A Meridian church is helping people get fit for the kingdom of God — mentally and physically.

“In Luke 2:52, it says, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man,” said the Rev. Ralph Henson, pastor of Church of the Way, site for the fitness program Fit for Jesus.

“The stature part means that Jesus increased physically — he grew up,” Henson said. “We want to increase in stature, too — not getting fatter but getting fitter.”

The idea for the fitness ministry evolved when Henson’s sister, Beverly, joined his church. Beverly, who was obese most of her adult life, lost 160 pounds. During the process of her weight loss, she became a certified personal trainer.

“I began to realize that you don’t work out obese people the same as you do others because they are so limited in their movement,” she said. “I also realized that at most fitness facilities, you have to pay personal trainers at least $50 an hour; most people can’t pay that.”

Beverly, who is director of Barbara Henson’s Swim Gym, began working with several people as a personal trainer at no cost. It wasn’t long before the numbers increased.

“It became just a full-blown ministry,” she said. “I had people coming to me for help in getting started on a program. So I became certified as a program designer and was able to sit down with people and design a program.”

From came the aerobics program Fit for Jesus.

“It’s not about getting skinny but getting ready for Jesus,” she said. “The healthier you are, the more you feel like worshiping him.”

Lawonda DeLoach, who has lost 23 pounds after one year in the program, agrees.

“It’s such a great motivation, and it’s all wrapped around Jesus,” said DeLoach. “I’ve been in other fitness programs, and this one is more like being with a family. We talk and pray for each other. It’s not just an exercise program. If you’re down, other people in the class are there to lift you up.”

Attendance for the spirited workouts varies — usually 70 to 100 people. In addition to the aerobics program, Beverly also offers a fitness boot camp — a 15-week program that meets at 5 a.m. four days a week at Bonita Lakes.

“It’s for people who really want to get in shape and lose weight pretty quickly,” she said.

The Christ-centered healthy eating plan First Place also is offered at the church Sunday. And on Monday nights, a power-walking class is held at the Okatibbee Reservoir Dam. All programs are free, begin with a devotional and end with prayer.

Henson said the fitness ministry has benefited the church but also the community.

“We didn’t want it limited to our congregation but to serve as an outreach ministry,” he said. “In fact, two-thirds of the people who participate in the programs don’t attend Church of the Way. However, we have had several to become members of the church as a result of our fitness ministry.”

Even Rev. Henson has joined in the Fit for Jesus sessions.

“I’ve been running for a long time, but I didn’t realize how much aerobics helps your cardiovascular health, and helps muscles that you don’t use when you run straight ahead,” he said. “I’m 52 and I’m probably in better shape than I’ve been in a long time because of aerobics.”