Master of Arts in Sports Outreach (12 credit hours)

MASO512 Foundations of Sports Ministry (3) – This course will focus on the biblical and theological bases for the Christian’s participation in sport as well as sports ministry. The historical development of play, recreation, and competitive sport will be examined with special emphasis given to the relationship of competition to the Gospel message. Students will come away from this class with an understanding of how participation in sport can be both worship and ministry.

MASO522 Methods and Models of Sports Ministry (3) – The avenues for sports ministry are limited only by one’s imagination. This course will provide a short history of sports ministry and a deeper look at a variety of current sports ministry models. Both church and parachurch ministries will be assessed and the rationale for each examined. Students will learn how to utilize the sport, recreation, and fitness experience to lead people into an understanding of biblical truths.

MASO532 Spiritual Formation in the Sport Environment (3) – Students will examine the sport, recreation, and fitness environments and discover why they provide an ideal setting for evangelism and discipleship. There will be a special emphasis on the role of the coach in spiritual formation and a focus on how sports ministry can be done even in a secular setting. Upon completion, students will be able to strategize how to minister in various sport, recreation, and fitness settings.

MASO542 Leadership and Administration of Sports Ministry (3) – Aspects of this course include a look at contemporary issues in sport and the development of ethics and sportsmanship in the sports minister. From volunteer recruitment through risk management, the administration of people and programs is examined with particular attention given to the sports minister’s personal spiritual health.

MAO501: Orientation (0) – This is a one-week course designed to introduce students to the graduate program at Barclay College, including: classmates, course instructors, the mechanics of the online portal and discussion forum, and the academic rigors of graduate studies.

Theology Core (15 credit hours)

MABI511: Old Testament Hermeneutics (3) – God’s revelation through the Old Testament illuminates His timely message and timeless story for His people, while also providing the context and foundation for the New Testament. In this class, students will investigate the richness of the Old Testament and its relevance for today, including the principles and procedures for its interpretation, application, and exposition.

MABI521: New Testament Hermeneutics (3) – The narrative of Christ and His Church, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, provides the framework for Christian faith and practice. This class in biblical interpretation and exegesis focuses on the life and teachings of Christ, the experience of believers, and the eternal hope of the Church as recorded in the gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature.

MATH531: Christian Theology (3) – This class investigates the essential teachings of the evangelical Christian faith, with special attention given to the person and work of Christ, sin and salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Church, and contemporary theological issues. Students will become better equipped to apply and articulate theological convictions in ministry settings.

MATH541: The History of Christianity (3) – This course addresses the major events, issues, personalities, and movements that shape and define the story of the Christian Church. Topics such as the birth and growth of the Early Church, the threat of persecution, the rise of monasticism, the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon, the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, ecumenical efforts, and the globalization of the gospel provide a deeper understanding of the Church and a relevant perspective for ministry today.

MAMM513: The Missional Church (3) – We may not all be called to serve Christ as missionaries in a foreign land, but we are all called to be “on mission with God” wherever He may lead us. In this course, students are challenged to examine their purpose and calling in life, maximize their capacity to build bridges, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at home and around the world.

Research and Application (9 credit hours)

MARA523: Research Methods (3) – This course is an introduction to the research methods that are applicable in a variety of academic and organizational settings, including both quantitative and qualitative strategies that are commonly used in a graduate Capstone project.

MARA533: Applied Research I (3) – In this research and application course, students will identify and begin to investigate a potential Capstone project that relates to their chosen concentration of graduate studies. Through practical examination, each student will focus on their field of study using a variety of potential methods, some of which may include: field experience, literature review, and other forms of data collection.

MARA543: Applied Research II – Capstone Project (3) – This course involves the completion of a written Capstone project that serves as the culmination of a student’s research and their graduate school experience. Students will integrate their research findings with their chosen area of concentration, making application to life, service, and leadership today. In addition, each student will demonstrate their acquisition of scholarship, critical thinking, creativity, and written communication skills.