ScriptFit Blog
Church & Health: Breaking the Silent Epidemic
Friday, March 28, 2025
What's With the Silence?
Do you ever feel a nagging pull that like something is missing, in your church community? Maybe the sermons are powerful, they resonate, the fellowship feels genuine, yet a deep sense of unease lingers. Energy seems low, attendance declining, and the members struggle with poor health?
You're not alone. A silent epidemic is sweeping through churches, manifesting as chronic illness, fatigue, and disengagement. It's a crisis that demands our attention, for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of our communities.
Growing up, I remember church community full of vitality, where members radiated health and strength, sharing nourishing meals and vibrant fellowship. Today, many congregations face a shocking difference. This trend isn't just concerning; it's urgent.
It's no secret that our society battles with health issues. Shockingly this struggle permeates even deeper within the Christian community.
But, did you know that a significant portion of Christians in the UK are battling lifestyle diseases and obesity.
The Alarming Truth About Health in the Church
Did you know that a significant portion of Christians in the UK are battling lifestyle diseases and obesity? Studies suggest that Christians may even have higher obesity rates than the general population.
The British Heart Foundation reports that 79% of Christians struggle with lifestyle diseases like heart disease, and 63.8% are overweight or obese. By 2040, over 21 million UK adults are predicted to be obese.
This begs the question: Why is this happening?
While many factors contribute to this epidemic, we cannot ignore the subtle but powerful role that spiritual well-being—or the lack of it—plays in physical health. Read the 10 God-Inspired Secrets to Vibrant Health: A Wake-Up Call
Pastor MiChelle from Word of Faith International Conference Centre once said, "The serpent wasn't strong enough to wrestle Eve, but he was subtle enough to cause her to eat her own death." Could the enemy be subtly leading the Church toward destruction through unhealthy habits?
It’s easy to point to the immediate causes like poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress, but at the heart of the issue is a deeper problem: the disconnect between our spiritual health and our physical health. Our bodies, created in God’s image, should reflect the vitality He intended for us, but too often, we neglect our physical well-being, affecting not only our health but our ability to serve God fully.
Why Are We Avoiding This Conversation?
We openly discuss marriage, finances, and parenting in church, yet health—a crucial aspect of our well-being—remains largely ignored. Instead, the media bombards us with fleeting health trends, quick-fix diets, and unrealistic body standards.
For many, the focus becomes weight loss at the expense of overall well-being. The pursuit of a "perfect body" often takes precedence over nurturing a body that is healthy, strong, and capable of fulfilling its God-given purpose.
But why is this? Why do we shy away from the topic of health in our church communities? Is it because we feel uncomfortable addressing something so personal, or perhaps it is because we don’t know how to frame it within the context of our faith?
Many Christians fall into the trap of idolizing weight over true well-being, losing sight of their worth in Christ. This can result in disordered eating, chronic stress, and a warped view of health. Health is not simply about outward appearance but about stewarding our bodies so that we can honour God with them.
It’s time to change this. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Caring for them is an act of worship. A healthy church is a vibrant church—one fully equipped to fulfil God’s purpose.
Biblical Keys to Wellness
In the Bible, God speaks to us not only about the spiritual but about the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of our lives. When we approach health through a biblical lens, we can begin to understand that health isn’t just about losing weight or feeling good, but about honouring God with our whole selves.
1. Our Bodies are God's Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but temples of the Holy Spirit. This means we have a responsibility to care for them with wisdom and diligence. Just as we care for our homes, workplaces, and churches, we should also care for our bodies, which are meant to glorify God.
2. Identity Rooted in Christ: Our worth isn’t defined by worldly standards of beauty but by God’s love. It’s easy to get caught up in the world's ideals, but the Bible assures us that our value comes from our identity in Christ. We are His workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10), and as such, we are called to care for the vessel that houses the Holy Spirit.
3. Health Enables Us to Fulfil God's Purpose: When we are physically, spiritually, and emotionally well, we are better equipped to serve. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant life doesn’t just mean spiritual vitality but includes physical well-being, enabling us to do His work on this earth.
Where Do We Start?
If we want to see lasting change in the Church and in our communities, we need to begin by addressing our health in a biblical context. But where do we begin? Here are three essential starting points:
1. Embrace a Biblical Foundation for Health – God cares about our well-being and calls us to steward our bodies wisely. The Bible speaks often about eating well, being active, and maintaining our bodies in a way that honours Him. By embracing these principles, we begin to align our health habits with God’s design for our lives.
2. Reject the World’s Unhealthy Standards – Find self-worth in God’s truth, not societal pressures. The world will always present us with “the next best thing” when it comes to beauty, diet, and fitness. But as Christians, we are called to reject worldly ideologies that place unrealistic standards on our bodies and instead focus on maintaining a body that honours God. Remember, we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that includes our bodies.
3. Prioritise Prevention Over Cure. Healthy choices—nourishing food, regular exercise, mental and emotional well-being—should be daily priorities. Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to health. Encourage your congregation to make daily decisions that protect and enhance their health rather than waiting until something goes wrong. A proactive approach is one of the best ways to prevent lifestyle diseases from taking root.
How Churches Can Take Action
Beyond sermons and teachings, the Church has a powerful platform to promote health. Pastors, church leaders, and congregations can create a culture of health through practical initiatives. Here are some ideas for how churches can get involved:
1. Host Health Workshops: Invite health professionals to lead workshops on various health topics, such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. Churches can partner with wellness organisations such as ScriptFit to offer credible advice that empowers members to take charge of their health.
2. Create Support Groups: Provide accountability and encouragement for those struggling with weight, emotional eating, or other health challenges. Support groups can meet regularly, providing a safe space for people to share their struggles, celebrate victories, and pray for one another.
3. Offer Fitness Classes: Encourage members to get moving by offering fitness classes such as walking groups, strength training, stretching, or chair-based exercise programs for older adults. These classes can be a great way to build community and improve physical health at the same time.
4. Cultivate Community and Accountability: Encourage members to pursue health together, offering support beyond Saturday or Sunday services. Healthy living is easier when you have a group to walk alongside. Consider creating small groups or teams that meet regularly for health check-ins and shared fitness goals.
The Fruits of a Healthy Congregation and Leader
Imagine a church where members thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually. A healthy congregation brings about many positive changes:
• Increased Attendance – Healthy members are more engaged and present. They feel energised and are able to serve in various capacities within the church.
• Higher Commitment and Volunteerism – Physical well-being fosters energy and dedication. People who feel good in their bodies are more likely to step up and serve in church ministries, create events, and invest in others.
• Enhanced Work Performance – Good health leads to increased productivity and service. When you’re healthy, you have the energy to accomplish tasks and help others, whether at church or in your personal life.
Prevention Over Cure: A Long-Term Approach
Rather than focusing solely on healing, churches can emphasise prevention and encourage balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and holistic well-being. By making health a part of church culture, we create an environment where individuals can thrive, and the Church becomes a beacon of light in a world that often neglects true wellness.
Breaking the Silence and Reclaiming Our Health
We are called to be beacons of light, reflecting God’s goodness in every aspect of life. Prioritising our health strengthens our ability to serve, love, and fulfil His mission. The Church has a unique opportunity to lead the way in breaking the silence surrounding health. Let’s reclaim the conversation, taking action now to ensure that our congregations thrive in every way possible.
Start Your Health Journey Today – For Free!
We understand the challenges churches face in addressing health issues. That’s why I created a FREE course: Building a Healthier You – God’s Way to help you take the first step toward wellness with biblical principles and practical strategies.
Are you ready to prioritise your health for God’s glory? Enrol in my FREE course today and begin your journey to a healthier, stronger you!
Or perhaps your church wants to build a culture of health and well-being. That’s where ScriptFit Health Academy comes in. We offer resources, workshops, coaching, programs, and support to help churches develop a culture of health that honours God.
Would you like to build a culture of health and well-being in your church? Discover how ScriptFit Health Academy can support your church community on their health journeys.
Join the ScriptFit Health Academy Membership!
Your Go-To Christian Health & Fitness Community:
• Access to health tips, courses, recipes, and workout guides
• Action-packed worksheets and planners for live workshops
• Weekly 'How to Partner with God' Q&A sessions
• Full access to the ScriptFit Academy resources
• Monthly challenges and focus themes
• A private Christian community for support and encouragement
• Discounts on health products and prizes
• Exclusive travel partnerships
Enroll in the FREE Course Now Or Join our Health Academy Membership today!
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Join other Christians transforming their health with The ScriptFit Health Academy. Learn More Here
Join the ScriptFit Health Academy Membership
Your Go-To Christian Health & Fitness Community
- Access to health tips, courses, Recipes, monthly challenges and workout guides
- action packed worksheets and planners for the live workshops
- weekly 'How to Partner with God Q & A sessions'
- Full Access to the scriptFil academy resources
- Monthly challenges and focus themes
- A private group where Christians can connect, support and empower each other
- Discounts on health products and prizes
- Access to travel discounts
Hi there,
I'm Olivia Williams
Your go-to Christian health and fitness coach. A clinical exercise specialist, former body builder. Armed with qualifications in health coaching, personal training, weightloss, nutrition, and Ministry. We're on a divine mission to empower Christians to prosper and be in good health! Will you join us on the journey?
