6 | February 2026
SCBO Launches The Pastor Fit Initiative In the demanding world of ministry, pastors are often the first to offer care to others while being the last to pri - oritize their own physical well-being. We preach about the stewardship of our time, talents, and tithes, yet the stewardship of the “earthly tent” (2 Cor. 5:1) often falls by the wayside. In an effort to encourage physical health for pastors, the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio is proud to launch the Pastor Fit Initiative. By Ryan Strother, director of convention support
We invite every SCBO pastor to consider how their phys- ical health impacts their leadership. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or looking to take it to the next level, there is a place for you here. Keep an eye out for the next webinar and 6-month co - hort. If you have any questions, contact me at rstrother@ scbo.org. Let’s get healthier together!
The Pastor Fit Initiative is a comprehensive program de- signed to provide Ohio pastors with the tools, account- ability, and community needed to thrive physically. Lead- ing this effort is Austin Mathis, pastor of Grace Church in Harrison and a veteran with eleven years of military ser- vice. As a certified personal trainer and CrossFit coach, Austin brings a unique blend of pastoral heart and phys- ical grit to help leaders reclaim their health for the sake of the gospel. The Pastor Fit Initiative came to mind after seeing the impact of ministry on the physical health of so many pastors. Ministry is often sedentary, high-stress, and food-filled. When Austin was elected as SCBO Sec - ond Vice-President in November 2025, I asked him if he would amplify his impact around the state by utilizing his expertise in physical fitness to spearhead this initiative. The Pastor Fit Initiative is built on two primary pillars: 1. Quarterly Webinars: These sessions serve as an ac- cessible entry point for any pastor looking to sharpen his understanding of health. The first webinar, “Fitness Made Simple,” was held on January 5, 2026, and focused on practical, sustainable habits. These webinars are free and are designed to be high-impact and low-barrier, of- fering expert insights that can be implemented imme - diately into a busy ministry schedule. These are led by Mathis or guest fitness and nutritionist experts. 2. Six-Month Cohorts: For those seeking a deeper transformation, the initiative offers dedicated six-month cohorts. These small groups provide a focused environ- ment where pastors can move beyond theory into prac- tice. Participants benefit from a monthly Zoom meeting offering expert coaching, personalized goals, and—per - haps most importantly—the accountability of a commu- nity of peers. These cohorts are not about vanity; they are about building the energy and vitality required to lead a congregation faithfully for decades to come. The first cohort begins on February 2, with new cohorts begin- ning soon. The goal of Pastor Fit is simple: to ensure that Ohio’s leaders do not flame out due to preventable health cri - ses. As Austin Mathis notes, “Invest in your fitness; in - vest in your future ministry.”
Super Summer 2026 Registration Now Open
Super Summer is a one-of-a-kind program that de- velops student leaders who are founded in biblical truths in order to make a kingdom impact. Super Summer 2026 is set for June 23-27, at Cedarville University. There is simply nothing better than Super Sum- mer for developing godly student leaders in Ohio. Please go to https://scbo.org/supersummerohio for more info, videos, and registration information. Key Super Summer Registration Dates: Early Registration Deadline, March 19, 2026 . Register and pay a $100 deposit of the $265 total. Final Registration Deadline, May 4, 2026. Regis- ter and pay a $145 deposit of the $310 total. Questions about Super Summer? Please contact Keith Hurt, SCBO next gen director, at khurt@ scbo.org.
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