Nearly seven in ten Adventist churches offer no fitness, exercise or weight loss group or class. In fact, they are half as likely as other religious groups (4% compared to 9%) to provide fitness programs throughout the year.


At the same time, Adventist congregations are more likely than other denominations to provide fitness programs on a part-time basis. Given the Adventist heritage and health message, it is surprising that local churches are not more active in meeting this popular need.

One reason may be the growing emphasis over recent decades that every program must yield quick accessions to the church. The Adventist Church in the 1970s forged a leading role in helping Americans stop smoking with the Five-day Plan, but by the late 1980s it had virtually dropped out of the field, according to government statistics on smoking cessation programs. The opinion that "Five-day Plans don't produce baptisms" had become widespread among pastors.

What will it take for local congregations to rise up and say, "We want to collaborate with other services that provide benefits to our community without expectation of a return"? To do that, it will take many more pastors and members willing to boldly move forward where others fear to go. It will also take a significantly reduced fixation among Conference, Union&Division administrators for immediate results.

For everyone it will take focusing on the biblical themes found in Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 4:18-19, 10:25-37. Ellen&James White and many of the other founders of Adventism would be proud to see us more social action and compassion ministry oriented. That's the way they were.

Discussion Questions

1. When is the last time our church had a fitness, exercise or weight loss group or class?

2. Is there a need for programs of this type among our members or in the local community?

3. Should we appoint a task force to conduct a feasibility study and bring back a proposal for a fitness ministry of some kind?


Paul Richardson, Director, Center for Creative Ministry.