Program Overview
The FSI Online Certificate Program provides accessible and flexible theological training, cultural literacy, and leadership development for Christians in sports. Our non-credit courses are delivered online and are offered at three different times during the year: Summer, Fall, and Winter/Spring sessions. Students are free to enroll in any course of their choosing; there is no application process and no prerequisites. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on upcoming registration openings and deadlines.
Past students in our courses include:
- High school and college coaches
- Educational and athletic administrators
- Sports ministry staff
- College athletes
- Graduate students
- College professors
- Pastors and missionaries
Students who take multiple classes can work towards receiving a Certificate in Sports Culture and Leadership from the Faith & Sports Institute. To receive the certificate, students must take four total courses: the two “core” courses (Sports Leadership and Sports & Theology) plus any two additional electives.
Questions?
Certificate in Sports Culture and Leadership
- Core Classes:
- Sport Leadership
- Sports & Theology
- Electives (choose two):
- Bible & Sports
- Race & Sports
- Mental Health & Sports
- Additional courses under development!
Course Instructors
Paul Putz
Paul is the Assistant Director of the Faith & Sports Institute. He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Grace University, where he played basketball. He also has an M.A. and a Ph.D. in history with a focus on sports and Christianity. His writing and research has been featured at numerous media outlets, including Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Sports Illustrated, and NPR’s “Only A Game,” and his first book is under contract with Oxford University Press. He has over a decade of experience as an educator in both the high school and college classroom.
Brian Gamel
Brian serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Faith & Sports Institute, where his primary project is researching and writing a book on the sports metaphors used in the Bible. He is a teacher and scholar with an M.Div. from Duke University and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Baylor University. His first book, an academic study of the centurion’s confession in Mark 15, was published with T&T Clark. Before entering graduate school, Brian received a B.A. in Microbiology from the University of Missouri and spent six years on staff with a church.
Cindy White
Cindy is the co-founder of the Faith & Sports Institute. She earned All-American honors in volleyball and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Health and Human Performance with graduate studies in Exercise Physiology. Following a year of coaching at The University of Texas, Cindy received an M.A. from Moody Bible Institute in Biblical Studies and Ministry which prompted her to pioneer the women’s campus ministry with Athletes in Action, where she has served for 35 years. Cindy develops curriculum for global leaders in sports and has traveled the world speaking at retreats and conferences, particularly in the areas of identity formation and mentoring in elite sports. She has co-authored or contributed to three books related to sports and faith and is committed to helping young people aspire to true greatness.