesleyan Worship & Sacraments | |
Mentoring | ||
MENT 7V00 | Mentoring in Ministry | 6 |
Total Hours | 39 |
- 1
This course is required for all students receiving a Baptist scholarship.