You probably attended the physical-e-fit training and were excited to start the program....but once you got home, you weren't sure where to begin! That is to be expected. Here are a few tips that will help you get started.

• Start with easier activities that will get everyone in your congregation more aware of the importance of physical activity. Make copies of the bulletin inserts we provided at training (and are available online) and put them in your Sunday worship bulletin. Announce the program to your congregation during service and ask for volunteers to help. Create a bulletin board with information about physical activity. Ask to play the "Exercise Your Faith for Ten" audio/CD in some ongoing meetings during breaks. Once there is excitement for the program, then you can start a specific program.


• Bring together your health ministry committee (or form one if you don't already have one) and tell them about the training. You might want to show the videotape that was given to you during training because it describes all of the programs. Brainstorm with your committee about which programs would be best for your congregation. We suggest choosing one program to start, and then add on as you can.


• Feel free to e-mail (sphame@gwm.sc.edu) or call (803-576-6381) us if you'd like suggestions or more assistance in getting started. We're here to help!

Forming Partnerships with Other Churches

Getting started with your Physical-e-Fit program may the biggest and most difficult step you will take towards improving the health of your fellow AME members. Often times some of your best resources may be right down the road or a few blocks away. Partnering with other churches to offer your programs can help you to keep up the momentum of your program, create greater interest and prevent overload for the Physical-e-Fit program director. The first step you will need to take in forming partnerships is to find nearby churches who would be interested in joining you.

You can find a list of trained churches on the opening page of the Health-e-AME Physical-e-Fit page, or contact Lottie McClorin (803-777-2864) or Octavia Gethers (843-876-1949).

Once you have established some possible partners, have a meeting and discuss whether it would be beneficial to hold different programs at different churches (i.e. Praise aerobics at one church and 8 Steps to Fitness at another), or to hold all of the programs in one church, and to share the program directing duties, or some other arrangement that works for you. Next, get the contact information of all of your potential partners and designate someone to do reminder calls for meetings and activities.

We encourage you to explore your options and form lasting partnerships that can benefit all churches involved and the surrounding community.