Brief Summary
In this episode, Jake Barrena sits down with Matthew Gay, founder of Fit Church, to explore the powerful connection between faith, fitness, and discipleship.
Matthew shares his vision to help establish 1,000 Christ-centered fitness ministries in churches by 2028 and explains why the Church must address physical health alongside spiritual growth. Together, Jake and Matthew discuss personal transformation, the health challenges facing today’s culture, the impact of modern convenience, and the importance of creating environments that encourage movement, discipline, and healthy living.
This conversation is a call for believers to view physical health as an act of stewardship—not vanity. Caring for the body strengthens our ability to serve God, fulfill our purpose, love others well, and live the abundant life Jesus has called us to live.
Faith and fitness are not separate. They are both part of becoming fully equipped for the mission.
Guest Speaker
Matthew Gay is a Christian author, fitness coach, and the founder of Fit Church, a ministry dedicated to helping churches integrate faith, health, and fitness in a practical and Christ-centered way.
Through Fit Church, Matthew equips men and women to launch and lead effective fitness ministries within their local churches. His passion is to help believers understand that physical health is not simply about appearance or performance, but about stewardship, discipline, service, and being physically prepared to fulfill the purpose God has placed on their lives.
Matthew believes the Church has a powerful opportunity to address the growing health challenges facing individuals, families, and communities by creating environments that encourage movement, accountability, spiritual growth, and lasting transformation.
His goal is to help 1,000 churches establish effective fitness ministries by 2028, empowering believers to grow stronger physically and spiritually and to use fitness as a tool for discipleship, outreach, and community impact.
Matthew’s Website: LINK
Matthew’s Instagram: LINK
Matthew’s book Fit Church: LINK
Fit Church's Launch Packet: LINK
Contact Matthew: [email protected]
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fitness and Faith
02:53 The Mission of Fit Church
06:04 The Role of the Church in Health and Fitness
08:50 Addressing Deeper Issues Behind Health Struggles
12:02 The Importance of Consistency in Fitness
15:07 The Church as a Support System for Health
17:59 Equipping Pastors and Leaders
21:10 The Vision for a Thousand Fit Ministries
24:02 The Impact of Health on Spiritual Life
32:53 Implementing Fit Ministries in Churches
34:21 The Role of Accountability and Motivation
36:32 Building Community Through Fitness
38:30 Addressing Health Conversations in the Church
40:20 The Importance of Love and Accountability
43:14 Breaking Down Barriers to Health Discussions
46:35 Aligning Health with Biblical Principles
51:08 Future Goals for Fit Church
57:31 Encouragement for the Audience
Podcast Host
I’m Jake Barrena—an apprentice of Jesus, pastor, communicator, author, and builder committed to helping people discover identity, ignite purpose, and build a legacy that echoes into eternity.
I serve as Associate Pastor at Resurrection Church, host of The Jake Barrena Show, and author of Carpe NOW and Legacy Blueprint.
With more than 20 years of experience in both ministry and the marketplace, I bring a unique blend of conviction and execution—equipping people to grow with clarity, discipline, resilience, and long-term vision.
This podcast exists to help you live what you believe.
Each episode is designed to challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and call you higher—to lead with intentionality, align your life with truth, and become who God created you to be.
This isn’t about hype.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about stewardship.
It’s about becoming.
If you’re serious about spiritual growth, leadership development, and building something that outlives you—you’re in the right place.
Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com
