Churches and faith communities
A church fitness challenge that brings your congregation together.
Health ministries, small group leaders and wellness teams use eFit to run walking and activity challenges for their congregations: one sign-up link, groups for classes or ministries, automatic step tracking and a shared goal everyone can celebrate.
Why churches run fitness challenges
Many congregations already care for members’ health through health ministries, parish nurses, recovery groups and meal trains. A walking challenge adds something the whole church can do together for a few weeks: members check in on each other, small groups get a shared goal, and people who rarely talk after the service find something in common.
It also meets a real need. The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults, and most adults fall short. A friendly challenge with people you know and trust is one of the gentlest ways to start.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, 2018.
A good fit for church life: the challenge runs in the background of the week, needs no gym or equipment, and works for members at home, at work or on the road.
What church organizers need, and how eFit helps
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Every age and ability
Congregations range from teenagers to retirees, and some members live with limited mobility.
Active minutes count alongside steps, and each person works toward a goal they can reach.
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Volunteer-friendly setup
Health ministry leaders are volunteers with limited time to collect weekly totals.
Activity syncs automatically, so nobody has to gather step counts by hand.
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Groups that already exist
Small groups, classes and ministry teams are the natural teams in a church.
Create a group for each one and follow their participation side by side.
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Encouragement over competition
Public rankings can make some members uncomfortable.
The leaderboard is optional, and each member decides whether to appear.
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Accountability in small circles
People keep going when a few friends are counting on them.
Accountability pods of three or four members set weekly commitments together.
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Something to celebrate
Leaders want a moment at the end to recognize everyone who took part.
Members who reach the goal earn a completion certificate, and organizers see results for each group.
Challenge ideas for congregations
Walk to a place that matters
Add up the congregation’s miles to “walk” to your denomination’s headquarters, a mission partner’s city or a place from scripture. Share progress each Sunday. Each member can also follow their own route on eFit’s Walking Journey map.
Miles for mission
Ask sponsors to pledge a gift to a food pantry, shelter or mission trip for every group that reaches the goal. The cause gives members a reason to join beyond their own health.
Small group season
Run the challenge alongside a fall or spring small group study. Groups encourage each other during the week and compare notes when they meet.
Lenten or new year challenge
Many members already take on a practice for Lent or the new year. A six-week movement challenge fits naturally into either season.
Walk-and-pray partners
Pair members to walk together once a week, in person or on a phone call. Prayer partners, mentors and new members all benefit from the time together.
Family and youth teams
Teens and parents can join the same group, which gives families a shared goal for a few weeks.
How to launch a church challenge
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Choose a season and a goal
Pick four to eight weeks and a simple daily goal, such as 5,000 steps or 20 active minutes.
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Set up groups
Create a group for each small group, class or ministry team, and ask one member of each to be its encourager.
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Announce it on Sunday
Share the sign-up link in the bulletin, the church app or the weekly email, and offer a table after the service to help people connect their phones.
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Share progress each week
Post group progress and a short story or photo. Celebrate members who reach the goal.
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Celebrate together
Close with a fellowship meal or a group walk, recognize everyone who took part, and announce the next season.
For a detailed week-by-week plan, see the step challenge organizer guide. Most of it applies to congregations as well as workplaces.
Frequently asked questions
Questions from church organizers.
Have a different question? Tell us about your group and we will help map the right challenge.
Email support@efit.healthCan older members take part?
Yes. A smartphone is enough, and steps and active minutes both count. Each person is scored against a goal, with 70% of it counting as success, so a member walking a few blocks a day can finish alongside a marathon runner.
Do members need a fitness tracker?
No. Activity comes in through Google Health from a phone or from many popular watches and tracker apps. Nobody needs to buy a device.
Can we split the congregation into groups?
Yes. Create a group for each small group, Sunday school class, ministry team or campus, and follow participation for each one.
Will members’ activity be shown to everyone?
Only if they choose. The leaderboard is optional, and each participant decides whether their name appears on it.
Can other faith communities use eFit?
Yes. Synagogues, mosques, temples, parishes and interfaith groups can run a challenge the same way, with groups and goals that fit their community.
How long should a church challenge run?
Four to eight weeks works well. Many congregations line a challenge up with a season such as Lent, the new year, or the weeks before a charity walk.
Start the conversation
Plan your congregation’s challenge.
Tell us roughly how many members and groups you expect and when you would like to start. We will help you set up groups and the sign-up link.