Stephaine Walker, MD, MPH, is helping Mt. Zion Baptist Church members run the race with endurance.

In 2010, the Vanderbilt University neonatologist and assistant professor of Pediatrics co-founded ChurchFIT alongside her husband, Bishop Joseph Walker, III. The couple yields a powerful influence as leaders of Nashville’s oldest and largest black church, now boasting 29,000 members in three Middle Tennessee locations.

Starting Out

One of seven children, the Los Angeles native first arrived at Nashville in 1993 as an undergrad at Vanderbilt University. She attended medical school at Cornell University and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before briefly moving back to L.A. for a fellowship in neonatology.

While pursuing her Master’s of Public Health at Harvard University, she was introduced to her would-be husband and soon joined him in Nashville with yet another new title – pastor’s wife.

As the newlyweds settled in, they also turned to a personal trainer to help them get fit. Their weight loss piqued the interest of church members.

“When you start shrinking, people sometimes assume you’re sick, especially in the African American community,” Walker said. “We wanted to change the paradigm of what good health looks like. The ChurchFIT program was started to show people – ‘this is how we did it … and you can join us, too.’”

Three years later, 1,500-plus members regularly participate in ChurchFIT’s no-cost comprehensive healthy living wellness initiative. Nutritional cooking programs, along with classes ranging from heart health and breast cancer awareness to kickboxing and Pilates are offered at two Mt. Zion locations five days a week.

“We try to focus on not just providing classes but teaching real tools,” Walker said. “We’re really trying to make members more conscious of health. Before it was something you might only talk about with your doctor, but they’re learning that ‘health’ is every day. That language becomes a part of who you are.”

Bucking Tradition

That mindset has integrated into Mt. Zion’s culture, where meals now often include grilled options and low-calorie desserts – small steps with big results.

“We stress that those small steps make a difference in life and impact not only you but future generations,” Walker said. “We want to stop the vicious cycle from what our grandparents did. Members are becoming the first people in their families to come off their diabetes medication so it’s really about changing lifestyles.”

She continued, “For me, the best part is seeing people who are excited. Now a couple of years in people are still excited, because it’s a change in mindset.”

ChurchFIT’s success

Their annual 12-week ChurchFIT competition sees teams compete for up to $10,000 worth of prizes. During 2014’s challenge 160 teams competed, and 1,600 participants lost some 4,300 pounds.

ChurchFIT teams are now a regular presence at Nashville events … from the Country Music Marathon to glow runs and cancer walks. They’ve partnered with The New Beginnings Center and are a gearing up a KidsFIT Program to offer the same hope to a younger generation.

So how does a program garner that kind of success?

“You really have to give them a context, teach them how it matters from a Biblical standpoint,” Walker said. “We talk about Jesus Christ and his walk to Calvary. How can a man endure that kind of beating and scrutiny and carry his own cross if not in good health? We’re all here for a purpose beyond our kids and ourselves – a purpose that impacts others in the world. If you’re not healthy enough to fulfill your God-given role, you’ve missed your real purpose.”

What can the medical community learn from ChurchFIT’s success story? From a clinician’s standpoint, Walker said it’s important to understand that church is a culture in and of itself, and there’s a certain way you have to engage a church culture to be received.

“Historically there’s been a rift between African American churches and the academic community,” Walker said. “How do you engage that community? Oftentimes researchers have a great idea and want to go in and do a study, but now people are leery because you’ve gotten their information and numbers but left them high and dry. It’s important to make it a win-win when you research. Leave them empowered with programs and skills so they can continue what it is you want them to improve upon.”

ChurchFIT is always interested in partnering with organizations seeking to support their mission. Specifically, Walker said a partner is needed to help pool data. They currently work closely with Meharry Medical College and local physician offices to offer screenings and education. For more information, visit mtzionnashville.org.

WEB:

Mt. Zion ChurchFIT Program: http://www.mtzionnashville.org/#!about-churchfit/c1khr