CALIFORNIA CHURCH JOINS BLUE ZONES PROJECT TO HELP LOCALS LEAD HEALTHIER LIVES

A California church has earned a special designation from the Blue Zones Project to be part of a community-wide network to advance healthier lifestyles for residents.

Passion Church of Palm Springs, a small but growing congregation launched in 2024, was officially recognized by Blue Zones Palm Springs at a ceremony Sunday.

The church became the first faith-based organization to receive approval from the local chapter of a national project that seeks to help people live longer, healthier lives through community transformation programs that it says lowers healthcare costs, improves productivity and "boosts national recognition as great places to live, work, and play."

The Palm Springs chapter of the Blue Zones Project was launched just last year and has already given approval to entities including schools, worksites, community groups and restaurants.

Passion Church Lead Pastor T.J. McCall told The Christian Post that his congregation was “so honored and humbled by the recognition” and that “we value the partnership with such an amazing organization full of wonderful people more than the certification itself.”

“So many aspects of their mission align so closely with ours,” McCall said. “We know God loves Palm Springs, and we love the people here. Being a part of what God is doing to bring revival to our city and transforming the lives of the people and families in our community … that’s the real joy.”

McCall described the process of getting the Blue Zones approval as “pretty simple,” explaining that the church documented “things we were already doing,” such as “providing healthy snacks, food and beverages at our events, creating space for people to form life-changing relationships, prayer hikes and book studies, and planning a community garden.”

Additionally, McCall noted that he has served on the Community Engagement Committee for Blue Zones Palm Springs and that his church has been involved in local service projects.

“When we first arrived in Palm Springs, the culture here was against a new church opening. We were often told to go back where we came from,” he recounted. “But through our involvement in Blue Zones and the Chamber of Commerce, and thanks to our activity to serve people in the community, we’ve seen the culture shift.”

“I think many people are pleasantly surprised that our message about following Jesus is more than the overly-simplistic ‘Gospel’ they grew up with. The Gospel affects every aspect of our lives. God loves us and wants us to flourish, not just spiritually, but physically, emotionally, and mentally as well.”

Blue Zones Palm Springs Executive Director Mihai Patru told CP that he and his peers “knew Passion Church was something special the moment we saw how intentionally they bring people together not just from Palm Springs, but other parts of the Coachella Valley as well.”

“They didn't become Blue Zones Project Approved because they checked a few boxes — they earned it because they are already living many of the principles we know help people live longer, better lives,” said Patru.

“Whether it's creating a place where people feel they belong, encouraging service, helping people discover their purpose, or simply making sure no one has to do life alone, Passion Church is building the kind of community you find in the world's Blue Zones.”

When an organization becomes Blue Zones Project approved, Patru said they are “part of a movement to make the healthy choice the easy choice" and helping people become “a little healthier, a little happier, and a little more connected.”

“For Passion Church, it means they're not just nurturing spiritual well-being — they're also creating an environment where purpose, belonging, friendship, volunteering, and healthy living become part of everyday life,” he said.

“Each one plays a different role, but together they're creating a city where well-being isn't something you have to chase — it's something you experience wherever you go,” Patru continued. “Adding a faith community to that mix is an exciting next chapter because purpose, belonging, and social connection are some of the strongest predictors of a long, healthy life.”

The project is currently working with other local faith communities that may receive the approved designation in the future, Patru said.

“If there's one thing we've learned from the Blue Zones, it's that well-being isn't built by one organization — it grows one relationship, one neighborhood, and one community at a time,” he said.

“Passion Church has opened the door, and we hope many others will join us on this journey.”

2026-07-15T18:03:09Z