Sports and Recreation Ministry

Learn how to lead people into healthy lifestyles

What will I learn with a Sports and Recreation Ministry Degree?

Sports and Recreation Ministry is one of the fastest growing job fields in the past few years, resulting from expanding populations, increased leisure time, greater mobility and the church reaching outside its walls.

Professionals are needed to meet these recreation demands. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for professional positions in churches, sports, recreation, parks and outdoor recreation settings.

When you complete a degree in Sports and Recreation Ministry at Barclay College you will be able to represent Christ in the Sports and Recreation profession by leading people into healthy lifestyle choices. You’ll learn the biblical perspective of sports and recreational skill development, growth and education.

You will be able to:

  • Apply Biblical principles to sound recreation management.
  • Understand the benefits of sports and recreation for individuals and communities.
  • Apply the technical knowledge and skills required of recreational professionals.

What will a faith-based college offer me that is unique in this program?

To represent Christ in the Sports and Recreation profession by leading people into healthy lifestyle choices by providing skill development, growth and education from a biblical perspective.

If you have a passion for enjoying sports and recreation activities and would like to lead others into healthy activity choices with a Christ-centered approach then this degree is for you.

What can I do with a Sports and Recreation Ministry degree?

Sports and Recreation Ministry professionals are needed to meet the recreation demands of one of the fastest growing job fields in the past few years, resulting from expanding populations, increased leisure time, greater mobility and the church reaching outside its walls.. Students interested in sports and recreation ministry can find a variety of career opportunities in churches, YMCA/YWCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, city and county recreation agencies, school sports programs and therapeutic recreation.

What is the career/job outlook?

Recreation Director

A college degree is required for this position.

PayScale.com reported the yearly wage earned by most recreation directors was $33,000 – $71,000 as of 2019. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that jobs for all types of recreation workers will grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028.

What are alums of the program doing?

Teaching, coaching, athletic directors, sport specific training, therapeutic recreation, fitness centers.

Tanner Huck 2017: “The Sports and Recreation Ministry program at Barclay College helped me   in numerous ways. The program set me up with a firm theological foundation, programming skills, and leadership philosophies. I am thankful for the instruction and relationships received and formed from being a part of this institution and program.” Tanner Huck is the Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach at Ecclesia College in Springdale, Arkansas.

Morgan Stander 2015: “The Sports and Recreation degree from Barclay has allowed me to explain and share the love of Christ through activities, coaching, and playing.  Ministry doesn’t have to be abroad or even confined to people in the church. It has allowed me to share with      others that God can use you and your gifts in any way.” Morgan Stander is teaching Junior High Math and English and coaching volleyball and basketball at Belleview Christian School in Denver, Colorado.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science: Sports and Recreation Ministry

Bible and Ministry Requirements*: (must earn a 2.5 GPA; no more than one D grade allowed)

29 hrs

Bible Concentration:

20 hrs

BI205 Bible Study Methods

3

NT102 New Testament Survey

3

OT101 Old Testament Survey

3

TH300 Teachings of Friends

3

TH302 Doctrine of Holiness

2

OT Elective (OT252, 322, 333, or 351)

3

NT Elective (NT211, 241, 362, or 356)

3

Foundations for Ministry:

9 hrs

CM104 Personal Evangelism Seminar

1

MI208 Intercultural Ministry

3

SL101 Spiritual Formation I

3

WA101 Introduction to Worship

2

General Education Requirements:

34 hrs

Communication

9 hrs

EN100 College Writing

3

EN200 Research and Writing

3

SP200 Fundamentals of Speech

3

Humanities

11 hrs

HU309 Interdisciplinary Studies Elective

3

LI200 Introduction to Literature

3

PH100 Critical Thinking

2

PH205 Introduction to Philosophy

3

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 hrs

PY100 General Psychology

3

Social Science Elective

3

Science and Mathematics

8 hrs

Math Elective

3

NS206 Anatomy and Physiology + Lab

5

Additional Requirements

7 hrs

BC199 Orientation for Success at BC

1

3 hours chosen from literature (LI), Juniors Global (JG), or social sciences

3

Unrestricted electives (students often fulfill these hours, partially or completely, through 1-hr courses, such as sports or music lessons)

3

Professional Ministry Courses: (must earn a 2.5 GPA; no D grades allowed)

50 hrs

CM225 Ecclesiology

3

CM307 Ministry Leadership and Administration

3

CM411 Conflict Management

3

PY206 Developmental Psychology

3

SR102 Lifetime Indoor Fitness

1

SR103 Lifetime Outdoor Fitness

1

SR107 Introduction to Sports and Rec Ministry

3

SR204 Recreational Leadership

3

SR216 Elements of Athletic Training

3

SR302 Philosophy of Coaching

3

SR311 Adventure Education

3

SR314 Sports Outreach

3

SR322 Lifetime Wellness

3

SR402 Senior Forum

1

SR409 Internship

3

SR427 Character Dev. Through Sports and Rec

3

YM104 Youth Culture and Trends

3

YM302 Camp Programming

3

2 hours chosen from the following to fulfill PE requirements:

2

PE105 Women’s Volleyball (1 hour)

PE105 Men’s Soccer (1 hour)

PE105 Men’s/Women’s Basketball (1 hour)

SR101 Cardio (1 hour)

SR104 Weights (1 hour)

Additional Bible/Theology:

8 hrs

TH205 Basic Beliefs

2

6 hours NT, OT, or TH Electives

6

In most of my Sports and Recreation classes, I learned things that are very applicable to my life as a teacher and coach. Having the support from the faculty and staff played a huge role in where I am today.”

Cole Hibler

2018, B.S. Sports & Recreation Ministry
Elementary Special Education,
High School Basketball Coach,
Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Have questions about Sports and Recreation Ministry?

Ask Me

Larry Lewis

Chair of Sports and Recreation Ministry

M.S. Wichita State University
B.S. Friends University
B.S. Fort Wayne Bible College

Career Outlook

* According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

$33K-$71K

The yearly wage earned by most recreation directors
According to PayScale.com as of 2019

+8%

Higher demand for recreation workers*
Between 2018 and 2028

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