A Fitness Program For Christians and Churches

It's no secret our churches are full of members who are struggling with their weight, habits, and health overall. We know them as friends and family. We may even see them in the mirror every morning. While these beloved brothers and sisters are praying for help and experiencing life alone under the weight of their physical burden, their church is doing little to help them. After deep consideration and communication with pastors in various states, I’ve grown more aware of the reason for the absence of fitness ministries in most churches.

To start, this is not an element of the standard Bible-based church. Nowhere in scripture do we see a fitness ministry, only a ministry of healing among the apostles. Another reason is the personnel required for such a ministry. Starting a fitness ministry would require someone with the skills and experience in fitness to do so. Finally, we see a third reason for the poor health habits of many church leaders. Their lives reflect poor self-discipline, which would explain the lack of promotion around good health practices among the members of the body they shepherd. To fix this would require a turn-key system that would permit people without a degree or coaching certificate to lead others toward better health. A framework to follow or strategy to use that takes the pressure of knowing it all off the person leading while providing the tools required to help those being led significantly change their lives for the better. A fitness program for Christians.

In 2020, Jessica Reed and I set out to put our years of expertise and love for the church together by developing a program to help people get into amazing shape while encouraging them in their faith. She, as a Registered Dietitian, and I, a Certified Personal trainer and Weight Loss Specialist, combined forces and developed what we now call FIT For Heaven.  The FIT For Heaven program enables your church to provide that help without demanding anything more from your staff and volunteers. FIT For Heaven is a comprehensive 12-week program that will teach participating members and provide them with a day-by-day guide toward better health. It includes a progressive 12-week at-home workout program, a nutrition strategy, daily biblical encouragement, and a community to walk with the entire time. FFH equips your church with a tool to guide members toward better health in a Christ-centered way.

Hilda lost 21 lbs in 6 weeks, started running again, and regained her confidence around food. Hilda has a lot on her plate as a grandmother and wife who works full time. After years of gradual weight gain, Hilda knew she needed to do something, which led her to become the first person to complete the FIT For Heaven Program. Listen to her testimonial interview in the FIT Church United Facebook group here.

Tiffany lost 17lbs in 12 weeks through the FIT For Heaven program. Being a single mom and working full time, Tiffany was always tired. She struggled to find time for herself but knew something needed to change because her physical condition was starting to affect her role as a mom. Through the FFH program, she learned to enjoy fitness again, regained her energy, and began drawing closer to God. Listen to her testimonial here.

The most powerful part about this is that anyone with a heart for people and a willingness to lead by example can run the program at their church. If you can follow simple instructions and be a source of encouragement for those working towards better health, you’re qualified!

Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.

This is an opportunity to bear the burden of brothers and sisters who need help breaking through to physical freedom while opening the door for others who simply want to enjoy the Lord on their health journey.

How It Works:

Step 1. Schedule a Call

On this call, we will discuss the process of running the program at your church for you and your community specifically. We consider the estimated size of the group, whether or not you want to host a weekend workout together from the program, and any other way we can make this group fit the culture of your church.

Step 2. Survey the Members

The next step is to ask the members of your congregation who are interested in participating. We will provide you with information to share, so all you have to do is throw up a slide or play a short video during the announcements and collect the information of those who want to participate.

Step 3. The Kick-Off Call

On the program's first week, a team member will host a 60-minute meet and greet where everyone participating will learn a little about each other, set some goals as a group, and ask questions about the program. All you have to do is send out the link. 

Overall, running the FIT For Heaven program at your church is a fun and rewarding way to pour into others and be poured into. We’ve designed this so that your only role is coordinating on the front end and then cheerleading the rest of the way. We’ve done and will do all the heavy lifting.

If it is on your heart to show the love of Jesus Christ through health and fitness, Click the link below and schedule a call to coordinate running the FIT For Heaven Program at your church!

Schedule A Call

Considering the FIT For Heaven program for yourself?

Learn more HERE and get signed up today!