Chris Townsend of Lodi, CA decided it was time for him and his congregation to lose weight
A northern California pastor delivered his sermon while working out from the pulpit on Sunday to illustrate the importance of being spiritually and physically fit.
Chris Townsend of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lodi, Calif., decided to change his active lifestyle by taking the gym to church as part of his “Fit 4 Life” sermon series during the month of August. Since he began using the treadmill and stationary bike on stage, Townsend lost 35 pounds, which he hopes is an example his members can take after.
“The theme began with ‘building our spiritual muscles.’ I see a clear Biblical connection with our spiritual and physical fitness,” said Townsend to The Christian Post. “We have been given the “temple” and some of us, even as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we have fallen short in caring for it.”
Townsend believes physical, nutritional, emotional, mental, directional and spiritual areas need to work together in a synergistic way and so far, his congregation has responded well to his messages.
“This activity style message has drawn their attention to listen closely and also be able to talk about what’s going on here at Emanuel within the larger community. On one hand this has become an outreach as well,” said Townsend.
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Article Courtesy of The Christian Post
Picture Courtesy of Hello Beautiful
Pastor Preaches While Embracing ‘Spiritual Fitness’ at the Same Time was originally published on wzakcleveland.com
