Personal Essay: My Experience As A Sports Ministry

I have applied to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity because of my desire to grow into a more mature spiritual leader at home, in the church, and within my calling into sports ministry. My previous educational experience comes from Geneva College in the MSOL Program. My time in that program was the best time of learning I have had in my adult life, the challenges academically, the theological incorporation into leadership and the ability to be myself in the learning environment are cause for me to continue my education in a different direction. Personally, I believe my transfer from Geneva to PTS will enable me to better live out my calling in a specific way through sports ministry and a gaining of a deeper theological understanding to minister to individuals while writing programs that help other leaders “lead well.”

I anticipate that this experience will help me uncover a deeper understanding of how I can best be effective in building God’s kingdom. It has been stated that, “Everything rises and falls on leadership” (source unknown). Since I truly believe this is true I also further believe that whether I continue to remain a pastor, or God calls me deeper into other areas of ministry this PTS experience will prepare me to understand all areas of spiritual leadership, from personal, to organizational, to dealing with staff, and principles of strategic thinking that a well rounded Godly leader needs in order to be successful. I also believe I will be better prepared to mentor and coach others, which means I will be giving back by helping create leaders who in turn help make other