Leadership Commitment

Many boards approve a new ministry with a vote and never live it out. This commitment is different. It isn’t a vote to support a program. It’s a personal promise, made before God and each other, to go first.

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2–3

How to use it

1. The pastor presents this at a leadership meeting, after sharing Why Your Body Matters to God.
2. Give each leader a week to pray about it. No one should sign under pressure.
3. At the next meeting, each leader shares their first steps and signs.
4. Pair leaders as accountability partners.
5. Revisit it every quarter. Celebrate progress and restart without shame when someone slips.

1031 Ministries · Leadership Commitment

I will go first

As a leader in [Church name], I believe my body belongs to God. It was made by Him, bought by Christ and is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19–20). Before I ask our church to care for the bodies God has given them, I commit to do it myself, by His grace.

I commit to:

• Take personal steps. I will choose one or two specific habits and start them now, not after the launch.
• Be honest, not perfect. I will share my progress and struggles openly with my accountability partner and, when appropriate, with our church.
• Participate, not just approve. I will join every church-wide challenge, walk and event alongside our members.
• Model grace. I will never shame anyone about their body, weight or food, including myself.
• Keep it spiritual. I will pair my physical steps with prayer and Scripture, remembering that godliness is of value in every way (1 Tim 4:8).
• Check in. I will answer honestly when we check in at each leadership meeting.

My first steps

Step 1

Step 2

My accountability partner

By God’s grace, I will go first.

Signed · Date

Ideas for first steps

• Walk 20–30 minutes, 5 days a week (see the Couch to 150 plan)
• Get 7 or more hours of sleep most nights
• Take a weekly Sabbath, a full day or at least an evening
• Replace soda and sweet drinks with water
• Pray before every meal and stop eating when satisfied
• Schedule an annual checkup and know your blood-pressure numbers
• Try a one-meal fast with prayer (if it’s safe for you; see the fasting guide)

For pastors: Duke’s Clergy Health Initiative found that many pastors see caring for themselves as selfish. It isn’t. You can’t lead your church somewhere you aren’t willing to go.