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Get In Shape For The Lord

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Senior Pastor Tommy Green works out at the First Baptist Church of Brandon's Ministry and Activities Center. It was Green's health concerns that led to the center being built.

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN

mbearden@tampatrib.com

Published: January 10, 2009

BRANDON - The Rev. Tommy Green knew if he didn't make some changes in his life, he was heading toward a heart attack.

He was out of shape, overweight and stressed out. And worse, he didn't feel he was setting a good example for his congregation at First Baptist Church of Brandon.

"We're supposed to be a witness for the Lord," he says. "If I wasn't my best physically, how could I expect the same of others?"

That was about six years ago.

He started running. A lot. He changed his diet. Ten, 20, 30 and finally, 40 pounds melted away. Green, married and the father of three grown children, felt rejuvenated and strong.

It got him thinking: Why can't a church be more involved in the physical lives of its members? Or for that matter, the community at large?

The seed was planted. First Baptist began raising money and planning for a state-of-the-art health facility that would serve all ages. In October, the church opened the doors to the 50,000-square-foot MAC (Ministry and Activities Center) on its campus off Parsons Avenue. Part of the facility is new, part is housed in the former sanctuary-turned-family life center, which was completely gutted.

From the beginning, Green vowed "if we're going to do this, we're going to do it with excellence." One tour of the MAC and it's clear they kept that promise.

The $4.8 million project is as impressive as any free-standing health club in the general marketplace. It includes a coed fitness area with cardio and strength training equipment, a "ladies-only" circuit area, an aerobics room, two full-sized basketball courts, a racquetball court, indoor walking track, KidZone play area and infant room, a computer lab and a cafe.

And despite the recession, layoffs and personal financial anxieties, members of the congregation dug deep into their reserves and contributed $1.5 million toward the project. Open seven days a week, the MAC has two full-time and six part-time staffers, with the rest of the work spread among dozens of church volunteers.

So far, the MAC has surpassed expectations.

A Christian Atmosphere

The church's support translates into affordable membership fees: Church members pay $25 a month for individuals, $40 a month for families. Community memberships run $33 for singles, $15 for college students and $55 for families.

And if you're 65 or older? It's free.

"I have a heart for seniors and wanted to make this happen," Green says. "If you come in here in the mornings, the line of stationary bikes has become the new park bench. They're all sitting and talking away. I told them they'll have to actually peddle to make it worthwhile."

Speaking of which, the MAC hopes to purchase some spinning bikes in the future and offer those popular classes as well.

What makes this a Christian facility? There are few outward signs that the MAC is run by a church. If you use the indoor walking track, you might see a Scripture taken from Green's Sunday service posted on a stand. If you take a Zumba or aerobics class, you can guarantee you're sweating to Christian music.

Where it's most visible is the atmosphere, says Kevin Ohme, minister of recreation and the MAC director.

"People are friendlier and the atmosphere is family-oriented," he says. "This is a place that's about making relationships in the community. We don't hide the fact we're Baptists, and if folks want to learn more about what we believe, they may feel more comfortable about coming in and asking questions than attending a church service."

When Green asked Ohme to take charge, the retired professional baseball player and father of three young children didn't get a manual with the job. He didn't know of any other local churches that have a recreational ministry of this scale. He found a few other congregations around the country with similar programs, and attended a four-day Rec Lab sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

"We're learning as we go," he admits. "This is a big undertaking and some of it is trial and error. But there's no question about the demand. That's why we've expanded the hours and the programs. People want to get in shape and they want to do it in a place where the whole family can come."

'There's A Purpose Behind It'

John Garner, a LifeWay consultant with more than 40 years of experience in recreational ministries, says these programs work because we live in a leisure-oriented society. Whether it's sponsoring a church-league baseball team, putting on an ice-cream social or building a health facility, Garner says the outreach efforts pay off.

"These aren't activities for activities sake. There's a purpose behind it," he says. "It's a way to build fellowship and get the message out about Christ. Traditional worship isn't going to reach everyone."

At 51, Green says he feels better than he's felt in years. He no longer gets worn out by his rigorous preaching schedule, which includes three morning services and one evening service on Sundays. He stops in for quick workouts at the MAC whenever possible, taking time out to chat with congregants and community members who share his enthusiasm for getting in shape.

"Churches can't just be about Sunday and Wednesday anymore," he says. "We have to provide ways that we can touch people's lives every day. The MAC fulfills that mission."

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today

WHERE: First Baptist Church, 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon

EVENTS: Health and fitness assessments, basketball games, Zumba dance troupe, ping-pong tournament, martial arts demo, two-mile walk and music.

INFORMATION: (813) 315-3280 or fbcbrandon.org

Get a preview of the MAC on Michelle Bearden's "Keeping the Faith" segment Sunday at 9 a.m. on WFLA-TV. She can be reached at (813) 259-7613.

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