Move the Mountain: Rediscovering the Joy of Physical Activity

There’s a verse many of us have preached with conviction: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move,’ and it will move.” (Matthew 17:20).

But somewhere between the meetings, ministry calls, and the weight of carrying others’ burdens, we’ve stopped moving—not just spiritually, but physically. We pray for mountains to move while the one we’ve been called to steward—our own body—sits neglected, weary, and overworked.

As ministers, we’re quick to pour out, but often slow to refill. We stay up late preparing sermons, run on caffeine and grace, and forget that this body is the instrument God uses to deliver His Word, shepherd His people, and love our families. It’s not vanity to care for it—it’s stewardship.

Exercise as a Spiritual Discipline
Physical activity isn’t just about muscles or metrics—it’s an act of worship. When Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), that included how we move. Moving our bodies is one way we honor the Creator who designed them.

Think of it like this: when we move, we release stress, clear mental fog, and renew emotional strength. Exercise literally helps us endure. For pastors who carry the emotional weight of others daily, movement can become a form of therapy—a sacred space where we can process, breathe, and reconnect with God.

Faith in Motion: Blessed, Favored, and Fit
This past summer, I had the privilege of leading a small group at my church called Blessed, Favored, and Fit—a Christ-centered group training that combined faith and fitness through high-intensity interval training (HIIT). We began each session with a short devotional, grounding ourselves in the Word before diving into the session.

It was our second year meeting, and the biggest win wasn’t just improved endurance, it was transformation. Members started to enjoy movement. They found community in Glenolden Park, met new people, and discovered how fitness could become a joyful, spiritual rhythm of life. It reminded me that ministry isn’t confined to a pulpit. Sometimes, it’s found in shared laughter, hard work, and the encouragement that says, “You can do this.”

Start Small—Move Faithfully
You don’t need a gym membership or two free hours a day. You just need to start.
Take a walk during sermon prep breaks. Stretch between meetings. Do a few bodyweight movements before you open your laptop. These small acts create momentum.

I often tell my clients, “You don’t have to move perfectly; you just have to move consistently.” The same is true for ministry. A consistent rhythm of physical care builds resilience for the long haul.

Rediscover the Joy
Physical activity doesn’t have to feel like another task on your to-do list. Rediscover the joy of movement by doing what makes you feel alive. Maybe it’s walking while praying, playing basketball with your kids, or turning worship music into a quick at-home workout.

When you move, you’ll notice your energy increase, your focus sharpen, and your heart feel lighter. You’ll not only think more clearly—you’ll lead from that context.

Your health is not just for you—it’s for the people you’re called to serve. A stronger you means a stronger ministry.

So today, take one step—literally. Move that mountain. Not just the one in front of you, but the one you’ve been carrying within you.