PUT YOUR HEALTH TO THE TEST

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1 (NIV)

 

“It makes me feel good that FCA cares about it’s people!”

That was a common statement after a week of clinical exercise testing at the FCA World Headquarters in November. This effort, led by the FCA Health & Fitness Ministry, was designed to help our FCA team improve its health so that everyone involved could have the strength and energy necessary to perform at the highest level. FCA President Les Steckel put it best: “We believe that our initiative to serve our people on the front-edge of ministry will define us as an organization that genuinely invests in the personal and professional development of its people.”

By launching the program last May, FCA became the first ministry to develop and implement a comprehensive wellness program, and in doing so, caught the front end of a major trend. In the middle of a health care crisis, companies all across the country are realizing the need to help their people live healthy lives. Business executives realize that having healthy employees is actually good for the bottom line.

For a ministry like FCA, however, it is far more about duty than dollars. We believe that God has called us to honor Him with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And as a sports ministry, we believe that we have an opportunity and obligation to give our best to God—mind, body and spirit— and to display the spiritual disciplines of sacrifice, self-discipline, teamwork and perseverance. And, as athletes and coaches, we recognize that peak performance on the field requires proper conditioning. Peak performance in life requires the same.

FCA Chief Operating Officer Ken Williams agrees. “We believe that this is the right thing to do,” he says. “Our team serves God faithfully in the field every day. Now we have a tangible way to let them know that we care about them and their quality of life. If we save money on our health care costs, we believe that is good stewardship; it will enable us to multiply the ministry in the field.”

So far, more than 150 FCA employees have been tested with universally positive feedback. The first groups to be evaluated were the senior leadership and regional directors. Since then, three field regions
(Lake Michigan, Great Lakes and Northland) also have gone through the fitness testing; and the Health and Fitness Ministry is working to serve all of the regions during the course of the year. These assessments are critical to uncovering potential health risks and establishing a baseline from which to improve. In some cases, the results can be life-saving.

Ron Frank, Lake Michigan Regional Director, put it this way: “As a leader, I feel challenged to pour into my staff—to help them be as healthy as possible spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally—in all
aspects of life.” Frank’s was the first region to participate after the leadership team.

The goal of the Health and Fitness Ministry, ultimately, is to create a culture of wellness in which our FCA team enjoys the full life that Jesus came to offer (John 10:10). We have incorporated exercise and nutrition principles into our new staff training and work one-on-one with staff to achieve their health goals.

Mark Gassman, Senior Vice President of Field Ministry, already sees a big difference at the Home Office and in the regions that have completed the testing. “Before the testing, candy bars, pizza and cookies were common,” says Gassman. “Now, they are replaced by fresh fruit and vegetables. Our team is already making great progress. Many have lost weight and just feel so much better. The changes are obvious.”

Exercise and proper nutrition affect mood, mental focus, weight, immune system function and even decision-making! God created food for our bodies to give us energy, sustain life, prevent disease and facilitate healing. As we incorporate key health practices into everyday life, we are more prepared for challenges; and when we build on a foundation of living for Christ, we maintain the right motives.

There is a significant interest and need for health, fitness and wellness solutions within FCA. Ron Backes, who serves with the coaches ministry in Minnesota, offered his viewpoint: “It’s important for staff in sports ministry to be aware of their health and fitness level and to have a plan to maintain or improve.” And since we apply biblical principles and sound science, these programs are proving to be very effective.

As the ministry grows, we also look to expand and serve other ministry leaders (church and para-church) and coaches, which are two groups that often struggle with health issues due to long hours and job stress.

It is exciting to see real life-change occurring, knowing that our team will be able to serve with great energy and endurance. Knowing that the leaders of the organization genuinely care about the health
of our team is even better.