For Ohio Christian University (OCU) Director of Ministry Programs Dr. Wayne Pessia, sports, recreation, and fitness (SR&F) ministry is an important, growing opportunity.
Churches have been building gymnasiums and sports fields at an increasing rate, and the SR&F ministry movement has expanded in activities and events as active Boomers and Xers age, young parents dive deep into children’s sports, and millennials experiment with nontraditional sports and fitness recreation. Significant to note is the increasing demand for sports, recreation, and fitness pastors which is where OCU can help train new or existing pastors called to this new form of outreach discipleship.
Today churches increasingly are attuned to this trend as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission and be faithful to a Gospel-centered ecclesiology. Using SR&F as a ministry tool is significant inside the church and in para-ministry settings. Organizations that began over 50 years ago, like the Fellowship of Athletes and Athletes in Action, thrive and expand.
Athletics and activity-centered ministries are growing outside of the U.S. as well. For example, the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries and Unchartered Waters Sports Ministry are equipping and partnering with churches. Thousands are impacted through their collaboration.
The world speaks the language of sport. Consequently, an SR&F ministry calls for specialized training. Athletic and sports-minded Christ followers called into SR&F ministry need a biblical, theological, and methodological foundation to be effective. OCU’s new academic concentration fulfills this need.
As AVP of AGS Enrollment Nicole Davis explains, “We are pleased to offer students the opportunity to acquire this new SR&F concentration in this expanding ministry field.”
Articles of Interest
Summer Institute to Offer New Online Courses and Certificates
Published: May 5, 2020
Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or undergraduate level courses at
a reduced rate.
OCU is also introducing ten new stand-alone certificate programs as part of
the Summer Institute for anyone interested in furthering his or her skills in
an area. Most courses begin June 1, 2020.
Graduate Level Courses for Teachers and Professors
These courses are designed to help K-12 and undergraduate instructors work
towards a graduate degree.
Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or undergraduate level courses at
a reduced rate.
OCU is also introducing ten new stand-alone certificate programs as part of
the Summer Institute for anyone interested in furthering his or her skills in
Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or
Distance Learning Supports Social Distancing
Published: March 17, 2020
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives while keeping a safe
distance from others. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in many
universities shifting onsite classes to distance learning, including Ohio
Christian University.
Thankfully, Ohio Christian is experienced in this area having offered online
classes for over a decade to adults and teens. Students have the option to
enroll in Trailblazer Academy (College Credit Plus), Online-
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives while keeping a safe
distance from others. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in many
universities shifting onsite classes to distance learning, including Ohio
Christian University.
Thankfully,
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives
Ohio Christian recently named top online college in Ohio
Published: March 13, 2020
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs featured in Value
Colleges’ Best Online Colleges in Ohio have found the best balance between
affordability, accessibility, and quality.”
Ohio Christian’s Online Program offers over 50 Certificate, Associate,
Bachelor and Master level degree programs in the areas of Business,
Marketing, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Emergency Management,
Human Services, Criminal Justice, Ministry,
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs featured in Value
Colleges’ Best Online Colleges in Ohio have found the best balance between
affordability, accessibility, and quality.”
Ohio Christian’s Online Program offers over 50 Certificate,
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs
Ohio Christian: A Leader in Online Education
Published: March 9, 2020
Ohio Christian University is one of the leading Central Ohio universities for
earning an online degree. Columbus CEO magazine recently ranked Ohio
Christian as #4 on their Leaderboard Report for Central Ohio Online Degree
Programs. [1]
The report shows that for fall 2019, Ohio Christian had 932 online
undergraduate and graduate students from the Central Ohio region alone and
2171 total online students. The report also highlights Ohio Christian's
excellent 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and affordable price point.
Explore online degree options or take the next step by submitting our
Ohio Christian University is one of the leading Central Ohio universities for
earning an online degree. Columbus CEO magazine recently ranked Ohio
Christian as #4 on their Leaderboard Report for Central Ohio Online Degree
Programs. [1]
The report shows that for fall 2019, Ohio Christian had 932 online
undergraduate and graduate students from the Central Ohio region alone and
2171 total
Ohio Christian University is one of the leading Central Ohio universities for
earning an online degree. Columbus CEO magazine recently ranked Ohio
Christian as #4 on their Leaderboard Report for
Ohio Christian Works to Enhance Graduates’ Financial Security
Published: December 5, 2019
Over recent years college debt has increased at a growing rate with the
Federal Reserve currently reporting the average amount of college debt to be
$32,731. Of those who owe education debt, 10.3% are reported to be behind on
their payments. The level of debt and negative impact to credit for those who
default is a major burden to student’s financial security after graduation
and their piece of mind.
Ohio Christian University, as a Christian institution, has a goal not only of
education but also to instill principles of biblical stewardship into our
students. Additionally, the
Over recent years college debt has increased at a growing rate with the
Federal Reserve currently reporting the average amount of college debt to be
$32,731. Of those who owe education debt, 10.3% are reported to be behind on
their payments. The level of debt and negative impact to credit for those who
default is a major burden to student’s financial security after graduation
and their piece
Over recent years college debt has increased at a growing rate with the
Federal Reserve currently reporting the average amount of college debt to be
$32,731. Of those who owe education debt, 10.3%
Archived Articles of Interest
2019 Graduates Celebrate Commencement
Published: May 5, 2019
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Ohio Christian University held its 70th-year
Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville,
Ohio. There were 664 associate, bachelor, and master level graduates invited
to the Ohio ceremony that earned their degrees.
Kristen Muzzy was the 2019 Commencement Address speaker. Muzzy is the
President and co-founder of the World Alliance for the Volunteer Economy or
WAVE. As a survivor of human trafficking, Muzzy spoke about God’s love and
the plan He had for her trials in bringing her closer to Him. In her early
life, she felt like the
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Ohio Christian University held its 70th-year
Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville,
Ohio. There were 664 associate, bachelor, and master level graduates invited
to the Ohio ceremony that earned their degrees.
Kristen Muzzy was the 2019 Commencement Address speaker. Muzzy is the
President and co-founder of the World Alliance for the
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Ohio Christian University held its 70th-year
Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville,
Ohio. There were 664 associate, bachelor, and master
Survey Results: Online Offers Community
Published: February 27, 2019
Ohio Christian University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness
recently participated in a national assessment called “The Thriving
Survey.” Respondents to this online survey included
126 Traditional Undergraduate students and 275 students in the College of
Adult and Graduate Studies. One of the most interesting findings
was the high level of community in OCU’s adult and online classes.
83% of adult and online students agree there is a “strong sense of
community among students in this program.”
What is it about OCU’s adult and online programs that create this sense of
Ohio Christian University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness
recently participated in a national assessment called “The Thriving
Survey.” Respondents to this online survey included
126 Traditional Undergraduate students and 275 students in the College of
Adult and Graduate Studies. One of the most interesting findings
was the high level of community in OCU’s adult and online classes
Ohio Christian University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness
recently participated in a national assessment called “The Thriving
Survey.” Respondents to this online survey included
126
Information Technology & Data Analytics Degrees Open Doors to World-Changing Jobs
Published: February 5, 2019
Ohio Christian University’s Information Technology and Data Analytics
degrees train students for high-tech careers in today’s ever-changing
environment. By offering both a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
and a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, OCU prepares students to meet
all the challenges in these continually growing and evolving fields.
The Information Technology major teaches students to integrate information
technology with business management and equips them to plan, implement, and
support information systems. With a Data Analytics degree, students learn to
Ohio Christian University’s Information Technology and Data Analytics
degrees train students for high-tech careers in today’s ever-changing
environment. By offering both a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
and a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, OCU prepares students to meet
all the challenges in these continually growing and evolving fields.
The Information Technology major
Ohio Christian University’s Information Technology and Data Analytics
degrees train students for high-tech careers in today’s ever-changing
environment. By offering both a Bachelor of Science in
Master of Arts in Leadership Adds Value
Published: December 6, 2018
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill in critical and strategic
thinking, ethics, and the application of leadership philosophy all while
integrating Christian principles in management planning and leadership
execution.
Students apply leadership in teams and learn processes to benefit for-profit
and not-for-profit organizations, and discover how to evaluate enterprises,
understand group dynamics, and improve performance. Jobs in
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill in critical and strategic
thinking, ethics, and the application of leadership philosophy all while
integrating Christian principles in management planning and leadership
execution.
Students apply
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill
Marketing and Consumer Behavior Degree Opens Doors
Published: December 11, 2018
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and services. Students gain the
knowledge needed for developing effective consumer segmentation, the starting
point in all marketing strategies, programs, and campaigns. Graduates can
articulate the psychology, analyze the motivations, and create effective
marketing strategies based on an understanding of both consumer behavior and
marketing.
The degree adds value by providing a mix of business,
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and services. Students gain the
knowledge needed for developing effective consumer segmentation, the starting
point in all marketing strategies, programs, and campaigns. Graduates can
articulate the
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and
