Personal Wellness Blog
by Travis Guse
“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)
Something exciting kicked off at our Fall Church Worker Conference in Virginia Beach this week – and it’s all about helping us move toward greater health, well-being, and joy in our callings!
The Southeastern District is thrilled to introduce “Move It!” – our new wellness initiative for church workers and their families. This year-long journey (October 2025–December 2026) focuses on strengthening one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of our overall well-being: our physical wellness.
This initiative was born out of what we heard from you. In our SED Church Worker Wellness Survey from Asheville, NC, back in the Spring of 2024, the area where workers felt least satisfied in their wellness was their physical health. So, we’re going to “move it”, literally and figuratively, toward renewed strength, energy, and joy for the sake of our calling in ministry.
Why Move It! Matters
Our ministry and daily lives demand much of us – body, mind, and spirit. Physical wellness isn’t about chasing perfection but about being good stewards of the body God has given us so that we can serve Him and others in our ministries with energy and endurance. Every time we walk, stretch, swim, dance, or play, we honor the One who created us to move.
That’s why this campaign’s tagline says it all: “Move it for your health. Move it for His glory.”
How We’ll Move It — Together!
Each quarter of the Move It! initiative will bring a fresh theme and faith connection to inspire us to keep moving forward:
Quarter 1 (Oct–Dec 2025): “Get Moving, SED!”
We’ll kick things off with energy and excitement! This first season is all about taking that initial step – signing up for Vitality, a health and wellness online tool (or another wellness platform if you’re not on CPS) and finding small, simple ways to add more movement into your daily life. Rooted in Acts 17:28, we’ll remember that God is the One who gives us life, movement, and purpose.
Quarter 2 (Jan–Mar 2026): “Resolution to Move It!”
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start – physically and spiritually. Whether it’s setting a family walking goal, joining a fitness class, or committing to a few workouts a week, we’ll make personal “Resolutions To Move It!” that help us grow in strength and perseverance. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Quarter 3 (Apr–June 2026): “Step It Up!”
Spring brings new life – and new motivation! This quarter’s focus is on moving more intentionally through walking, running, or any kind of physical activity that gets your heart pumping. District-wide challenges and team encouragement will keep us moving together, as Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Quarter 4 (July–Sept 2026): “Move It Outdoors!”
Summer invites us to step outside and enjoy God’s creation. From hikes and bike rides to family adventures, this quarter celebrates the joy of being active in the beauty of His world. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” So, together we will encourage each other to get out and enjoy God’s amazing creation as we move it.
Quarter 5 (Oct–Dec 2026): “Keep It Moving!”
As the year winds down, we’ll celebrate how far we’ve come, recognizing our collective movement as a district and honoring those who’ve led the way. Most importantly, we’ll finish strong together, pressing on toward the goal God has set before us. Philippians 3:14 captures it perfectly: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Our Goal
By the end of 2026, our hope is to see a 20% increase in Vitality participation to Gold or Platinum level among our Concordia Plan Services members, while encouraging everyone to join in – regardless of their provider. But the true victory will be seen in church workers and families across the SED who feel more energized, healthy, and joyfully engaged in their callings.
Let’s Move It—For Your Health and for His Glory!
No matter your pace or starting point, every step is a step of faith. Let’s “move it” together as a district – walking, running, and serving with renewed strength in the One who gives us life, breath, and purpose. Together, let’s move it here in the SED!