Many church boards “support” a new ministry with a vote and never live it out. This one won’t work that way. Before anything launches, the pastor, elders, deacons and staff each commit to taking personal steps: walking, sleeping, eating and resting as stewards of the bodies God gave them. People follow what their leaders do, not what they vote for.

“Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:3

What leaders commit to

Choose one or two personal health steps and start them now
Pair up with another leader for accountability
Share honestly (not perfectly) with the congregation
Take part in every church challenge alongside everyone else
Check in on each other at every leadership meeting

Leadership Commitment

Step by step

The 90-day launch plan

Weeks	Step	What happens	Tools 1031 provides
1–2	Pastor and leaders commit, personally	The pastor, elders and staff don’t just approve the plan. Each one commits to take personal steps and live it out first.	Leadership Commitment
3–4	Build a health team	Recruit 4–8 people, ideally including a nurse, a dietitian or other medical professional, and a fitness-minded member.	Team job descriptions; first-meeting agenda
5–6	Survey the congregation	Ask about interests, barriers, schedules and cost. Keep it anonymous.	Survey template
7–8	Review church food culture	Look at potlucks, Wednesday meals, coffee hour and kids’ snacks.	Church food guidelines; menu swap list
9–12	Launch	A four-week sermon series, small groups, and a church-wide 21- or 40-day challenge.	Sermon series; group lessons; challenge tracker
After 12	Sustain	Monthly emphasis, walking group, cooking class, community partnerships.	12-month calendar; ideas bank

Guardrails

Build these in from day one

No public weigh-ins or “biggest loser” contests. Track habits, not pounds.
Include members with illness, disability or limited means, with an alternative for every challenge.
Watch for eating-disorder risk, and keep a referral list of Christian counselors.
Use a medical disclaimer, and recommend a doctor’s check before starting exercise.

Free from The Daniel Plan

Planning a church-wide campaign? The Daniel Plan’s free leader and campaign guides pair well with ours.

For church leaders

Leaders Guide (PDF) · How to lead a Daniel Plan small group
Church Campaign Success Guide (PDF) · Planning a church-wide health campaign, step by step
Posters and Postcard Invitations (PDF) · Printable promotion for a Daniel Plan campaign
Resources and Tools page · Logos kit, sermon PowerPoint screens and web banners (zip downloads) for churches running a Daniel Plan campaign
Success stories · Stories from churches and individuals, including Grace Family Church

These links go to danielplan.com, Saddleback Church’s free health program. See our full Daniel Plan resource list.