First Place

Next Session Coming Soon! First Place meets each Monday night. Cost: $22 for returning members, $70 for new members. Bible Study - "Begin Again...Revive," 13-week Session.

To sign up or for more information, contact Sheree Sisk at 366.0446 or e-mail: Sheree_Sisk@ajg.com.

 

What is First Place?

The First Place program is the result of a godly desire placed in the hearts of a group of Christians. This desire was to establish a Christ-centered weight-control program. The basic question that initiated the search for such a program was, "Since God has saved us from our sins and given us abundant life, why can't we, as Christians, use that same power in the area of weight control?

With that question in mind, they decided to develop a program that would meet the needs of Christians in the area of weight control. Little did they know what they were undertaking! It was an immense assignment, but knowing God had called them to the task, they placed all of their hopes and aspirations in Him and began the project. They prayed, studied, prayed, read, prayed and wrote, and First Place began to take shape!

They knew that in order to be effective, the program had to focus totally on the Lord and include Bible study, small-group support and accountability, a proven common-sense nutrition plan, exercise, a method of record keeping and many other elements. They knew putting Christ first in their lives would be the success of the program. Their aim was for growth in all areas: spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.

Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (KJV), was chosen as the theme verse for the program. Hence, the name "First Place."

The original First Place groups met in March of 1981 at First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. What began as a Christ-centered weight-loss program has evolved into a nationally recognized total health program. Today, the First Place program is used in every state and many foreign countries. Thousands of lives have been radically changed by the power of Christ.

We praise God for the leadership He provided as all steps of First Place were planned and penned. Our greatest desire was, and continues to be, that God will receive all the glory, honor and praise, and
that as a result of First Place ' individuals will live healthier, happier and more abundant lives with God as their first priority.

The goal of First Place is for balance in the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical areas of a person's life. Meeting weekly in groups of up to 20 people, First Place members stay with the same group for the entire 13 weeks. Each meeting includes nutritional information, class discussion, Bible study and prayer.

The Live-It plan is based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. Using behavior modification techniques and the Nine Commitments, members learn how to be victorious over past eating patterns and to commit their minds-and ultimately their bodies-to God. Upon entering the program, members agree to the following nine commitments:

1. ATTEND a meeting each week.
2. ENCOURAGE one person in your class weekly.
3. PRAY daily.
4. Commit to daily BIBLE READING.
5. MEMORIZE one Scripture passage weekly.
6. Complete a weekly BIBLE STUDY.
7. Follow the First Place LIVE-IT PLAN.
8. Keep a First Place COMMITMENT RECORD.
9. EXERCISE three to five times weekly.

 

Why Choose First Place?

Health Benefits

• Weight loss, resulting from a balanced plan consisting of healthy
  food and exercise.
• A proven health plan that benefits those with health concerns
  such as hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and lower
  back pain.
  

Discipleship

• Balanced lifestyle through Bible study, prayer, Scripture reading
  and memorization.
• Accountability through small-group support.
  

Outreach

• Attracts the unchurched.
• Provides many opportunities to share Christ.
  
  
  
  

Who Should Join First Place?

Those Desiring to Lose Weight Who

• Struggle with losing 5 to 10 pounds.
• Battle obesity.
• Are tired of yo-yo dieting.
  

Those Desiring to Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle Through

• Gaining knowledge in nutrition
• Implementing a consistent exercise plan
• Developing a healthy lifestyle for their entire family

>> Click here for more information on First Place.