Healthy leadership for the body of Christ Personal Trainer Sam Taylor keeps clergy fit By Sharlene Brown Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr.
Many pastors have incorporated health in their approach to ministering through wellness fairs, community outreach, health walks and weight loss programs. They are striving to keep their congregations both, spiritually fit and physically fit. And they’re setting the example by hitting the gyms themselves. Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr. of Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers is one of the faithful who makes it his business to exercise. He’s been working out with celebrity personal trainer Sam Taylor for more than 10 years. “I work out at least four times a week. I try to make it five,” said Lee. “I spend about an hour and a half working out each of those days. It’s important to me because as a pastor, I have a very hectic schedule and exercising with my personal trainer helps me to keep healthy.” Besides Lee, Taylor has trained Dr. Cynthia Hale of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Pastor Marlin Harris of New Life Church in Decatur; and Dr. Ben and Sherry Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia, among others. Taylor’s A list of leaders also includes gospel artists, professional athletes, physicians, TV personalities and the list goes on Taylor has plenty of testimonies on his web site (taylormadebodies.com) from his clients who have benefited from his training: “Sam is a tough drill sergeant, but I feel better in my 50s than I did in my 30s,” writes Dr. Sherry Gaither. Taylor says working out is essential, but watching what you eat is critical in achieving optimal health. “Ask yourself, are you digging your grave with your teeth? You could be making your coffin out of soda cans,” said Taylor. “We must think preventive, instead of reactionary. If we change our behaviors now, we won’t have to rely on high Continued on page 42
40 | WWW.CHURCHESNOW.COM • SPRING 2014