So what is "Discipleship through Movement"?

That question tops the list of the ones that I have been receiving lately since I changed the name of my blog. Well, let me try to explain what I mean. As a pastor, I realize that to empower people to be the best they can be, we first have to engage in real, authentic relationships--not coming from a false sense as we see in much of of society--but rather by accepting people where they are. When I go out speaking about this, I usually ask the audience what their favorite movies are. I get a myriad of answers--Lord of the Rings, Superman, Batman Begins, or whatever the current box office hit is. After getting their answers I tell them one of my favorite movies (or more accurately favorite movie titles) and I tell them that once I start the title they will be able to finish it. I pause, take a breath and start with, "The good..." and the crowd shouts back: "...the bad, and the ugly!"

I then explain that we all have "the good, the bad and the ugly" in our lives. One of the most important tasks we face is accepting these parts within other people around us (and their acceptance of our "stuff" as well) and even our own acceptance of the good, the bad, and the ugly in us. By doing this, we can cast off the lies that hold us back and walk forward into the destiny that waits for us.

I have found that one of the best ways for me to impact the lives of others is through personal training and the martial arts. Through the "movement" of the different activities, I get to establish a friendship and mentoring relationship with them. It becomes a time when we both can grow to empower each other as we work out. In addition, the clients and student get the chance to get physically healthier as well.

It's important to realize that while it is not essential to be a Christian to attend our school or do personal training with us, we do embrace biblical tenets and values. We also will not "preach to you" or try to get a "spiritual scalp." We will try to empower everyone we come in contact with to be Champions of Life.

As part of that mission, we want to make this blog a fun place, an educational place not only covering our travels around, but also to address quetsions and issues in the worlds of fitness training and martial arts. So if you have any comments or questions, please free to email me at: Pacificfitnessandcoaching@gmail.com or Discipleshipthroughmovement@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to talking to all of you,
In His Grace,
Mark