By Sara Wiercinski
New Vision Christian Church, 9101 Blue Ridge Blvd, has expanded its ministry to include the physical health of its members and neighbors.
At a May 18 ribbon cutting, the congregation dedicated its new fitness center, VisionFit– the brainchild of pastor Dr. Kevin L. Harris Sr. and the fitness team, led by church member Karla Murphy-Arnold.
The gym is one aspect of Harris’ dream: to turn the church campus into a 24-hour community center ministry.
“Because of our location, there are a lot of people who come to us for help,” said Harris. “We want to be a hub for mental health resources, counselors, utility support and other services.”
The five-acre campus has three buildings: the church, fellowship hall and large, multi-level office building with plenty of space to house local programs that address vital community needs.
For now, it’s hosting a place to exercise and learn about health, from experts.
On June 17, New Vision will kick off the first 16-week Fit for Life series, sponsored by a grant from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Murphy-Arnold is program coordinator and underwent six weeks of training in community health education.
“My role is to be an advocate and help those who want help in the areas of exercise, proper eating, preventing diseases like hypertension and diabetes– basically a new lifestyle,” she said.
Another topic is effective communication with doctors–feeling empowered to ask questions or for more support.
Murphy-Arnold and Harris are working to recruit 20 church members to commit to weekly sessions of half hour gym workouts combined with health education classes.
“The program is temporary, for now,” said Harris. “We hope to first try it out and work out the kinks, then build our fitness/health program available to the wider community.”
To create the gym, the team took down a wall between two offices. They removed the drop ceiling and installed lights and mirrors, along with fans, TVs, football turf for flooring, and motivational decals, including Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
There are free weights, a stretch zone – including ropeless jump ropes – a commercial treadmill donated by a church member and a digital body scan analysis system. The team plans to add more heavy-duty workout equipment.
Up to 20 people can work out at a time. Branded VisionFit t-shirts and workout pants are available for sale.
“Fitness programs make you feel empowered,” said Murphy-Arnold. “You are advocating for your own health, you are working collectively with others to help keep our temples – our bodies – healthy. We each only get one.”
In the past few decades, many American churches have added fitness programs such as gyms or yoga-like practices. These ministries support the health of church members along with an opportunity to attract newcomers.
Harris continues to plan upgrades to the gym. Knocking down another wall will create showers off the workout area, along with a washer and dryer for towels. He and the fitness team are seeking grant opportunities and community partnerships to support the improvements to VisionFit.
“We want it to feel as much like a fitness center as possible.” Harris can personally attest to the program’s success: He’s shed 11 pounds in two weeks – a strong start on his goal to lose 30 pounds.
Faith in the calling
Before founding New Vision in 2005, Harris was a part-time pastor and full-time supervisor at a corporate plastics manufacturer. He began to recognize a call to quit the day job and start his own church.
“It was a hard decision, and it took a few years. My children were young and Jennifer [his wife] did not need to work at the time.”
When Harris gave notice, his plant manager responded: “I wish I had your faith.”
VisionFit is not the church’s first foray into the secular. In 2017 they launched Money Matters, a free 7-week series on various aspects of financial health like budgeting, credit repair and entrepreneurship–taught by professionals in the community. In its time, 80 church goers went through the program. Harris hopes to revitalize it as part of the wider community health strategy.
New Vision also boasts a community cafe with commercial kitchen, display case, booth seating and giant projection screen, now open after Sunday worship and powered by volunteer teams.
Harris is pursuing the necessary city licensing to eventually open a real cafe on site.
The church continues to dream how it can support the health and vitality of the neighborhood.
“The community is our church,” said Murphy-Arnold. “No matter the age, race, gender, size, all are welcome.”
New Vision will host a family and friends weekend on June 28-29 with outdoor games and activities along with workout sessions at VisionFit.
Learn more at newvisionkc.org.