Checklist
Launch Checklist
Use this checklist with your health team. Most churches can move from "we should do something" to a church-wide launch in about 90 days.
Weeks 1–2: The pastor and leaders commit, personally
This step is the foundation for everything else. A board vote to “support” a health ministry is not enough. Congregations follow what their leaders do. Before anything is announced, every leader commits to living it out.
- Pastor reads Why Your Body Matters to God and prays about leading this.
- Pastor chooses one or two personal health steps (sleep, walking, meals, rest) and starts them now.
- Share the vision with elders, deacons and staff, and invite each one to take personal steps, not just to approve the plan.
- Every leader signs the Leadership Commitment and names their own first steps.
- Pair leaders into accountability partners.
- Add a five-minute health check-in to every leadership meeting: “How are your steps going? How can we pray?”
- Agree on the “why”: this is about stewardship and discipleship, not weight loss.
- Pick a launch month. January, Lent and September work well.
Why leaders go first
Peter told church leaders to be “examples to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3), and Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Leaders don’t need to be fit or have it all together. They need to be honest, humble and willing to take the first step in front of everyone.
Weeks 3–4: Build a health team
- Recruit 4–8 people. Look for a nurse, doctor, dietitian, counselor, coach or fitness-minded member, and someone who loves to cook.
- Include people of different ages, sizes and fitness levels, so the team reflects the whole church.
- Name a team leader who isn't the senior pastor.
- Hold a first meeting: pray, read 1 Cor 10:31 together, and review this checklist.
- Ask any medical professionals on the team to review materials before they go out.
Weeks 5–6: Listen to the congregation
- Run a short, anonymous survey (5–8 questions, 5 minutes).
- Ask what people want help with: cooking, budget, exercise, sleep, stress, fasting.
- Ask about barriers: time, cost, childcare, mobility, transportation.
- Ask when people could meet: Sunday, a weeknight, online.
- Share a summary of the results with the congregation. It shows you listened.
Weeks 7–8: Look at your church's food culture
- List every time your church serves food: coffee hour, Wednesday meals, potlucks, kids' snacks, youth events, funerals.
- Adopt the Church Food Guidelines, or write your own.
- Make water the easy default drink at every event.
- Talk with whoever cooks or caters. Ask for help, and don't criticize what they've done so far.
Weeks 9–12: Launch
- Preach the All for His Glory sermon series (4 weeks, plus a bonus on rest).
- Start small groups using the matching group lessons.
- Offer a church-wide 21- or 40-day challenge: habits, not pounds.
- Host one shared event: a prayer walk, a healthy potluck, or a cooking class.
- Collect short stories of what God is doing, with permission to share them.
After week 12: Keep it going
- Choose a monthly health theme (see Health and wellness tips).
- Put a weekly tip in the bulletin or on the screens.
- Start an ongoing walking group or cooking class.
- Partner with a local clinic, food pantry, or farmers' market.
- Plan a yearly emphasis, like a Lent fast or a fall challenge.
Guardrails from day one
- No public weigh-ins, before-and-after photos or "biggest loser" contests.
- Every challenge has an option for people with illness, disability or limited budgets.
- Keep a referral list of Christian counselors, including someone who understands eating disorders.
- Include a simple disclaimer on handouts: "This is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor before making major changes."