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What Gym Class Teaches Me About Leading Church

August 16, 2012 By Ruth Everhart Leave a Comment

Sometimes when I’m working out at my Bodypump class, the comparison to church is staggering. Here are a few tidbits that I gleaned today through my sweat:

~ Today I didn’t really want to workout, but I showed up. It was annoying that the leader was so perky, so “into it” and so intent on getting all the moves perfect. I just wanted to “get through” and go home. Note to self: It’s perfectly reasonable for people in the pews to be less than fully involved. Worship leaders need to honor that bit of necessary distance. It is okay to be less than fully present and the effort to show up in itself is enough.

~ Today’s instructor tends to talk too much, and her prattle makes the class experience too much about herself. I overheard some people complaining about this as we put our weights away. Note to self: For that hour, people want the precious thing that is available there (exercise/worship), and not because they want to listen to the conduit (instructor/preacher).

~ Today I was still glad I went. I felt better after than I did before. Note to self: Let the hour itself do it’s job, don’t intrude.

Do you exercise? Do you attend worship? I’d love for you to add to this list!

Church Hospitality is the same true for church,  you're always glad you went to the gym

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