Owenton—Almost every new year, individuals will seek to make positive changes in their lives. Eat healthy, strengthen relationships, and work on their spiritual life. Epoch Fellowship in Owenton had a vision of helping individuals develop habits that would assist people in this endeavor—not only at New Year’s, but all year long.

Epoch Fellowship does this through the Master Fit gym and fitness program, which provides lifestyle education and training. The church has provided a facility and programming that helps their community move toward physical fitness.

Trent Holbert was the initial church planter at Epoch Fellowship in 2007. The church desired to reach the community through authentic relationships and community investment. But the idea of MasterFit was born out of the pastor’s heart for his community and his personal experience.

Holbert’s life has changed drastically over the last four years. After some time of fighting scoliosis and an autoimmune disorder with a 30 percent fatality rate, he readjusted his diet and lost 60 pounds.

“I literally saved my life through rethinking fitness and spiritual wellness,” Holbert said.

Holbert became a certified personal trainer and realized that others could use help in their journey. “This is my way to give a blessing back,” he said.

Holbert wants people to realize the reality of Psalm 139:14—Mankind is “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

“Our mission behind the gym is to help everyone feel that reality,” he said. MasterFit had 70 members before the gym officially opened its doors Oct. 5, and within four days, it grew to 97 members.

At Master Fit, members develop natural connections with members of the community. Volunteers from Epoch Fellowship handle things from marketing and sales to processing memberships. These connections create avenues through which the gospel can be shared. There have been several people who have attended worship services as a result of the ministry of MasterFit.

Through the work at the gym, Epoch Fellowship models several things that would help churches across Kentucky reach their communities.

First, they model the importance of natural networks. Churches that are growing seek ways they can naturally connect with their communities. Whether a church uses sports leagues, schools, hobby groups or common points of interest, the gospel will flow best from friend to friend.

They also utilize the unique experiences and gifting of their church leaders to reach the community. Each church is uniquely made. Growing churches leverage the unique makeup, passion and skills of its members.

Epoch Fellowship also understands that the gospel is to affect our entire lives. Mind, body and soul—all should be encompassed in one’s faith in the Lord. If the gospel is able to save us to eternal life, surely it should affect every area of the here and now.

Finally, Epoch realizes the best way to reach people for Christ is to engage them where they live. (WR)