Sunny: Hey, where you do workout and exercise? Aurora: At the Y.

Sunny: Where do you go to church? Aurora: At the Y.

Sunny: Say what? Aurora: Yeah!

Think about everyone who has discovered the value of a regular exercise routine. When they can go to the same place to exercise their faith they’re more likely to overcome some of the biggest challenges that people cite for not going to church:

• I won’t know anyone.
• Where is it located? That’s too far away.
• It’ll feel weird, awkward and intimidating.
• They won’t speak my language.

Faith & Fitness Magazine spoke with Josh Heaston, Director of Christian Mission for the YMCA of greater Indianapolis about the practice of church in the Y. We want you to be able to discover this approach to doing spiritual development, understand how it works and what makes it impactful and encourage you to consider being a catalyst to bring this to the Y in your community or some other fitness facility. LISTEN TO JOSH NOW OR DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO RECORDING FOR LATER.

What is “church”?

Church in the Christian faith context is the term for any regularly-gathering group of Christ followers committed to fellowship, worship, spiritual growth (discipleship) and outreach. “Church” is often misunderstood to be a building or denominational religion.

Often church groups that are just starting or being “planted” (a group from an existing church intentionally being given the opportunity to start a new gathering for the sake of expanding into new locations and influence) may lease space in a YMCA or other location for a period of time until they get more well established. It’s a more affordable and quick way to get started. Josh explains, “The church would quite frankly be paying a lease somewhere else – a strip mall or middle school. For the most part I see [the lease with the Y] being less than they would pay out in the community.”

“Y Church” goes way beyond a lease and invites the church leadership and members to shift their thinking from the Y being a temporary starter home to having a partner in a shared mission for the community. Josh describes it this way, “We’re not looking for a tenant/landlord relationship. We’re looking for a partner that will do an excellent service on Sunday but also be present and part of the YMCA culture running programs and volunteering during the week. If they [the church] rent a movie theater, they can’t come back [to it] on Wednesday and do a Bible study. They can’t be a chaplain in a middle school. Those are things we want them to do in the YMCA.”

Y CHURCH IS A WORKOUT

Heaston notes that it takes a good amount of effort to do Y church. For the church leadership and members (unless the Y has a separate theater style auditorium) there is the basic aspect of weekly set-up and tear down. That is often done in a gymnasium – a basketball court. For the Y staff they too will need to be able to answer questions, direct people and more. So, the teamwork isn’t just in what can be done – it is also in what must be done.

The church service is a weekly experience that the church leadership invests time and energy to create. It includes the pastor’s message/teaching, praise and worship music, fellowship services, communication, and the many unique and meaningful experiences like communion and baptism.

But church service for a Y church can go well beyond that. Heaston says the church can and should volunteer and be involved in Y programming and services. What could that look like? From the observations of Faith & Fitness Magazine we see that many Y’s offer various yoga classes and programs to help members reduce stress and focus. Y church should offer distinct Christian faith meditation programming options. Y’s have personal trainers. Y church should work with the Y to offer a personal trainer that is a Christ-influenced Trainer CIT. Y’s offer sports programming and coaching. The Y church can become a member of CSRM so they can be better equipped to provide sports, recreation and fitness ministry at the Y. Perhaps most significantly Y church members should be Y members and also get some basic instruction and support to do personal fitness ministry. The daily and personal 1-on-1 interactions within the Y is likely one of the most dynamic forms of relationship building that leads to overall “fitness” in the community.

DOES THE Y IN YOUR COMMUNITY HAVE A CHURCH?

According to Josh, the YMCA of greater Indianapolis has a goal to have a church in each branch. They currently have 8 branches with churches. That’s a lot of gym locations and a lot of church fellowship gatherings for 1 city.

Other areas that Josh mentions that have Y church include Portland, Tacoma, upstate New York, Minneapolis, and Orlando. There are more all across the country. Do some research for your area to determine if the Y’s in your community have a Y church.

If they do then visit it, get to know the church leadership and see how you can encourage and support it. That could include becoming a member of the Y and regularly participating in fellowship and discipleship with that church. If the Y near you doesn’t have a church then prayerfully seek God about how His Spirit may lead for a church to begin and thrive there to strengthen the Y members and community.

SHARED NEEDS AND POTENTIAL

It isn’t until you really start to look more closely at how the Y and the church pursue serving their communities that you begin to realize that while they are different and do things differently, they share many identical goals and agendas to meet needs. There is some incredible potential when the church and Y work together to pursue what’s next – what’s better.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH: For example, churches have a long history of offering Sunday School, nursery, childcare, Vacation Bible School, youth groups, camps and more. Sometimes that includes even offering after school tutoring or operating an actual school. All of these services are often also provided by the Y. When there is collaboration both can find ways to meet these needs better, serving more, more often.

FAMILY: Few organizations have as much in common as the Y and church when it comes to family. Y’s have a reputation as being “family” organizations. Churches have a historical foundation and biblical mandate to foster and guide the family. Weather it be classes, activities, cooking or nutrition, life skills or service to others the Y and the church in the Y need to closely work together to be strategic, share knowledge and resources, leverage assets, build capacity and ultimately be a combined powerhouse in their community for families.

50+: Getting older happens. As people enter the second half of their life they need a community that won’t just help them physically and spiritually but will actually value their age and wisdom. Churches and Y’s that come together for this population have potential to lead and define intergenerational relationship development. This can fuel a shift from just providing “senior care” to innovating “senior empowerment” thus driving a spirit of hope and potential.

These are just 3 areas where the Y church can be so much more than just a church fellowship that happens Sunday mornings before the gym opens. A church that is truly dynamic at a Y won’t have the perception among Y members as being a covert initiative that is off the radar of relevance. The church members won’t be “those esoteric people” that are walking out as Y members walk into the building.

The church can be delivering value 7 days a week at the Y. Church members should be some of the most active and positive Y members. Y church leaders need to be listed on the Y website making it easy for Y members to identify services they offer, skills they have, needs they can meet and contact information – AND they need to be regularly present throughout the Y amidst many of the Y experiences. The Y staff needs to be educated about the Y church and especially be equipped to know all the ways the church can meet the needs of Y members.

Post your comments below. Let us know about the Y church you’ve experienced. Share your ideas on how to be a positive and helpful Christian influence among the Y community. Let’s discuss needs and how they can be met. For more ideas and information access all of our features in the YMCA Focus department.

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“A Place for all”, touts the YMCA, and indeed it is! The Y generations are every age.

Part of the historical uniqueness the local YMCA brings to its communities, is the variety of activities for people of all ages. The YMCA waves the banner of being the world’s largest childcare provider, while not neglecting services to our growing families. We are also the leading provider of teen programs but continue to give special attention to senior citizens, which we fondly refer to as our Active Older Adults. The Y is truly a place for all.

With over 2,600 physical locations across the United States, the YMCA employees approximately 20,000 fulltime staff and over 500,000 volunteers who engage 9 million youth and over 12 million adults.

Discover more of how Y’s bring faith and fitness together.

Explore the content in Faith & Fitness Magazine’s 

 YMCA Focus Department.

On any given day, you can walk into a Y and find happy toddlers in child watch centers, youngsters splashing in pools as they learn to swim, and young mothers filing into workout studios to maintain their health (and sanity). You would find teens exploring learning opportunities such as art, dance and leadership classes, school age kids in safe spaces enjoying healthy snacks and homework help, next to smiling seniors stretching in a Silver Sneakers class.

Each group has brightly colored spaces and a variety of fun equipment, not to mention sections of rubber floored, iron-clanging spaces devoted to the most devoted. All of this is the hallmark of YMCA’s in America.

ENGAGE AT ANY AGE – CROSS THE GENERATIONAL BARRIERS

The Y of Greater Houston encourages its members to “Engage at Any Age”. These programs are designed to help their members stay active, engaged and informed when it comes to their health in spirit, mind and body. Opportunities range from water exercise, stretching classes, balance and flexibility classes and much more.

Many Y’s also offer socialization opportunities like Bridge clubs, Birthday celebrations, day trips, chess clubs, gardening projects, support groups, and holiday celebrations just to name a few.

While these people groups find many options to grow and thrive, too often they may not benefit from beneficial interactions with one another —intergenerational fitness. However, some Y’s are attempting to cross the generational barriers and stepping out of compartmentalized social interactions only.

TODDLERS AND TOE TAPPING SENIORS

Our friends at the Oakville YMCA in Ontario, Canada are raising the bar for all of us by intentionally implementing intergenerational program activities such as a Zumba party for all ages. Lively toddlers dancing next to toe tapping seniors in wheelchairs, at this event, provide laughter and fun for all.

Other opportunities are found in the childcare department, where they are creating health and wellness benefits for young and old. Such social interactions call for the older members to volunteer in the child care center by engaging in activities like reading stories, playing games, arts and crafts or simply enjoying snacks and smiles together.

“There’s a strong connection between isolation and health in older adults” says vice president of child care Lisa Rankin at the Oakville YMCA. “Adding intergenerational activities helps keep older adults healthy and the children develop compassion and respect for older adults” she adds.

COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THOSE WITH MOVEMENT DISORDERS ACHIEVE ROCK STEADY RESULTS

Here at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA, in Columbus Mississippi, the importance of young adults being involved in our Adaptive Fitness program is a vital component. Student interns from two local universities gain credit and volunteer hours at the Y. They are carefully paired with our older members with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and dementia to provide useful partnership for all.

We are currently the first YMCA in our state to offer Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program uniquely designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.  Local college students from health & kinesiology and nursing departments volunteer at the YMCA in these classes.

“I truly feel that both parties’ benefit from our intergenerational efforts. The young people gain first-hand knowledge about dealing with many issues of our elderly. They learn patience, and even pick up some wisdom along the way. While the older program participants with limited mobility benefit from healthy young bodies nearby to assist them when necessary”, says Salem Gibson, the Adaptive Fitness Director. The young students possess an energy that brings a refreshing atmosphere and brings out the child-like joy in us all!

OTHER CROSS-GENERATIONAL EXPERIENCES AT THE FRANK P. PHILLIPS Y

1. A class of 22 first graders singing, We All Bleed the Same by Mandisa at the National Day of Prayer event.
2. The Jr. ROTC students professionally presenting the Flag and trumpeting our National Anthem at a Community wide Thanksgiving service in the YMCA gym.
3. Watching community volunteers of all ages lend a hand with crafts, snacks and games to campers at “Camp with a Mission”; a week long adult special needs camp.

I am certain this only scrapes the surface of the multitude of innovative ideas that YMCA’s provide to their members and communities. So, let’s keep the dialogue open and ideas flowing as we are inspired by each other in this focus.

THE BENEFITS OF MAKING YOUR Y “A PLACE FOR ALL”

Senior Lifestyle Publication identifies some amazing benefits for intergenerational activities.

BENEFITS FOR OLDER ADULTS:

• 45% of Americans working in retirement say they want to interact with youth.
• Older adults learn new innovations and technologies from their younger counterparts.
• Older adults who regularly volunteer with children burn 20% more calories per week, experienced fewer falls, are less reliant on canes, and performed better on memory tests than their peers.
• Older adults with dementia and other cognitive impairments experience more positive effects during interactions with children.

BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN:

• In schools where older adults are regularly present, children showed more improved reading scores compared to their peers.
• Interactions with older adults enables development in social networks, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a positive attitude toward aging.
• Youth in intergenerational mentoring programs are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school.

HISTORICAL MISSION AND GUIDING WISDOM FOR STRONG GENERATIONS

The YMCA was founded in 1844 in London England by George Williams. He was passionate about developing the Young Men’s Christian Association as a means of building in young men, moral character and spiritual fortitude. Bible reading, lectures and prayer groups were the original tools for doing this.

Now, 175 years later, we can see the wisdom of Bible scripture still admonishing us to “not only look out for our own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 Holy Bible. Intergenerational interactions provide rich opportunities to develop such attitudes and bring diverse groups TOGETHER to help dispel hidden fears and negative stereotypes.

The majority of people view the YMCA through the lens of swim and gym only, in my opinion, that perception is limited at best. That is why after over two decades of service to this great organization, I can confidently echo…

“We are more than just a gym!”

Y’s are a place for all. A place for strong generations to come together.

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By Mark Cryderman, Detroit Dinner Church

Since I was old enough to float – I appreciated the impact that the YMCA had on families. My mother would attach a “floaty” (a belt with an oval egg shaped piece of foam on my back) while she and the other ladies did the 60’s version of water aerobics. Even as a youngster, I could tell that this was a healthy place of safety and joy. The YMCA instinctively reduced the stress of our little Pastors family.

It’s no wonder that as an adult church planter, I see the potential beauty and synergy of a Dinner Church meeting in a YMCA.

THE INGREDIENTS OF A DINNER CHURCH

The name Dinner Church suggest exactly what you think it does. It’s church that meets around dinner tables. There is food – lot’s of it! Dinner Church doesn’t skimp on the dinner part. The food isn’t just plentiful, but fresh, beautifully presented and healthy. It’s what you might think a dinner in heaven would be.

Dinner Church doesn’t skimp on the “church” part either. There is live music, an artist painting a picture that supports the message, a gospel story and plenty of time for prayer.

Dinner Church is unique in that community develops quickly, providing healing, hope and encouragement. In fact, the atmosphere seems to “ooze” out of the space being used, creating an awesome environment for everyone in the building.

A typical Dinner Church evening lasts one hour and 15 minutes, and includes a short art project for the kids. This might be the secret sauce. While the kids are engaged with the gospel story and dinner, the adults get a brief rest from childcare, allowing them to enjoy lively discussion, Q & A, and opportunity to enjoy quiet. Plus, the kids come home with a cool piece of art ready to hang on their bedroom wall.

One more thing, Dinner Church seeks to make this gathering open for any and all who would want to eat. So, the price is always the same: FREE.

WHAT DINNER CHURCH LOOKS LIKE IN DETROIT

The Harbor: Detroit Dinner Church is part of a national movement of feeding people amazing and healthy food, along with serving them the bread that lasts forever: Jesus Christ.

In Detroit, we have three weekly sites, and more that are in various stages of birth. We aim at “sore” neighborhoods – and provide awesome community for people who for many good reasons, would not likely go to a typical “proclamation” style church. We typically meet in existing community centers – neighborhood “hubs” so to speak. We’re eager for YMCA’s to be long time partners with Dinner Church.

A TYPICAL DINNER LOOKS LIKE THIS

4:55 – Live Music begins

5pm – Serving line opens

5:20 – Bible Story begins

5:32 – Bible Story ends

5:32 – Dessert

5:40 – Art project for kids (Adults and teens get uninterrupted discussion time)

6:15 – Cleanup and Dismiss

Because we typically host many children at our sites, we provide art instruction, and other high-energy activities specifically for children.

Dinner Church is unique in that it embraces well the lower third, socioeconomically speaking. This is NOT a “feed”, but a “Dinner with Friends”, complete with cloth tablecloths, live music and lot’s of laughter and community.

As I look for community centers where Dinner Churches can meet, I often think of my involvement at the Francis Family YMCA, serving greater Toledo. While this was before my involvement with Dinner Church, I’ve realized that in many places, this would be a “hand in glove” connection: simple and natural.

Dinner Church is a ministry that builds community. Two stories: One of our Dinner Churches has worked alongside our community center and local police department to host a “marshmallow drop” for the whole community – with the Police Helicopter dropping the marshmallows and everything! The whole community came together, because we worked together.

And then, “Sheila” who kept her back turned towards all of us at Dinner Church. And then one day, she decided to come just for the food.

After she was served, she took her food and left. She repeated this for several weeks. And then one day, she stayed and ate with everyone – and then left before the story. Again, she repeated this for quite a while. And finally one day, she ate her food, and stayed for the story. Since then, she’s received communion, been baptized, dedicated her baby to God, and serves as one of our best “greeters” and helpers. Dinner Church builds community!

PULL UP A CHAIR TO THE TABLE AND GET INVOLVED

1. Serve at a local Dinner Church site (Opportunities include being a table host, food server, musician, artist, etc.).
2. Help start one in your community. The Dinner Church Collective and Fresh Expressions US offer support, resource to learn more and training and coaching opportunities.
3. Plan a visit (a servcation kind of fitness retreat) to stay with us a few days and experience it first hand. One of the best ways to see Dinner Church in action, is to connect with one of our training houses in Seattle and Detroit. Who knows you may even want to move to Detroit and help us as we aim at starting a Dinner Church in every one of our twenty-six zip codes and ninety-six named neighborhoods.

We do dinner in Detroit. Wherever you live you can do Dinner Church. Contact me and let me help you get started.

More content with related stories:

MetroFlex Gym

6 Tips For Making A Garden A Fresh Expression Of Church

Celebrate Easter With An Authentic And Nutritious Passover Meal

Come To The Family Table

The post DOING DINNER IN DETROIT appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

The US Mission Network is dedicated to helping YMCAs share the message of Jesus with the members and communities they serve. The network is a collaborative effort of YMCA leaders that are united in an effort to preserve, nurture and advance the Christian heritage and purpose of the YMCA across America.

Mission Ignition 2017 Promo Video from Sam Cox on Vimeo.

 
The 2017 conference features several speakers and important topics:

Dan Doctor is the Minister of Music Ephesus Ministries (Buffalo). He brings the introduction keynote to the conference. He is an Elder and Minister of Music at Ephesus Ministries (Buffalo), Community Outreach Liaison for the Medina Central School District and founder of West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. He has been seen and heard speaking at Christian Leadership Conferences around the continental United States.

Dr. Lori Salierno is the President & CEO of Celebrate Life International, Inc. She shares about the cause of transforming at-risk youth into responsible citizens. She is the author of several books and is the co-creator of the Teach One to Lead One philosophy.

David Newman is the Lead Pastor at Antioch Church in the Countryside YMCA. He speaks on inspiring a vision of the global potential of the YMCA. Dr. David Newman is one of the world’s leading experts on the history, mission and future of the YMCA. Read about his walk through YMCA history. He pastors a church that is strategically partnered with his local Y and has a life-long vision of seeing a church partnered with all 14000 YMCAs on the planet. David has had the opportunity to experience the mission of the YMCA in some of the most remote parts of the world as he has helped to build third world YMCAs, train village leaders and play with many orphans.

Cal Turner is the Former President & CEO of Dollar General. Cal has served as Chairman of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee (the original home to Restore Small Groups) and Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Cal’s commitment to the Methodist Church has been a lifelong personal ministry of faith. The Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church inducted Mr. Turner into the Fellows of the Society of John Wesley in 2001, for distinguished service to local church mission and ministry.

Eric Alexander is the Youth Justice Advocate for The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth. He is also the Program Director for the YMCA of Middle TN, He spekes in support of our public education and advocacy efforts. Eric operated a three-point program that addressed the socio emotional development in students with behavioral and academic performance issues. Eric now serves as the Youth Justice Advocate with the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth.

The Mission Ignition website offers complete details about this conference. Get the latest on what God’s doing in YMCAs across the country! Go to the US Mission Network website and subscribe to their newsletter.

This article is featured in then YMCA Focus department. of the October/November 2017 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine.

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By Scott Reall, Founder and Executive Director, Restore Small Groups

For the first ten years of my 25-year career at the YMCA, I was the Senior Wellness Director at the Green Hills YMCA in Nashville, Tennessee. I was meeting one-on-one with people every day, prescribing plans to help them change their health and fitness through exercise and diet. The Y’s motto says they change lives in “spirit, mind and body”, but I was having trouble finding the spirit and mind connection. I worked out every day, ate according to a strict, nutritional diet, and by all appearances was a fit and healthy human being. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In secret and isolation, I was battling with life-controlling issues and low-level depression.

I realized that no amount of exercise or right diet was ever going to impact those areas of struggle because I was in a spiritual dilemma. I needed spiritual answers. Around the time that I had my epiphany, I was doing a fitness assessment with a new member who had recently gained 30 pounds. At the end of the assessment, I asked her if something had precipitated her weight gain. With tears in her eyes, she shared with me that her husband had died the year prior. It hit me. No exercise program or nutritional plan would impact why she was using food for comfort. I wanted to build a community that was intentional about providing the spiritual and emotional healing that we all need.

It was in a small group that God changed every aspect of my life.

In group was the first time that I was honest with people about everything that was going on in my life. That was such a foreign experience for me.

In a small group of men, for the first time in my life, I began to develop intimacy, which means, “in to me you see.” By allowing others into my life, I allowed the grace of God to begin to flow and heal those places that had been my dark secrets for a long, long time. That is the beauty of the small group.

The mission of Restore Small Groups is to invite anyone desiring positive life change into a supportive small group centered on the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

-Scott Reall

THE SMALL GROUP MODEL

Many small group programs on creating a program-in-a-box, generic enough that anyone can lead using pre-formed resources like videos. Restore’s approach is an intimate process where we invite 8-12 people together for 8 to 15 weeks in a closed group setting, founded on the principle that change is possible. Small groups create lasting community by building intentional and intimate relationships.

Three things happens in Restore Small Groups:

1. Identify the areas of our lives that need to change

2. Move towards a vision based on intrinsic motivation

3. Share personal plan of action

RESOURCES TO RESTORE

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

An 8-week guided small group that lays the foundation for successful change in your life in a supportive, caring and confidential environment. Locate the areas of your life that need improvement; discover the roles that self-esteem, fear, relationships, faith, and your past play in your life, and find hope learning to live into your full potential.

After participants complete Journey to Freedom, we have seen that there are root issues that are universal: fear, low self-esteem, grief, and food/body image issues. Scott has written four books to act as springboards for small groups to meet filled with people who struggle in these areas specifically.

JOURNEY TO LIVING WITH COURAGE: FREEDOM FROM FEAR

Learn to live a faith-based life, instead of having a fear-based approach.

JOURNEY TO A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE: FREEDOM FROM LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Overcome negative thought patterns by understanding their origin, and come to develop self-compassion and resilience.

JOURNEY TO A NEW BEGINNING: FREEDOM FROM THE PAIN OF LOSS

Find freedom from the pain of disappointment and loss. Loss is a change to any normal pattern in life, not just due to death.

JOURNEY TO HEALTHY LIVING: FREEDOM FROM FOOD & BODY ISSUES

Get to the emotional heart of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle, focusing on the emotional healing surrounding negative body image.

BRING RESTORE SMALL GROUPS TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Learn more about Restore Small Groups and how you can partner to offer Small Group in your community. Restore Small Groups is ideal for:

• YMCAs

• Community Centers

• Churches

• Missionaries

• Jails

• Non-Profits

• Youth Programs

The post Restore Small Groups appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

By Stephanie Gibson

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: When I learned Stephanie Gibson was bringing a chaplaincy-training program to her Y, I knew the story deserved attention. Y members who identify as being Christian need to realize they have an opportunity to be life to others at their Y. It’s imperative that you actively do ministry consistently rather than presume that it’s only the occasional responsibility of ordained clergy. The Bible is clear:  Take your everyday, ordinary life and place it before God. Go to those in the neighborhood and touch their lives. You have been treated generously by God, so live generously. Now, read this article, get equipped and don’t just enjoy living life at the Y – Be Life!  -Brad Bloom, Publisher

EMPOWERING CHRISTIANS AT THE Y

Roy was feeling pretty good about himself lately.  In addition to seeing the “fruit of his labor” in the gym, he had been a committed Christian for years, hardly ever missed church, lead men’s Bible study, was called on at times to assist with community service projects, and he even had an accountability partner – but there was one thing that nagged Roy.

Roy could have chosen any gym in town several years ago when the realities of middle age metabolism drew him into a quest for a healthier life; but he intentionally joined the YMCA because of its family friendly environment, heated pool and even some stuff for the kids.  As he became “a regular”, Roy noticed that people from every walk of life came to the Y. Like the single mom who was trying to lose weight and get her life back after the divorce, or the professional guy who came every day at the same time, but never spoke to a soul, or the woman who brought her glassy-eyed husband who was trying so desperately to push back against the ravaging symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. He wondered if his Bible had more value than just being a good book for him to read while exercising.

One night Roy shared with his wife that he thought this could be a place for real ministry. He had mustered the courage to invite a couple to his church once, participated in his Y’s Feed the Families Christmas project, and sometimes even wore his favorite Christian T-shirt to the gym – but he knew there had to be more.  He tried to sooth his agitated conscience by remembering some quote he had heard about sharing the gospel and only using words when you have to, but that only helped for a while. “There’s got to be more to this Christian walk than being a nice guy”, He thought. “These people are really hurting… but what can I do?”

Roy had never thought of himself as a “chaplain” but as he came across the definition online he realized this was his heart’s calling.

What does it mean to be a Chaplain?   A Chaplain is simply a minister in the workplace. A chaplain is a spiritual representative attached to a secular institution. Chaplains work in many environments; they can be attached to the military, hospitals, law enforcement, fire departments, even sports teams, and educational institutions. Many organizations like YMCA’s may also benefit from having chaplains.

While the Y is often known as a “gym and swim,” that’s not the purpose for which it was originally founded. When George Williams organized the Young Men’s Christian Association in 1844 (the YMCA, which in the US was rebranded in 2010 as the Y) he sought to use Bible reading and prayer to inspire and equip young men seeking a way to avoid the pitfalls of an immoral life, he had no idea the effort would become the largest worldwide charitable organization.

Since 1844 it has evolved as it has become large. A genuine concern many have is that the organization’s mission (at least in the US) has become so weak and timid about the Christian faith that leaders, staff and members lack understanding on how to more effectively help those who are in need.  Given the size of membership and their needs it is time to better equip those in the Y to do the work of ministry.  Chaplain training can be one way to be better equipped.

YMCA’s can have volunteer or on staff Chaplains as a practical way to demonstrate commitment to incorporating Christian principles into services. Chaplains make Christ and His values present throughout the Y by listening to people, providing spiritual guidance, praying for people and serving in various ways throughout the community.

The US Mission Network is working to preserve, nurture and advance the Christian heritage and purpose of the YMCA across America.  “Developing the role of local and regional Chaplains and Christian Mission Directors is a vital part of our collaborative national effort.”  Says National Director of US Mission Network, Larry Whittlesey.

By focusing to make an eternal difference Christians are making a collective effort to lift up the “C” in the YMCA. Such focus is helping create a shift away from complacen’C’y to chaplain’C’y.

As a fitness trainer, I gravitate toward the idea of becoming a chaplain because of the ability to give multiple forms of counseling – from health and wellness to religious and spiritual advice. I hope to gain a greater and closer connection with each client by assisting them in their spiritual journey as well as helping them continue to set and reach their fitness goals.      – Salem, Fitness Trainer / Wellness Coach

A NEW PARTNERSHIP MODEL

The International Fellowship of Chaplains (IFOC) Basic Chaplain Training equips one to be more than a good friend and listener, this 47 hour accredited course is offered for Emergency Service Personnel, Law Enforcement, Industrial Chaplains, and all who wish to become Chaplains. It includes training in:

• Disaster Relief
• Critical Incident Stress Management
• Debriefing
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Human Trafficking
• Spirituality and Trauma
• Suicidology
• Worker Burnout
• Death Notification
• Hospice

By hosting the IFOC Chaplain Training course the Frank P. Phillips YMCA in Columbus, Mississippi merges with the vision of IFOC, to equip chaplains to be trained professionals providing meaningful, life changing service to the communities in which they live through involvement in every sector of community life, be it health and welfare, education, transitional living, emergency service and governmental support.

Turns out this was the next level of ministry Roy was looking for. And it could be for you too!

For more information see the International Fellowship Of Chaplains training schedule. For other helpful information related to the YMCA and its ministry check out the resources at US Mission Network.  

This article appears in the YMCA Focus Department of the February/March 2017 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine. Your Y or you personally can sponsor new content that appears in the YMCA Focus Department and the ministry we do with YMCA associations throughout the country. CONTACT US now for sponsorship information.

The post From Complacen’C’y To Chaplain’C’y appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

By Joel Schutte, Director of Christian Emphasis, YMCA of Greater Toledo

One common phrase that is trending in the YMCA movement is “member engagement.”  Leadership teams at the Y invest heavily in data-driven procedures and expensive technology to help members feel better connected at their branches.  The Christian community is in a unique position to help the YMCA “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”  YMCA leaders and volunteers have an opportunity to engage members spiritually in our corporate focuses of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

One obstacle Christian leaders at the Y face in the implementation of “loving people spiritually” is how to move the ball for Christ at the YMCA.  One seasoned volunteer at the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo told their Christian Emphasis team twelve years ago that the secret of winning at football is to gain “quick yardage.”  This article is all about moving the ball for Jesus through the concept of “quick yardage” in impacting people spiritually at the YMCA.

PRAYER WITH A TWIST

One way to move the ball spiritually at the YMCA is by creating a culture of prayer in our centers.  The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is pioneering a simple way to bring prayer into their branches.  Their work takes the “prayer request box in the lobby” to the next level.

Volunteers set up a small table in the lobby with welcoming smiles and snacks. During their time volunteering, they ask members and staff “May we pray for you today?”  If the patron says yes, they lead with this simple question:  “If you knew that God would give it to you, what would you ask Him for?”  In one two-hour block, several volunteers prayed with more than 50 members of their branch.

Creating a culture where prayer is normal, and even expected, will help us move the ball spiritually at our YMCAs.

VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS

Another way to impact people spiritually at the YMCA is by recruiting Volunteer Chaplains.  Volunteer Chaplains can be clergy, or lay people recommended by their pastors, that volunteer at the YMCA 3-4 hours per week to spiritually care for others.  YMCA’s run background checks and provide limited training, so candidates need only the attitude and aptitude to love, serve, and care for others.

The YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo are having great success gaining quick yardage in the area of volunteer chaplaincy.  They currently have more than 40 chaplains loving, serving, and caring for members in Norwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan at 12 centers and 27 childcare locations.  Their chaplains often lead their conversations with a simple statement, “Is there anything I can do to serve you?”  This conversation starter has opened doors of spiritual impact for thousands of relationships over the past twelve years.

Not everyone prays with the chaplains or are even willing to talk about their faith.  Rather, chaplains build strong relationships with members that may become channels for spiritual care when the member is in need.  In the area of Volunteer Chaplaincy, quick yardage happens one conversation at a time.

ENGAGING LOCAL CLERGY GROUPS

Another way to move the ball spiritually at the YMCA is through life-giving partnerships in our local communities.

At the Anthony Wayne Community YMCA, the executive leadership team is always looking for ways to partner with churches in the area.  After a five-minute presentation on partnership with the Y, one local ministerial group moved their meetings and ministry into the YMCA.  Since doing this, the meetings have doubled in size, and they are engaging more clergy and churches than before.  The Anthony YMCA Community YMCA is helping local clergy impact the region spiritually, and the churches are assisting the YMCA in loving, serving, and caring for people at their local branch.

One of the best ways to gain quick yardage spiritually at the YMCA is to partner with local churches in your community.

3-MINUTE DEVOTIONS

Moving the ball spiritually at the YMCA comes through the old adage of keeping things simple.  A great way to gain quick yardage spiritually at the YMCA is by offering a 3-minute devotion at a staff meeting or gathering.

One constant in the life of the YMCA is meetings.  Every YMCA executive has had that dreaded moment of not having a high-quality “thought of the day” to open up a gathering with their leadership teams.

There is a large multi-site church in the greater Toledo area that approached the YMCA for an opportunity to move the ball spiritually at the Y.  Even this large local church, with pastors in great demand by their worshipping communities, are willing to provide a 3-minute devotion to share at their local YMCA.  Most pastors can pick a scripture, pray about the application, print out a handout, drive to the YMCA and back, and present their devotion in about an hour.  This impact, often shared with dozens of leaders at the same time, impacts thousands of staff and members at the YMCA annually. 

Some YMCA leaders may wonder about the politics of choosing Christian clergy or lay people to share devotions at the YMCA.  What about leaders from other religions? At our roots all YMCAs are Christian organizations. We may have leaders from other faiths serving at the YMCA, but our mission “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” should remain the foundation of the YMCA’s work in Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.  Sharing a 3-minute devotion at a regularly scheduled meeting is a simple, thought-provoking way to move the ball spiritually at the YMCA.

LIFE-GIVING VOLUNTEERS

Gaining quick yardage spiritually at the YMCA always includes life-giving volunteers.  Even YMCA staff living out the Christian Mission of the Y will often volunteer time outside of their work schedule to move the ball spiritually at the YMCA.

Churches and local faith-based not-for-profits are often looking for a safe place to share their faith in the community.  Why not at the Y?  The Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, OH hosts The Antioch Church of the Y in their facility.  This church loves to volunteer at the YMCA.  They serve at functions painting faces and handing out food, they provide sponsorships and meals for Y initiatives, and field volunteer coaches for YMCA leagues and sporting events. The Countryside YMCA receives life-giving volunteers and the church engages their membership in low-pressure opportunities to live out their faith in the community. 

YMCA leaders are very protective of members in their branches and sites and will not allow congregations to aggressively proselytize in their centers.  Our volunteers need to put down heavy-handed evangelism techniques, and to follow Jesus’ example of serving his friends.  We often tell our chaplains that they have a right to share the message of Christ because of what Jesus did on the cross, but they earn the right to be heard one relationship at a time.

The vehicle of life-giving volunteerism is one of the most effective ways to move the ball spiritually at the YMCA.

NOW, MAKE YOUR Y STRONGER

After reading through Five Ways to Move the Ball Spiritually at the Y you may still wonder how you can live out the Christian mission of the YMCA.  Truth is, this is up to you and how God is working in your life. 

The best way to gain quick yardage for Christ is to gain quick inches in serving Jesus.  You may not be ready to walk up to someone at the YMCA to offer a prayer, but you may be ready to volunteer at a 5K race handing out water and a smile.  You may not want to go to the local ministerial group to ask them to meet at the YMCA, but you may be willing to share a 3-minute devotional for a small group of childcare professionals.

In the work of moving the ball spiritually at the YMCA, inches become feet, and feet become yards.  YMCA professionals strive to engage members every day at their branches.  The desire to holistically serve their members creates space for Christians to impact people spiritually at the Y. Maybe Jesus is leading you to do this at your YMCA too.  

This article, 5 Ways To Move The Ball Spiritually At The Y, appears in the June/July 2016 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Read more related content found in your YMCA Focus Department.

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“… in the name of Jesus I pray all of these things. Amen.”  How do you end your prayers? Do you pray? Where? When? If you were given the opportunity and space to pause and pray before you exercise would you? If you did, would it make a difference — for you and others?

For more than thirty years I’ve visited and exercised at several Y facilities throughout the U.S. Some of them have created space in their buildings for a chapel. The spaces vary in size and features but generally provide a quite and inviting atmosphere with a variety of limited resources to support reflection, meditation, small meetings and conversations.

These chapels, though usually small in comparison to the weight room, cardio suite and pool area, are significant because they should be providing a precedent, a strategic laboratory and ultimately an in-demand/frequently used faith center that fuels the culture of the Y.

They “should be” but they aren’t as well as they could. I say that not as a critical indictment but rather as a realistic estimation that I hope can challenge leaders and members at Y’s to take their asset (the chapel if they have one/ the calling to a Christian mission if they don’t) and BE LIFE to their community.

Today’s fitness businesses do not intentionally provide space or give significance to enabling people to read the Bible, discuss life, fellowship and more intimately interact with each other with an awareness of God’s presence. Today’s Y’s can do that – some are. A chapel can be far more than a sanctuary away from the busyness, noise, and agendas of life. It can be that sacred space where people enter that close contact with God. It is the destination that helps them silence self-will, commit to obedience, and pursue greater things found only in the spiritual realm. The chapel at a Y can be the most transformative space within the organization.

PRECEDENT – STRATEGIC LABORATORY – INFLUENTIAL FAITH CENTER

The precedent exists. Chapels that are established provide evidence that ministry space within Y’s can be and have been done.  Faith & Fitness Magazine will be working to better document these chapels. With improved data on these spaces Y’s should be better equipped to get answers to their most fundamental questions about chapels and effectively respond to objections or skepticism. Y’s that want to start a new chapel or grow the ministry of their existing chapel can draw on this precedent.

[Return to this page FaithAndFitness.net/Ychapel for our expanding coverage.]

Already, there are chapels that are examples of being strategic laboratories to test approaches, grow usage and relevance, and better meet the spiritual needs of the community. In the Indianapolis area, at least one chapel has casual sit-on-the-floor Bible studies. It is an example of how the leadership of the Indianapolis association is intentionally open to letting staff and members initiate and lead different ways of using the chapel space. Obviously this leads to greater participation and shifts the chapel from being a secluded, lofty and exclusive place into being a welcoming and frequented common destination where members want to gather.

The opportunity to take chapels to a higher level of influence at a Y is significant.  Marketing isn’t a weakness for many Y’s. Many do it quite well. But aggressively marketing the chapel isn’t being done. Signage and Internet presence can be improved. Staff education can be done. Programming can be developed. Resources can be expanded. In general, a rationale can be articulated so that members understand how their spiritual needs can be met and the chapel in turn can become a critical part of the total Y experience and deliverables.

The chapel at a Y can be the most transformative space within the organization.

In my session at the 2015 Redefined Conference at the Athletic Business Show in New Orleans I stated, “A church with a fitness facility in the building or on the campus must not miss the opportunity to encourage members to first go to the alter in the sanctuary and pray before starting a workout.” The sanctuaries are beautiful and dedicated to God. Churches do their fitness facility members a huge disservice when they fail to encourage such regular use of the sanctuary – such consistency in spiritual practice.

What I’m proposing is for your Y’s leadership to make an intentional redirect that can profoundly transform the way your entire Y gets used. Chapels that aren’t just established but then are also frequently celebrated will inspire members to use them regularly. Y chapels that get used consistently will expand your Y’s mission and impact.

HAVE A CHAPEL? WANT TO START A CHAPEL?

CONTACT US to contribute to this conversation or to get direct help in visioning, developing and operating a chapel in your Y.

Also, you are encouraged to post your Facebook comments about this topic immediately below on this page.

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The U.S. Mission Network led by full-time National Director Larry Whittlesey is making unprecedented advances for God in the YMCA culture of America. To those who despair that the Y has forsaken God here is good news — God is faithful and well able to complete the good work He began back in 1844. In November 2015 Y leaders from across the country gather in Orlando, Florida to seize the day and once again answer to a clear calling that transforms fitness into ministry.  – Brad Bloom, Publisher

THE SEIZE THE DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The “SEIZE THE DAY” National Conference on November 16-18, 2015 is held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort in Lake Buena Vista.  This special event is designed to bring together YMCA executives, staff and association members from across the country who desire to lift up the “C” in their YMCA and, by doing so, better serve their local communities.

Special speakers include: Dr. Rick Rigsby, Minister, Author, and Motivational Speaker, Lisa Harper
Storyteller, Theological Scholar, and Featured at "Women of Faith”, Jim Morgan, Executive Chairman of the Board Krispy Kreme, Inc., and James White, Executive VP of Organizational Relations, YMCA of the Triangle – Raleigh, NC.

THE US MISSION NETWORK

The US Mission Network is a voluntary group of YMCA leaders and associations that passionately affirm the purpose statement each YMCA CVO and CEO agree to annually. “That our association accepts and supports the statement of purpose of the Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States of America, which is: The Young Men’s Christian Association we regard as being in its essential genius a worldwide fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of developing Christian personality and building a Christian society.”

US Mission Network serves all interested YMCA associations as they strive to fulfill their mission statement to build healthy spirits, minds and bodies. US Mission Network seeks to empower, strengthen and expand existing YMCA Christian initiatives and assist in establishing new Christian emphasis structures. US Mission Network will do this by developing ongoing, strategic partnerships within the local community, sharing resources across a national network, creating and leading training conferences, and participating with the International Mission Network. Together we will preserve, nurture and advance the historic Christian purpose and principles of the YMCA movement.

RESOURCES

Website, newsletter, and mentoring

Strengthen national and local YMCA Christian initiatives

Support the ministry of the YMCA Chaplains and community partners

Highlight Christian emphasis curriculum options from multiple sources

Develop and share ideas, “best practices”, and success stories

Round Table discussions

Promote local church, school, and business partnerships

Enhance volunteer opportunities

Develop and sustain a web-based Christian emphasis resource hub

Develop and support regional mentors/ networks

RELATIONSHIPS

Regional and National conferences

Gather YMCA staff, chaplains, and volunteers for advanced training to broaden participation in the overall Christian emphasis movement.

Instruction, inspiration, motivation, and fellowship

Vendor resource booths Equipping and training breakout sessions Regional team building

Create partnerships, participation and resource sharing in the International Mission Network.

RECOGNITION

Executive Forum and Leadership Development

Professional leadership training Business ethics Exposure to partnership ministries Topical “White Papers”

Review and discuss catalytic strategies Meeting of regional leadership teams

Exposure to various methodologies, funding models and community involvement

FOUNDING YMCA SPONSORS

YMCA of Greater Twin Cities YMCA of Greater Kansas City YMCA of Greater Richmond YMCA of Greater Indianapolis YMCA of the Triangle Area Manatee County Family YMCA YMCA of the Greater Houston Area YMCA of Middle Tennessee

YMCA of Greater Charlotte YMCA of Columbia-Willamette YMCA of Akron Ohio Inc. YMCA of Tacoma/Pierce Counties YMCA of Orange County, California YMCA of Central Florida

Here is a partial list of what YMCAs are doing:

Branch/Association Chaplain, Community faith partnerships, Youth ministries, Men’s or Women’s Bible studies, Grief share, Parenting or Marriage classes, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Senior Citizen Bible studies, History of YMCA classes, Celebrate Recovery /Journey to Freedom, Financial Peace University, Divorce recovery, Experiencing God, Church planting / Facility sharing, Social justice classes, Christian business luncheons, Mayor’s prayer breakfast, Collaborative worship, Christian counseling services, Marketplace ministries, Mission trips, Regional/National conferences, Faith-based service projects, Training seminars, Outdoor festival/concert, Christian camp, Reading recommendations, and Faith-based newsletter.

Read more exclusive Y stories in the Faith & Fitness Magazine YMCA Focus Department. We partner with the US Mission Network to provide the Faith & Fitness Magazine EcoPrint Edition and other Faith & Fitness Magazine resources and support services. Y leaders, staff and members are encouraged to CONTACT US for resource support at their local Y association.

The post Today’s YMCAs Network To Seize The Day appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.