Episode 364: Caring for Your Body Without Worshiping It with Matthew Gay

Host Erin Kerry sits down with Matthew Gay, Christian author, health coach, and founder of Fit Church United, to explore why the church has been slow to connect faith and physical health. Together, they discuss how fitness became an idol for Matthew before it became a tool for growth, why processed food has become normal even in church fellowship halls, the line between stewarding your body and worshiping it, what 1 Corinthians 10:31 means for how you eat and move, and why your body is even more intricately designed than Solomon’s temple. You’ll also learn why building a healthy life works best one brick at a time, how to get started with movement when the gym feels intimidating, and why grace, not guilt, is the best reason to care for your body. Key Topics * Matthew’s story of fitness as an idol and how his faith reshaped it * How Fit Church United began and went international * Why the church struggles to connect body, mind, and spirit * Donuts, processed food, and church culture * Stewardship vs. idolatry: how to tell the difference * “Whether you eat or drink, do all for the glory of God” * Being “fit for the kingdom” (1 Thessalonians 5:23) * How to start moving when the gym feels intimidating * Building healthy habits one brick at a time * Your body as a temple more detailed than Solomon’s * Grace, not shame, as the motivation for health * Physical, emotional, and spiritual cravings * Why praying for health while ignoring God’s design creates frustration * How churches can launch their own health ministry Links Mentioned: * Fit Church United: fitchurchunited.com * Fit Church United on Instagram: @fitchurchunited * Preorder Kitchen Therapy (releases January 19, 2027): erinbkerry.com/kitchen-therapy * Join Erin’s email list: https://erinbkerry.mykajabi.com/email-list