About Living Strength
Ministries
A faith-based wellness community rooted in Bloomington, Minnesota, called to strengthen families in Body, Mind, and Spirit — one life at a time.
Twenty-Five Years of Faithful Service
From a living room Bible study to a regional ministry network — every step has been guided by God's faithfulness and the generosity of a community that believes in wholeness.
The Seed Is Planted
John E. Peterson begins leading informal wellness Bible studies in his home in Bloomington, MN. A small group of eight families gathers weekly around scripture and practical health teaching.
Formally Incorporated
Living Strength Ministries is officially incorporated as a registered ministry organization. The first structured Body, Mind & Spirit program launches with 45 participants.
Community Center Opens
The ministry opens its first dedicated space at 10812 Nesbitt Ave S — a hub for fitness classes, nutrition workshops, prayer groups, and counseling.
Church Partnership Network
LSM establishes formal partnerships with 12 local churches, training volunteer wellness leaders to carry the program into their congregations.
Regional Expansion
The ministry's reach grows to 38+ partner churches across Minnesota and neighboring states, with over 180 trained volunteer leaders serving their communities.
2,400+ Lives Impacted
Today, Living Strength Ministries has touched more than 2,400 individuals and families, with programs running in churches, community centers, and homes across the region.
To Strengthen Every Person God Places in Our Path
Living Strength Ministries exists to equip individuals, families, and churches with the knowledge, community, and spiritual foundation to live in the fullness of health that God intends — caring for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, renewing the mind through scripture, and deepening the spirit through prayer and fellowship.
A World Where Every Church Is a Wellness Community
We envision a generation of believers who are physically strong, mentally resilient, and spiritually rooted — and a network of churches where wholeness is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of discipleship. We are raising up wellness leaders in every congregation who carry the message that caring for your body is an act of worship.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Our Core Values
These six convictions shape every program we run, every partnership we form, and every person we serve.
Scripture-Centered
Every program, teaching, and decision is anchored in the Word of God. We do not separate physical wellness from spiritual truth.
Wholeness Over Perfection
We believe God calls us to wholeness — not flawlessness. We meet people where they are and walk with them toward flourishing.
Community as Medicine
Isolation is the enemy of health. We build genuine, accountable, grace-filled communities where transformation happens together.
Integrity in All Things
We are transparent with our finances, honest in our teaching, and accountable to our donors, partners, and the families we serve.
Accessible to All
Wellness should not be a privilege of the wealthy. We design programs that are affordable, practical, and accessible to every family.
Spirit-Led Growth
We trust the Holy Spirit to guide our expansion, our partnerships, and the hearts of those we serve. We plan wisely and surrender outcomes to God.
John E. Peterson
Founder & Author · Living Strength Ministries
John E. Peterson is a bestselling author, speaker, and the founder of Living Strength Ministries. Raised in a faith-filled home in rural Minnesota, John developed a deep conviction early in life that the body, mind, and spirit are not separate compartments of a person — they are one integrated whole, created by God and called to flourish together. That conviction would eventually become the foundation of both his ministry and his writing.
An internationally renowned strength and conditioning coach, John dedicated himself to mastering the art and science of self-resistance training, isometrics, and total body transformation. His debut book, Pushing Yourself to Power: The Ultimate Guide to Total Body Transformation, became a bestseller and established him as a leading voice in faith-based fitness. It has been used by individuals and groups across the country as a guide for achieving one's natural, God-given physical potential.
John has since authored multiple titles, including The Miracle Seven, Isometric Power Revolution, Balance of Power, and Ultimate Push-ups for the Awesome Physique. His books have helped thousands of readers build sustainable strength and fitness habits rooted in faith. His writing is known for its warmth, practical wisdom, and ability to bridge the gap between biblical truth and physical wellness.
"Writing is ministry on paper. Every page is an invitation to see yourself the way God sees you — whole, capable, and deeply loved. My hope is that each book helps someone take one step closer to the life they were created to live."
Beyond his books, John is a sought-after speaker at conferences, retreats, and church events, where he brings the same energy and authenticity that fills his writing. In 2009, he and his wife Sarah founded Living Strength Ministries from their Bloomington home, and what began as eight families around a kitchen table has grown into a regional network touching more than 2,400 lives across Minnesota and beyond.
John and Sarah have three adult children and are active members of their local church in Bloomington. When he's not writing or speaking, John enjoys hiking the Minnesota trails, cooking with whole foods, and mentoring emerging authors and ministry leaders who want to use their gifts to serve others.
- Pushing Yourself to Power (Bestseller)
- The Miracle Seven — with Wendie Pett
- Isometric Power Revolution
- Ultimate Push-ups for the Awesome Physique
- Balance of Power
- G.U.T.S.
Our Leadership Team
Each member of our team brings deep expertise, genuine faith, and a personal calling to serve others toward wholeness.
Sarah Peterson
Sarah leads all women's programming and retreat experiences. A certified nutritionist and women's Bible study teacher with 12 years of ministry experience.
Pastor David Okafor
David oversees LSM's growing network of partner churches, equipping pastors and leaders to integrate wellness ministry into their discipleship programs.
Dr. Rachel Kim
A licensed clinical counselor and Christian therapist, Rachel leads LSM's mental health programming, integrating evidence-based counseling with biblical truth.
Marcus Williams
A certified personal trainer and former collegiate athlete, Marcus designs and leads all physical fitness programming with a faith-centered approach.
You Were Created for This
Whether you are looking to transform your own health, serve others in your community, or bring wellness ministry to your church — there is a place for you here. Every journey begins with a single step of faith.