The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board is launching a new health and wellness program aimed at helping pastors develop consistent exercise habits and improve their physical fitness in 2026.
The 545 Wellness Community, an online accountability program, will offer two five-month sessions next year designed to address what organizers say is a significant fitness gap among Tennessee Baptist Convention ministers.
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According to a February 2025 TBC minister survey, 61% of pastors exercise once or twice a week or less, with 30% exercising twice monthly or less — well below the American Heart Association’s recommendation of at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise to maintain health.
“We want to help ministers to get healthier in 2026,” said Joe Sorah, Strengthening Gospel Leaders team leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The program’s name reflects its core goal: Participants commit to exercising five times weekly for at least 30 minutes over a five-month period.
Participants may optionally add a weight-loss goal of five pounds per month.
Pastors as well as a member of their family can enroll to receive weekly email report forms to track exercise frequency, with optional fields for total minutes exercised and weight lost.
Support without criticism
Weekly emails will include encouragement, testimonies and instruction.
The first session runs January through May, with the second running from July through November.
Participants who complete a session will receive T-shirts, with additional recognition planned for those completing both sessions. Awards will be given for most minutes exercised and most weight lost.
A celebration during Summit 2026 may include a 5K walk or run.
The program aims to provide support without criticism, connecting participants with others on similar journeys.
“No one is going to be looking over your report to criticize,” Sorah said. “Rather, you will be encouraged, prayed for, and connected to others on the same journey.”
Regular exercise reduces stress, improves mood and promotes better sleep — benefits Sorah said are particularly valuable for ministers facing the demands of pastoral work.
Those interested can sign up through the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
