Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management

Faith-based Physical Activity and Sport Program Initiatives: An Exploratory Pilot Study
Demetrius W. Pearson, Eddie T. C. Lam

Abstract
This exploratory pilot study was designed to acquire a general understanding of the rationale, role, and mission of contemporary Faith-based Physical Activity and Sport Program Initiatives (FBPASPI) in Houston, TX. In-depth personal interviews, onsite facility observations, and program document examinations were conducted to answer several research questions. Purposive sampling was used to identify, contact, and interview 16 key informants of church-related recreational sport/fitness programs. The data collection instrument was a 15-question semi-structured interview guide. Content analysis and triangulation techniques were employed to examine and analyze the data. Results suggest that FBPASPI appear to be an integral part of the mission of the observed religious entities. Programs were similar in many respects with regard to their basic mission and objective(s), yet diverse with respect to funding, facilities, personnel, and program implementation. Moreover, they were also found to be more inclusive with respect to gender, age, and physical activity offerings than “muscular Christianity” oriented programs of the past.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jpesm.v2n1a6