350: Why Health Belongs in the Church with Matthew Gay

Written By Chelsea Blackbird
 
 
 

In this episode  Matthew Gay, founder of FIT Church United, talks about why caring for our bodies isn’t separate from our faith - it’s part of how we steward the life God has given us.

We talk about why health is so often overlooked in the Church, what it looks like to lead by example (even when you don’t have it all figured out), and how caring for your body can better equip you to live fully into your calling.

We also tackle the other side of the conversation: what happens when health itself becomes an idol. Matthew shares his own journey from chasing aesthetics and perfection to viewing movement, food, and caring for his body as an act of worship.

This conversation is about finding that middle ground - taking our health seriously without obsessing over it, giving ourselves grace without giving up, and recognizing that we don’t have to be perfect to lead others toward better stewardship.

 

350: Why Health Belongs in the Church with Matthew Gay

 

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Divine Connections and Health Stewardship

03:05 Matthew's Journey: From Struggles to Stewardship

05:58 The Church's Role in Health and Wellness

09:00 Bridging Faith and Health: A Call to Action

11:55 Overcoming Barriers to Health Leadership

14:54 The Importance of Example in Health Ministry

17:56 Endurance in Health: A Lifelong Journey

20:53 Fit Church: A Model for Health Ministry

24:11 Living Fully: The Connection Between Health and Purpose

36:14 Living as an Example of Faith

39:52 The Balance of Health and Obsession

44:58 Navigating All-or-Nothing Mentality

49:41 Grounding in Love and Grace

55:45 The Reality of Imperfection in Health

01:00:13 Practical Nutrition and Spiritual Connection

Resources and Programs:

 

Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!

XOXO,

Chelsea

Chelsea Blackbird
Next

Wednesday Word: Stop PreSuffering