Teaching Philosophy

The defining characteristic of a sport management course lies in its demand for applied knowledge within the industry. As an applied discipline, it must evolve in response to societal needs and contribute meaningfully to real-world contexts. Consequently, the central mission of my courses is to ensure that the knowledge acquired in the classroom directly translates to practical, on-the-ground applications. I do not simply deliver traditional lectures. As the CEO of a media company, the head of a sport agency, and a seasoned sport marketer, I leverage my extensive industry experience to equip students with the skills necessary for success in the sport industry. 

My objective, even at the undergraduate level, is to produce graduates who can immediately make valuable contributions to the field. For example, my Sport Communication course has produced over ten professional journalists, while students in my Sport Marketing Consulting course have had the opportunity to present consulting strategies directly to the country’s leading professional teams. My teaching philosophy is simple: “An applied discipline that cannot immediately contribute to the field is a dead one.” 

At the same time, as a Christian professor, I also adhere to the following faith-based teaching philosophy.
Sport and the sport industry have profoundly influenced modern society. The total size of the sport industry is estimated at approximately $213 billion, which is seven times greater than the U.S. movie industry and two times larger than the U.S. automobile industry (Sowers, 2005). This rapid growth has been closely followed by academic research in various aspects of sport and the sport industry. Sport management, often defined as the study of strategies to maximize profitability in the sport sector, focuses on areas such as fan behavior, team dynamics, organizational management, and facility operations. Given this profit-oriented paradigm, a critical question arises for Christian educators: Can sport management, a highly commercialized field, be grounded in or transformed by a Christian theistic worldview? Can a secular discipline like sport management be compatible with Christianity? As a Christian professor, I aim to articulate my teaching philosophy through the lens of the Christian worldview by following the processes of salvation: Creation, Fall, and Redemption—through which God redeems us from sin and death.

Creation

The first stage of salvation is Creation, where we recognize why we were created. God made everything, including humanity, and declared it good: “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). All of God's creations are inherently good, and this truth can be applied to the teaching of sport management in two ways.

First, I encourage my students to develop their personal vision and mission. The sport industry is highly competitive, and success in this field often hinges on clear strategic goals. However, I emphasize that Christian students should focus on creating visions that glorify God, using their knowledge, talents, and careers as a means to serve others rather than merely seeking secular success. Education in sport management, therefore, becomes not just about climbing the ladder of success but about descending from that height to serve others and further God's kingdom with the abilities gained.

Second, just as God created humans, the sport industry is an intricate system composed of multiple sectors. To help students understand the complexity of the industry, I teach core concepts and academic truths with excellence. Christian educators should strive for superior knowledge in their field because they are grounded in biblical truth. As Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32). Excellence in education is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a Christian duty to communicate truth—both biblical and academic—to students. In summary, the Creation stage inspires me, as an instrument of God's grace, to provoke my students to reflect on who they are and why they were created, instilling in them the importance of seeking knowledge in sport management for God's glory.

Fall

The second stage, Fall, reminds us that humanity has been marred by sin. Adam’s disobedience resulted in our expulsion from Eden, and today, the sport industry mirrors this fallenness. Originally, sport was derived from physical activity aimed at promoting health and recreation. Recreation, rooted in "re-creation," is inherently good and aligned with God's original Creation. However, the commercialization of sport has distorted this goodness, transforming sport into a profit-driven entity where unethical practices often dominate. Scandals and amoral behavior are commonplace in the modern sport industry, revealing how far it has fallen from its original purpose.

As a Christian professor, I address this fallen state in two ways. First, I challenge my students to consider how the power of sport can be managed in a way that aligns with Christian values. For example, sport organizations can host events to raise awareness for humanitarian causes, such as combating hunger or supporting those suffering from AIDS. By using the platform of sport for good, we can transform the industry into a tool for advancing God's kingdom.

Second, I redefine sport management not as a study of how to maximize profits, but as a discipline dedicated to managing sport in a way that benefits individuals physically, mentally, and spiritually. Recognizing how the industry has fallen allows us to address these shortcomings and move toward a restoration of sport’s original purpose.

Redemption

The final stage, Redemption, is where we are restored by God’s grace through Christ’s sacrifice. Though we have fallen, God’s love and grace offer us redemption. As a Christian professor, I focus on instilling gratitude and love in my students, encouraging them to see their talents, knowledge, and future careers as gifts from God. These gifts are to be used not for personal gain but for the greater good, serving others and reflecting God’s grace in the world.

I also strive to equip my students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the sport industry while acting as salt and light in a secular environment. By developing their vision and mission (Creation stage), they can contribute to transforming the sports industry into a place where truth prevails. As their mentor, I commit to loving and supporting my students, guiding them in faith, and helping them stand firm in their spiritual journey.

Conclusion

In response to the initial question, can sport management be grounded in Christianity? The answer lies in the processes of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. By embracing these stages, we can uncover the original goodness of sport and work toward restoring it. Sport management, viewed through a Christian theistic lens, becomes a study of how to manage sport in a way that is physically, mentally, and spiritually beneficial to individuals. As Christian educators, our mission is to shine the light of truth on every area of life, including sport, helping our students utilize their abilities to reflect God's glory in all they do.

Undergraduate Courses Taught

Sport Management

Sport Marketing

Principles of Sport Event and Operation

Sport Media & Communication

Sport Sponsorship & PR

Principles of eSports Management

eSports Facility Management

Sport Facility Management

Introduction to Sport Management Statistics

Intermediate Sport Management Statistics

Sport Industry Data Analysis

Internship in Sport Industry

Sport Industry Marketing & Consulting

Graduate Courses Taught

Sport Marketing Research

Sport Media & Sponsorship

Global eSports Industry

Intermediate Sport Management Statistics