The aims of this study are to : a ) describe a theory-driven longitudinal intervention study to reduce CVD risk in mid-life and older AAs ; b ) compare selected dietary ( fruit and vegetable servings/day , fat consumption ) , physical activity ( PA ) and clinical variables ( BMI , girth circumferences , systolic and diastolic BP , LDL , HDL , total cholesterol [ CHOL ] and HDL/CHOL ) between treatment and comparison churches at baseline ; c ) identify selected background characteristics ( life satisfaction , social support , age , gender , educational level , marital status , living arrangement and medication use ) at baseline that may confound results ; and d ) share the lessons learned .