Sport Chaplaincy Focus Group

Drs. Steven Waller and Harold Cottom

This specialized area of study in Doctor of Ministry Program examines the role and function of chaplains ministering in sport environments. The primary objective is to provide a relevant biblical, theological, historical, pastoral and practical foundation for ministering to players, coaches, and their families in sport environments (club, high school, collegiate, international amateur, and professional). Over the span of the program specialized seminars will be conducted to examine the historical, practical, legal, ethical, and international issues that impact the effectiveness of sport chaplains. The student will meet in focus groups on the Dayton campus of United at least twice per year in a week-long Intensive, and will meet in between these Intensives for four days of peer session with their mentor(s) in different locations.  During the off-campus peer sessions students will have an opportunity to interact with chaplains working in collegiate and professional sport organizations to help ground their respective ministries. The overarching objective of this course of study is to help the student to focus on a project relevant to his/her context of sport ministry.