Studia Vitae

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Sport as Faith Formation

Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 01/12/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)


January 12 – February 20, 2026, Mondays, 7:00 p.m. CST

High-impact Christian schools are places where the mission shapes every part of the day, and that includes the athletic and extracurricular programs. In this six-week course, participants will learn about the long and inspiring legacy of using sport and athletics as a means of cultivating character and nurturing faith, the role of coach as Christian model and mentor, establishing a Christ-centered climate and culture for your team, and how to nurture the character and faith of student athletes. This can be taken as a standalone course or as part of the Certificate in Sport & Faith Formation.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the role of sport in Christian formation and discipleship. 
  • Apply faith-informed principles to coaching and team leadership.
  • Create athletic/tam cultures and climates that nurture spiritual growth and character. 
  • Integrate sport and faith practices in daily team life.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

Dr. Christopher Mizel

Director of Spiritual Life & Identity

Concordia International School, Shanghai

Dr. Chris Mizel began his ministry and coaching career in St. Peters, Missouri, where he and his wife Danielle lived for 10 years.  While in Missouri he coached Cross Country and Track & Field at Lutheran High School of St. Charles County leading the cougars to two Track & Field state championships in 2013 and 2014.  In 2017, he began his current work at Concordia International School Shanghai where he continues to coach and teach.  Coach Mizel has led the Concordia Phoenix to 5 Asia Pacific Athletic Conference track & field championships.

He attended Concordia University, Nebraska and earned a bachelor's degree in.  He then studied at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, earning a master of divinity and doctor of ministry.  

He and his wife Danielle have been married for almost 20 years.  Chris is passionate about running, coffee, and Jesus!  He is also a lifelong die hard Chicago Cubs fan!

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
Prayer and Encouragement Board
Open discussion to continue.
Open discussion to continue. This space is available for participants to share prayer requests, words of encouragement, or uplifting scriptures, and celebrate answered prayers. Please note that this is a peer-supported forum — instructors do not monitor or respond to posts.
Open Discussion Space
Open discussion to continue.
Open discussion to continue. This discussion forum is provided for participant interaction and idea sharing. Please note that it is not instructor-facilitated and posts will not receive instructor feedback.
Week 1
Week 1 Webinar
01/12/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
01/12/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 2
Week 2 Webinar
01/19/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
01/19/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 3
Week 3 Webinar
01/26/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
01/26/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 4
Week 4 Webinar
02/02/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
02/02/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 5
Week 5 Webinar
02/09/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
02/09/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Week 6
Week 6 Webinar
02/16/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
02/16/2026 at 7:00 PM (CST)  |  60 minutes  |  Attendance Required
Certificate
Live and Archive Viewing: No credits available and certificate available
Live and Archive Viewing: No credits available and certificate available A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the course.