Before you say “I do,” Chris Griffin wants to help you get in the best shape of your life. Without a doubt, the 35-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep and pro bodybuilder is into physical fitness, but through his non-profit, Home-Team, he’s also preparing singles for marriage by helping them get emotionally fit. Founded in 2008, the Plano-based group offers monthly gatherings, volunteer opportunities and fitness events for those who are single, dating or engaged.
The son of active volunteers in the ministry (his dad is a church deacon, his mom a chaplain who counsels female inmates), Chris started out as a pro football player who had no intention of adding the word “minister” to his resume. “That involves a lot of tears and patience, and to be honest, I like peace. I like happiness and joy,” he says. But fate — and God — had other plans.
Like a lot of stories, his began with a girl. In his 20s, he fell head over heels for the woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with. At the time, though, he didn’t understand God’s principles for a healthy relationship, and his happily ever after turned into a toxic mess that left him broken and confused, but ultimately healed — and forever changed.
Now, he’s using that experience to help others in a powerful way. At Home-Team gatherings, you’ll find that Chris’ speaking style is high energy and high impact. What you won’t find is a slick, Hollywood-style message about fairy tale endings. Instead, he gives the unretouched version of what marriage really looks like, warts and all.
Priority number one is teaching singles that a lasting relationship has no room for selfishness. “That’s the number one cause of divorce — it’s not money, it’s not sex, it’s selfishness. What are you gonna do for me? That’s why we try, through God’s leading and guidance, to really show people how to serve and be other-centered. When you have two people with that mindset, you have harmony. It works.”
Where’s the proof that it works? “Since Home-Team was founded, we’ve had dozens of people get married, and we’ve never had one divorce,” he says. “It’s the thing I’m most proud of.”
His policy at Home-Team is that everyone is welcome, regardless of their past. “Our doors are wide open. There’s no membership, and we don’t check ID cards,” he says. “Jesus had an open door policy, and we do too.”
To find out more about Home-Team, visit hometeamamerica.org.
Q&A WITH CHRIS
We asked Home-Team’s founder to tell us about a few of his favorite things.
Favorite self-help book
Safe People by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
It’s relevant for people coming out of brokenness who are seeking wisdom and discernment.
Favorite restaurant
That’s easy, Pappadeaux
First job
Sales club manager at Bally Total Fitness, I sold memberships
I can’t live without
My headphones at the gym
I want to be like
Jesus
The best thing in the world is
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Turtle Cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory
I love listening to
Hillsong
Something most people don’t know about me
I am the biggest homebody you would ever know.
Home-Team Website >
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