“I've had it with ‘fleshy' exercise classes,” Carol told me. She called me to find out more about PraiseMoves and see if what we offered would be a good fit for her and what she sensed the Lord was calling her to do.
“I want to offer the ladies in our church something that blesses them physically, while also blessing the Lord.
“The gyms in our city are so worldly. It's actually embarrassing taking classes there. The music with questionable lyrics, the skimpy outfits, the sensuality…oh, and don't get me started on the YOGA! It's everywhere!”
I told her I understood. Being from New York City, raised in yoga, New Age spirituality, and the Off-Broadway Theater scene–believe me, I understood!
“THAT'S IT!” Carol said. “I'm going to DO something.”
God Doesn't Always Call the Equipped, but He DOES Equip the Called
Instead of “cursing the darkness,” Carol decided to “be a light” to her community. She prayed, sought the Lord, and felt led to start a Fitness Ministry at her church.
Had Carol ever done anything like this before? No. But she knew that the Lord doesn't always call those who are equipped. He equips those He calls. 🙂
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1st Corinthians 1:27).
What is the purpose of Christian Fitness Ministry?
- To encourage Christians to take responsibility for the stewardship of the health and fitness of their bodies which belong to God (1 Cor. 6:20) by providing classes and information to help them achieve greater levels of health.
- To develop friendships and Christian fellowship in classes.
- To offer those who do not belong to a local church the opportunity to make new friends and experience Christianity personally in an informal environment.
Friendships are a marvelous way to win people to Christ, and PraiseMoves classes offer the perfect setting for friends to get fit and have fun together.
Churches Reaching Out in New Ways
George Barna is the founder of The Barna Group, Ltd., a research and marketing firm. He writes on faith and lifestyle and is often cited as an authoritative source in the media.
Barna states that traditional ways of sharing our faith are no longer as successful as they had once been. He maintains that new traditions must be formed in order to attract a new generation.
“Clever, creative outreach that proves to be real and viable can provide our culture with a realistic and enticing alternative to materialism and selfishness,” Barna says.
Among born-again Christians polled, two of the top priorities for their future included a close relationship with God (93%) and good health (92%).
Considering that Christians of all ages list physical health the top priority next to their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, Christian Fitness classes can be an excellent way to bring believers together for a common purpose in a way that spans the generations.
Consider this: Millennials make up the largest percentage of those interested in regular exercise. They also have the second lowest church attendance.
With Millennials' interest in FITNESS, your Christian Fitness classes can become an EXCELLENT way to bring people back into church and the fellowship of believers.
When polled, most American adults list having good physical health as their top priority in life, making this the highest-rated priority of all. Since physical health is a high priority with adults worldwide, a PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry can be an ideal way to win the lost while helping those in the body of Christ to become more Fit Witnesses for Christ.
Participation in small groups which meet at churches on weekdays continues to rise. Your PraiseMoves class can meet a distinct need for the Body of Christ – and with proper preparation and spreading the word, a good attendance as well.
God Chooses the Foolish Things of this World…
Carol spoke with her Pastor and Women's Ministry leaders. She showed them PraiseMoves.com and shared her vision of holding PraiseMoves and MIRA! or PraiseKicks classes at church. She enlisted the prayer support of her friends and family.
Carol was excited about studying to become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor and offering Christian Fitness classes at her church–and even reaching out to the local YMCA, secular gym, retirement center, Christian Elementary School, and Bible College.
“I KNOW my community needs PraiseMoves and the other Christian Fitness classes your ministry offers,” Carol told me.
“And since ‘God chooses the foolish things of the world,'” she added. “I'm willing to be a big enough ‘fool for Christ' to LET HIM USE ME!!!”
Do you believe the Lord is calling YOU to explore FITNESS MINISTRY?
Check out my new Master Class: “YOU ARE CALLED TO FITNESS MINISTRY…IF…” CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE.
