Team Sweaty Sheep ministries, an emerging new worshiping community and part of the Ecclesia project of Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, has been blessed with the use of a facility adjacent to the University of Louisville campus. The space houses a chapel, spin studio, group fitness room, and workout facility.
“We’re teaming up with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to launch a new series of campus ministry events,” says Sweaty Sheep founder Ryan Althaus. “Thanks to this gift, we will be able to hold Christian-based coaching and personal training, including events like Zumba, Pilates, and spinning, in the gym.”
Team Sweaty Sheep will also host a weekly Tuesday night meeting in the space at Cardinal Towne, for its newest mission opportunity, Achilles International, a program that provides racing and training opportunities for the physically and mentally disabled.
“We’ll be hosting a weekly Bible study and special needs-specific training session,” says Althaus. “We are working with the University to give students the opportunity to serve as mentors to athletes who would not normally get the chance to compete; mission makes disciples and we want to make mission personal.”
Louisville real estate developer Larry Gough donated the use of the gym to Team Sweaty sheep. After becoming the new leader of the local Louisville chapter of FCA Endurance, he reached out to Althaus. “Ryan is so passionate about bringing church to adult endurance athletes,” says Gough, who is an Ironman triathlon competitor. “FCA Endurance’s mission is about bringing Christ to adult athlete activities. I see this partnership as a way to expand both ministries. It gives my wife and I great joy to use the gifts God has given us for kingdom purposes. “
Team Sweaty Sheep will also host a Merry Christmas 5K on December 22. Featuring caroling from a group of ecumenical churches throughout the course, it will be followed by a dinner and worship with the Louisville homeless community at the Presbyterian Center on Witherspoon Street.
“It is an honor to be able to partner with Team Sweaty Sheep and with several wonderful ministries and in the larger Louisville community,” says Presbyterian Mission’s Deputy Executive Director Roger Dermody. “Together with The Salvation Army, Wayside Christian Mission, Jefferson Street Baptist Center, Headfirst Performance, VO2 Multisport, Fleet Fleet Sports , Ken Combs Running Store and BlueMile, we are trying to show the love of Jesus and provide some warm Christmas cheer to some of the less fortunate residents in our city.”
You can register for the Merry Christmas 5K event here, including the optional Egg Nog Challenge, for which you’ll receive a 4-ounce glass at mile markers 1, 2, and 3.