🎙️ SHOW NOTES
Episode 289 — Connecting Communities Through Running/Walking
Upward Running Podcast — where faith fuels your fitness journey. Hosted by Dean Thompson and Upward Running Director Mitchell Hollis.
In This Episode
- On the road to Maryland: Dean and Mitchell visit Faith Church to hear how Upward Running transformed community life.
- Guests: Worship Pastor Jeff Higgins and Upward Running Leader Steve Camp share their story of starting a running group at their church.
- From idea to impact: How a simple “yes” launched a ministry that connected generations and inspired deeper faith.
- Ministry in motion: Creative outreach ideas from Faith Church — from trivia nights to paintball to fantasy football — all designed to build relationships.
- Running through obstacles: Steve leads the group while battling Lyme disease — and how God used it to grow his faith and leadership.
- Community transformation: Members of all ages walk, jog, and run together — building friendships that carry into Sunday mornings.
- Graduation Day: Their 5K celebration at the Baltimore Zoo — complete with the “frog story” and lessons learned about perseverance.
- Faith reflections: What it means to run humbly with God and turn physical movement into spiritual growth.
Highlights
- “Find your Steve.” — Every church needs someone with passion to start and lead new ministries.
- “Nobody died.” — Faith Church’s lighthearted motto through a record-setting Maryland heat wave.
- “You don’t have to be a runner to lead a running ministry — you just have to care about people.”
- Launching a 5K Challenge can be one of the easiest and most impactful ministries to start in your church.
- Relationships built while running often last far beyond the finish line.
“To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
Scripture
- Micah 6:8 — Walk (and run) humbly with your God.
- Hebrews 12:1 — Run with endurance the race set before us.
- Matthew 5:16 — Let your light shine before others.
- Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Faith & Fitness Takeaways
- Don’t wait for the perfect time — ministry often begins with an imperfect “yes.”
- Running together builds accountability, humility, and joy in the journey.
- Even through obstacles like illness or doubt, God works through willing hearts.
- Community begins when people “find their people.”
Key Moments
- 0:10 — Welcome to Faith Church in Maryland
- 6:00 — Meet Jeff and Steve: Worship Pastor & Runner
- 12:00 — How Faith Church builds community through connection
- 18:00 — Launching their first Upward Running class
- 25:00 — Overcoming the summer heat and learning together
- 31:00 — Steve’s battle with Lyme disease and God’s timing
- 43:00 — Race day at the Baltimore Zoo
- 49:00 — “Find your Steve” — the call to step up and serve
- 57:00 — The “second class bump” and growing ministry impact
- 1:06:00 — Closing thoughts and scripture
Quotes
- “Ministry happens when people do life together — not just when they sit together.” — Jeff Higgins
- “You can’t say no when someone says, ‘God laid this on my heart.’” — Dean Thompson
- “God sometimes removes your ability to run so you’ll learn how to lead.” — Steve Camp
- “Everybody needs to know somebody.” — Faith Church motto
Church Spotlight
Faith Church — Climb, Maryland
Worship Pastor: Jeff Higgins
Upward Running Leader: Steve Camp
running@faithc.net
Dean’s Reflection
What started as a simple 5K group became a story of faith, fellowship, and endurance. The best part? It’s repeatable. Whether your church has a dozen people or hundreds, you can use running to build community and share Christ. All it takes is one “Steve.”
Next Steps
- Launch a 5K Challenge in your church — everything you need is at UpwardRunning.com.
- Join the Couch to Marathon Program — train, grow, and celebrate with us at Big Beach 2027.
- Connect with us for resources and church partnerships — Lead a Challenge.