The media labeled Steve Reynolds ?The Anti-Fat Pastor after he lost more than 100 pounds and launched a stunningly successful weight-loss program in his church and community. In Bod 4 God, Pastor Steve reveals the four keys that have unlocked the door to health and fitness for him and for countless others who have dedicated their bodies to God! Steve had been overweight all of his life? he weighed over 100 pounds in the first grade! After playing football during high school and college, he vowed never to exercise or run laps again. That was one promise he kept, ballooning to 340 pounds and staying there for years. Now, in Bod 4 God, he shares the simple lifestyle changes? both inside and out? that led to his incredible weight loss, and he invites readers to change their lives forever by committing their bodies to Gods glory! In addition, Steve shows local churches how to impact the health of their entire community, by hosting? Losing to Live?? Events, such as weight-loss competitions and team-driven fitness campaigns.
First Place 4 Health has helped tens of thousands of people lose weight and bring balance to the four core areas of their lives; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In this new title from Carole Lewis, First Place 4 Health's national director, readers are challenged to give God a year to change them from the inside out. Change will happen over the course of 12 months, but the right changes only happen when we set the right goals and take the right steps to achieve them. Written with Carole's signature warmth and humor, the book invites readers to dream big about the changes they long for in their lives and then offers practical, biblical, step-by-step guidance for how to see those dreams made into reality. In a culture of ''right now'' a year may seem like an eternity. A year in the hands of God, however, means change that will last eternally.
When most people think of the holidays, fitness and healthy eating are not the first things that come to mind! But it is possible to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year with family, friends, fun and good food while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Holiday Living is a six-week Bible study that will inspire readers to eat right and stay active through the winter holidays. Each daily reading offers motivation and encouragement to avoid the unique temptations of the holiday season and to maintain balance in the four core areas of life: emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. For First Place 4 Health members and other readers, the holidays don’t have to be a time of regret. Instead, rejoicing is on the menu!
How many of us are living up to our full, God-given potential? What's holding us back--and how can we overcome it? These are the questions Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson want us to ask--and answer--with the help of The New You. With energy and enthusiasm, the authors take a holistic view of health that encompasses the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental areas of our lives, giving us proven, systematic ways to dramatically improve each. Readers come away with specific strategies to - lose weight - get more sleep - lower stress - nurture better relationships - connect with God - and much more Anyone who wants to trade in the frustration of average living and less-than health for the hallmarks of the new life God promises will find The New You an effective personal guide for the journey. ***** "People are looking for the big miracle or the one secret solution or the one answer to solve all their problems. This exciting book focuses on small steps . . . many small steps . . . to transform your life."--Elmer L. Towns, cofounder and vice president, Liberty University "Are you tired, worn down, discouraged, and longing for a vibrant life--a new you? Then this book is the prescription you need. Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson have compiled a simple, yet comprehensive, list of biblical principles anchored in scientific fact that when applied energizes the tired, rejuvenates the worn down, and invigorates the discouraged. Because of God's design for life, if you do what this book teaches, you cannot avoid a healthier and happier life."--Timothy R. Jennings, MD, DFAPA, psychiatrist and author of The Aging Brain and The God-Shaped Brain "The New You is like a handbook for life. The content is clear, concise, and compelling. And Nelson and Jennifer write in a style that is straightforward, biblical, and highly practical. Your life will be better if you read and do what this book says."--Lance Witt, founder, Replenish Ministries "Having no vision for your life should be alarming. However, having a big vision with no plan is senseless. This book will help you cultivate both! I love what Nelson and Jennifer have done because they've made complicated concepts incredibly approachable. You're going to want to keep this book near you for the rest of your life."--Clay Scroggins, lead pastor, North Point Community Church "The New You proves a timely book, as Christians are recognizing in increasing number the call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1)."--Matthew C. Easter, assistant professor of Bible, Missouri Baptist University "The best book in a long time about how to balance spiritual and physical health! Searcy and Henson give an easy-to-follow plan for improving health while growing your spiritual life. Keep this book on your nightstand, in your car, or in your bag to consult it often and learn how physical health and spiritual growth were intended to work together."--Bob Whitesel, DMin PhD, award-winning author of 13 books, coach, consultant, and speaker on church health and growth at ChurchHealth.net "Progress, not perfection! This approach to life keeps me sane and moving in the right direction. It is also what makes The New You such a valuable tool for making the most of your wellness. Read and apply this book and your total person will be transformed!"--Steve Reynolds, pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia, and author of Bod4God: Twelve Weeks to Lasting Weight Loss "A refreshing and eye-opening read. Their practical and frank confrontation of the questions and unhealthy habits we often have encourages truthful reflection on how we serve as ministers and Christians. This is balanced brilliantly with the small steps to change, which provide motivation and are nonthreatening for persons who can become overwhelmed by just thinking about getting healthy."--Dwight Fletcher, founder and senior pastor, Transformed Life Church, Kingston, Jamaica "I was not a healthy pastor. I was overweight, out of shape, stressed out, and headed for an early grave. Two years ago, I finally decided to put into practice the principles that Nelson shares in this new book, the same principles that he has been living and sharing with me through coaching. Nelson is right, it really is the small things, done consistently over time, that make a huge impact in every area of life. In the past two years I've lost over eighty-five pounds and kept it off. I have more energy than I've ever had and I'm healthier than I've ever been. I cannot wait to share this book with you! You really are one small step away from a brand new you!"--Pastor Chris Rollins, Coastal Community Church, Charleston, South Carolina "Nelson has been my friend and role model for ministry for nearly thirty years. I have witnessed him excel in every area of life from school to family life to church leadership. The principles that have helped him to be a good friend, husband, father, and pastor are shared in The New You in order to take you from an average life to an abundant life!"--Michael A. Jordan, pastor, Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Axton, Virginia "In The New You, Nelson and Jennifer not only give the reader a checkup but they also give strategies for improving the most important areas of life. If you desire greater energy, clearer thinking, and spiritual vitality, this is the book for you."--Brian Moore, lead pastor, Crosspointe Church Anaheim "This book will strengthen your life, regardless of your faith. You will walk away stronger mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. From the first chapter to the last, you will find big and small ideas you can use now. Don't wait, buy this book now."--Jimmy Britt, lead pastor, Rocky River Church, Charlotte, North Carolina "Nelson and Jennifer have done it again! Having known Nelson for over a decade, I have personally benefited from the teachings in this book. I recommend this book to everyone! And I think it would be a great book for small group study too."--Dr. Rick Mandl, senior pastor, Eagle Rock Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California "The New You is actually about reclaiming YOU! The YOU God envisioned . . . the YOU God created . . . the YOU God loves. In addition to physical health, Nelson and Jennifer delve into the spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions of what makes for a healthy YOU. And that's where The New You really shines. Their holistic approach to your health provides insights galore and, at the end of each chapter, simple and specific strategies to help YOU reclaim more of what God intended for YOU all along!"--Pastor Kent Wilson, creator of 9Minutes2Fit workout program, certified functional aging specialist, and assistant to the bishop in the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "Wholeness and healing are at the top of God's priority list. By clearly explaining the biblical principles that point to full health, the authors make human wholeness not only understandable but, through a series of small steps, doable."--Stan Pegram, lead pastor, BMZ Regional Church
A Biblically grounded, six-week plan to lead you on the path toward losing weight and getting healthier by focusing on the connections between spiritual and physical health—“Seven Sundays is a powerful tool that will enlighten you to see wellness and spirituality with a fresh perspective” (Kathie Lee Gifford). In Seven Sundays, celebrity trainer and devoted follower of Christ Alec Penix explains the connection between faith and fitness, and shares both his own and his clients’ success stories. When our spiritual and physical bodies are built up simultaneously, we find ourselves more likely to stick with healthier, life-changing habits, appreciate what we have, be thankful for what we’ve gained (and lost), and feel content with how far we’ve traveled. Seven Sundays is a six-week program that shows you how easy it is to undergo your own total transformation. The book is organized as a day-by-day journey in the same manner as a daily devotional. Over the course of each week, you will work on the “6 Pillars of Purpose” that build up this strength. You will also enjoy “Faith-Full” foods and explore a new spiritual theme each week. Ultimately, you’ll undertake a meaningful journey that will finally connect your body and spirit. Seven Sundays is sure to “inspire people to become the best version of themselves, through strengthening their body, mind, and spirit” (Roma Downey, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author of Box of Butterflies). You’ll learn to embrace the fact that you deserve to exercise, eat right, and be healthy, and recognize your body as a spiritual vessel.
People often equate yoga with Eastern religion, but Brooke Boon sees it as an exercise style that Christians can use to generate patience, strength, and deeper worship. Author and yoga instructor Brooke Boon combines her passion for Christianity with her commitment to health to introduce yoga as a physical and spiritual discipline that strengthens the body and the soul. Clear explanations and photographs make yoga accessible for any reader, and Brooke offers customized routines for readers struggling with specific issues, such as weight loss and anxiety. Through it all Brooke uses scriptural references to help reinforce the idea that by taking care of our bodies we can also take care of our faith.
Stressing the healing power of food and how its proper use restores the body to a natural, healthy state, this book provides life-changing and life-saving information, recipes, and eating plans.
What if your church had more volunteers than you knew what to do with? Sound far-fetched? It doesn't have to be. Now consultant, pastor, and author Nelson Searcy unveils his secret to doubling your volunteer base in as little as one day. Yes, you read that right. This step-by-step guide shows church leaders how to create a culture that attracts, keeps, and grows volunteers. Taking a comprehensive approach to the often frustrating issue of finding and retaining volunteers, Connect gives leaders the practical insight and tools they need to effectively involve people in serving the local church. It details how to help people see the importance of serving, how to continually raise up new volunteers, how to really delegate, and even how to "fire" a volunteer. Every church leader who has struggled with getting and keeping people active in the church (and that's all of them) will love the practical, workable strategies found here.
Break out of the trap of average and pursue God’s best for your ministry. The average church in America is declining by 9% every year, behind on budget and unable to move forward with the kingdom plans God has in store. The average pastor is stressed out and struggling to maintain healthy relationships and life balance. But while the cycle of average is strong, there is a way to overcome its pull and step into a life of impact and excellence. Drawing from Nelson Searcy’s decades of ministry experience, The Renegade Pastor is a relevant, step-by-step resource for church leaders who are ready to break out of the trap of average and step up in surrender to the pursuit of God’s best for his or her life and work. Addresses issues of personal and professional growth including: Managing Stress Controlling Emotions Dealing with Criticism Setting Godly Goals Planning with Purpose Establishing Healthy Friendships Developing Strong Church Systems Personally Honoring the Sabbath Becoming a Better Spouse and Parent
This book examines evangelical dieting and fitness programs and provides a systematic approach of this diverse field with its wide variety of programs. When evangelical Christians engage in fitness and dieting classes in order to “glorify God,” they often face skepticism. This book approaches devotional fitness culture in North America from a religious studies perspective, outlining the basic structures, ideas, and practices of the field. Starting with the historical backgrounds of this current, the book approaches both practice and ideology, highlighting how devotional fitness programs construe their identity in the face of various competing offers in religious and non-religious sectors of society. The book suggests a nuanced and complex understanding of the relationship between sports and religion, beyond ‘simple’ functional equivalency. It provides insights into the formation of secular and religious body ideals and the way these body ideals are sacralized in the frame of an evangelical worldview.
