The body of Christ is a phrase spoken frequently among Christian believers. Often in simplest terms is assumed to be a group of people that gather in one building. But, how about an indigenous missionary, outside with youth in the shade of a tree, physically exercising and spiritually training with others doing online fitness around the world? Does the term Body of Christ apply to them too? What does the Bible say?
This is a question Anthony and Denea’ Widener explored in depth before launching their unique faith and fitness program, Crash Fitness, in the summer of 2019.
When you dig into the Bible you find that every single follower of Christ is part of one body. There is no separation by denomination or location. Instead all are identified as children of God.
Having a ministry background as well as expertise in the gym world, the Wideners could see the strong connection between physical health and being able to say yes to the calling God places on Christians’ lives. Without caring for your physical body, it is a struggle to have the energy and health needed to live your life fully for Christ. With this understanding they asked, “What if there is a way to truly unite believers from all over the world on a spiritual and fitness journey for God’s glory?”
Crash Fitness was the answer to that question. Crash Fitness is unique in that church congregations and individual believers in the United States can be a part of the same platform along with their fellow Christians serving on mission in other countries like Guatemala, Haiti, and nations in Africa to name just a few.
TOOLS FOR GLOBAL TRAINING
Crash Fitness members are challenged and encouraged by devotionals and led through strength training and functional online fitness workouts. Utilization of the Internet breaks the barriers of time and location allowing members all over the world to receive spiritual and physical training through online fitness with minimal equipment and requirements.
Through the online workouts members can get help to get in phenomenal physical shape. Then through the online community group they can connect for accountability, encouragement, and prayer. Denea’ shares “We just want to help the body of Christ get healthy and stay healthy so that they can accomplish all that the Lord is calling them to do.”
EVERYONE IS YOUR WORKOUT PARTNER
Kristen and Jared Schulte, who live in Florida, discovered Crash Fitness in its beginning phase and found it be life changing in the midst of the busyness of life. The couple has been thrilled with the results and how the program affords them the freedom to workout on their own schedule from the convenience of home. For the first time ever they have been able to maintain a consistency with their workouts.
Kristen admits “I honestly never even considered putting God at the center of my health, fitness, or wellness…it truly was a lightbulb moment when I realized that my entire life had changed having handed over this last big part of my life to Him. I can only believe that God put Crash Fitness in my path so that I could experience these life changing truths that I can now walk confidently in. It’s so much deeper than weight loss and physical gains. Wow, it’s truly all about the personal relationship with God.”
Seth Switzer, a pastor in New York, has gotten his whole family on board completing the workouts with his wife and often including their children as well. He had been going to the gym 5 to 6 times a week prior to COVID gym shutdowns and was looking for a way to maintain his fitness. He found that joining Crash Fitness was much more than just a temporary solution. He got better results with this program than he had with his old regimen. He was able to lose over 20 pounds and lower his elevated blood pressure to normal levels.
The physical combined with the spiritual continues to be huge for him. He shares, “I’m [doing online fitness and] working out along someone who may be in India, Haiti, or some other country. We may be thousands of miles away, but we serve the same God and have the same goal of being healthy both physically and spiritually. Far too often we neglect taking care of the bodies that God has given us, which hinders us from being used fully for God and His calling on our lives.”
Josh Anderson, a missionary in Haiti, explains that as a former athlete, exercise has always been a part of his life. But as an adult he began to struggle with consistency as family and demands grew. He has been pleased with the ease Crash Fitness provides to take his workouts with him whether he is on the mission field or back visiting in the United States. Josh continues to experience results both physically and spiritually.
He notes that the community group really has an impact as it is easy for missionaries to become isolated. Josh says, “Having that support, accountability, and encouragement, from everywhere from India to Haiti, is unlike anything I’ve seen any other organization be able to do effectively.”
MORE THAN AN EXERCISE GROUP – IT’S A CRASH!
A group of fish is called a ‘school’. A group of pigs is called a ‘herd’. But a group of rhinos? – They’re called a ‘crash’. It’s a great term to apply to a group of Christians who commit to being an unstoppable force. God’s people can move together full-force with confidence. Doing online fitness together is 1 way to do that. There’s a future to be created, a humanity to be liberated.
Something you will hear Anthony say throughout Crash Fitness trainings is the challenge, “Let’s move with passion and purpose!” That truly is what this is all about.
Whether you’re a pastor looking to get your church on board, a missionary overseas, or an individual believer just looking for a way to take your health and fitness to the next level, Crash Fitness is for everyone. It is truly a unique way of uniting the collective body of Christ through a life changing program.
JOIN THE CRASH – ONLINE FITNESS WITH THE UNSTOPPABLE BODY
Health and overall wellness tend to take a backseat to other things in life, especially in ministry and serving others. That’s why Crash Fitness Co. is partnering with you, your church or your missions organization to bring body, mind, and spirit fitness to YOU! Get your first 30 days of the Crash Community for free.
Learn more about Crash Fitness. To inquire about getting involved in this online fitness workout as a church contact anthony@crashfitnessco.com
