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Master of Arts in Christian Sport Chaplaincy

Master of Arts in Christian Sport Chaplaincy

Equipping Spiritual Leaders for Global Sports Ministry

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Program Overview

The Master of Christian Sport Chaplaincy (MACSC500 – 700) is a graduate-level program designed to equip chaplains, pastors, and ministry leaders for effective service in sports, institutions, and culturally diverse settings. This comprehensive program blends theological foundations with specialized training in sports culture, pastoral care, and ethical considerations unique to athletic environments. Graduates will be prepared to offer spiritual guidance, support, and mentorship to athletes, coaches, and staff at all levels of sport, from amateur leagues to professional organizations.

Key Highlights

Specialized Sports Ministry

Develop expertise in providing spiritual care within diverse athletic environments.

Advanced Theological Training

Deepen biblical understanding and ethical reasoning for complex chaplaincy roles.

Practical Leadership Skills

Gain essential leadership and pastoral care skills for high-pressure sports settings.

At a Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

36

PROGRAM DURATION & COMPLETION

1.5–2 years (Full-time)

Max 5 years (Self-paced)

PROGRAM COST

US $3,310

Program Outcomes

Upon completion, graduates will:

  • Serve competently as sports chaplains across various competitive and institutional settings.
  • Apply theological, ethical, and pastoral skills in high-pressure environments.
  • Demonstrate spiritual maturity and cultural sensitivity.
  • Provide biblically informed care and guidance to athletes and teams.
  • Integrate faith effectively into the culture of sports ministry.

Career Prospects

A Master of Arts in Christian Sport Chaplaincy prepares graduates for diverse and impactful roles within the dynamic world of sports, extending spiritual care and guidance internationally. Potential career paths include:

  • Sports Chaplain: Serving athletes and teams at various levels (professional, collegiate, youth) globally.
  • Team Chaplain: Providing spiritual and pastoral support to athletic teams.
  • Sports Ministry Director/Coordinator: Leading and organizing faith-based initiatives within sports organizations.
  • Athlete Well-being and Support Specialist: Focusing on holistic care for athletes.
  • Pastoral Care Provider in Institutional Athletics: Offering spiritual guidance within sports academies or universities.
  • Chaplaincy in Sports Programs: Within military, community, or international outreach settings.
  • Sports Ministry Educator or Trainer: Equipping others for ministry in sports.
  • Counselor: Providing support in sports-related mental and emotional health services.

Future Academic Paths

The Master of Arts in Christian Sport Chaplaincy provides advanced training that can serve as a stepping stone for further academic and professional pursuits. Possible academic paths include:

  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Chaplaincy or Pastoral Care: For advanced practical theology and ministry leadership.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology, Ethics, or Ministry: For academic research and teaching roles.
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a focus on Sports Administration or Leadership: Combining educational theory with sports contexts.
  • Post-graduate certifications: In specialized areas like trauma-informed care, grief counseling, or crisis intervention, applicable to athletes.

Graduates may also pursue licensure or certification in general counseling or chaplaincy boards, depending on local requirements and their chosen career trajectory.

Explore Our Course Structure

Textbook: *Chaplaincy: A Comprehensive Introduction* by Mark A. Jumper, Steven E. Keith, and Michael W. Langston

Code Course Credit Hours
MACSC 501Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry3
This course provides a foundational understanding of the role, responsibilities, and diverse settings of chaplaincy ministry. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 502Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship2
Focuses on strategies for sharing faith and fostering spiritual growth within a chaplaincy context. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 503Chaplain Ethics for Advisement and Pastoral Care2
Examines ethical dilemmas and best practices in providing advice and pastoral care as a chaplain. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 504Spiritual and Professional Development of the Chaplain2
Explores personal and professional growth areas essential for sustained effectiveness in chaplaincy. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 505Theological Ethics of Chaplaincy2
Delves into the theological underpinnings and ethical decision-making processes inherent in chaplaincy. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 506Soul Care in Sports2
Addresses the unique spiritual and emotional needs of athletes and sports personnel. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 507Sports Chaplaincy2
A comprehensive study of the specific roles, challenges, and opportunities within sports chaplaincy. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 508Studies in Sports Culture2
Analyzes the cultural dynamics, values, and traditions prevalent in the world of sports. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 509Theology and Philosophy of Sports Ministry2
Examines the theological and philosophical foundations for engaging in sports ministry. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 510Integration of Faith and Sports2
Strategies and approaches for seamlessly blending Christian faith with athletic pursuits and environments. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
MACSC 511Theological Ethics of Sports1
Focuses on ethical considerations and dilemmas specific to the realm of sports from a theological perspective. (Supplementary Textbook: Watson, N. J. *Sport and the Christian Religion*.)
Code Course Description Credit Hours
COUN 305Introduction to Pastoral Counseling3
An overview of foundational principles and practices in pastoral counseling. (Textbook: Patton, J. *Pastoral Care in Context*.)
COUN 402Premarital and Marital Counseling3
Focuses on counseling techniques and biblical principles for premarital and marital relationships. (Textbook: Rainey, D. *Preparing for Marriage*.)
BIBL 404Hermeneutics3
Studies the principles and methods of biblical interpretation. (Textbook: Duvall, J. S., & Hays, J. D. *Grasping God’s Word*.)
BIBL 502Biblical Theology3
Explores the overarching themes and progressive revelation of God’s plan throughout the Bible. (Textbook: Roark, N., & Cline, R. *Biblical Theology*.)
BIBL 503Pluralism and World Religions3
Examines the nature of religious pluralism and surveys major world religions from a Christian perspective. (Textbook: Morgan, G. R. *Understanding World Religions*.)
HOMI 501Foundations of Expository Teaching and Preaching3
Provides principles for effective biblical exposition in teaching and preaching ministries. (Textbook: Chapell, B. *Christ-Centered Preaching*.)

In addition to coursework, all candidates for the Master of Christian Sport Chaplaincy degree must complete a thesis of 25,000 to 35,000 words.

The thesis must demonstrate original research, theological depth, and practical application related to sport chaplaincy, pastoral care in athletic contexts.

The thesis is to be submitted for academic review in the final semester and is required for graduation. Upon successful defense and approval, the thesis will be prepared for publication through Shiloh College’s academic platform or an approved theological journal.

  • Completion of 36 total credit hours
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Completion within 5 years
  • Submission of Degree Completion Application in the final semester

Ready to begin your studies in Christian Sports Chaplaincy?

Answer the call to become a Christian Sport Chaplain today!

Download and fill the application form from the link below and send it to: registrar@shilohcollege.com

Register Today!

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