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.”

Personally I would like to see myself continue to become a better self-leader and Christ follower.

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

leaders.
My personal philosophy in ministry involves Connecting (Colossians 2:19), which is centered on staying connected to Christ, and remaining connected to others whom God loves. Sharing (Acts 2:42) which is centered on belonging and giving of ourselves in community with each other. Growing (Ephesians 4:11-13) which focuses on being a pastor/teacher to grow others into maturity, and lastly Serving (John 12:26) which centers on being honored in Christ while honoring and serving others with Christ’s love and grace.
I have have served in pasotral ministry for ten years now, which in every respect is much more than just preaching on Sunday. Its truly a a calling that requires and demands a person “be” a leader as well as an example. I believe that “teamwork” in accomplishing God’s redemptive work is critical for any ministry to succeed. I love bible teaching, small group ministry, discipleship ministry, music, and leading ministry groups. In other words, I have experience and some skill in always striving to be a good leader, authentic and true to scriptural values in my personal and professional life.
My father is the primary person that has influenced me in the area of leadership. My dad is a retired steel mill maintenance manager with no formal degree, however he exhibited not only good Godly self-leadership, but in his position he was always thought of as a leader and manager that cared first about “people.” People always mattered to my father more than any task or assignment or “thing” that needed done. This example is the essence of real spiritual and authentic leadership, building up others and considering others more important than yourself. Servant leadership was modeled for me, so I function at the core from a foundation of servant hood. I have been influenced by many authors, however I have spent time with and gained much insight from men like Stan Toler, Timothy Keller, John Maxwell. Maxwell’s “Five levels of Leadership” and “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” have been implemented to a degree into my life and ministry.
I am hopeful that you will receive me into the PTS family as I look to further my education and knowledge to better serve others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ anywhere God leads.
In Christ,
Frederick R. Kison

WORKS CITED
Keller, Timothy. (2009).Counterfeit Gods. New York: Dutton (Keller)
Wilkens, Steve, & Sanford, Mark L. Hidden Worldviews.(2009).Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (Wilkens&Sanford)