Your Calling Is Too Important to Sacrifice Your Health.

THE PROBLEM

Pastors lead faithfully—but often at the expense of their health.

Research shows many experience higher rates of obesity, stress, and burnout. Ministry demands, irregular schedules, and isolation can normalize self-neglect, impacting longevity, credibility, family well-being, and congregational influence.

This project addresses that reality—not with shame or quick fixes—but through biblical stewardship, practical tools, and supportive community.

THE PROJECT

This Doctor of Education Ministry research cohort equips overweight evangelical pastors to pursue healthier, sustainable lifestyles.

Participants receive:

• 3 hours of onboarding training (in-person or recorded)

• 8 weeks of guided online cohort sessions

• Biblical teaching, practical health tools, and peer accountability

• Pre- and post-assessments to measure growth

This is not a diet or fitness challenge, but a pastor-specific experience focused on lasting habits, spiritual formation, and ministry longevity.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

This project is designed for:

• Evangelical pastors and ministry leaders

• Those who self-identify as overweight or struggling with health habits

• Leaders currently serving in local church ministry

• Pastors willing to engage in learning, reflection, and accountability

Participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time.

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE IN THIS PROJECT?

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

• Biblical Teaching on Pastoral Health and Stewardship
  Participants will receive teaching rooted in Scripture that explores the biblical foundations of caring for the body, sustaining long-term ministry, and stewarding personal health as part of faithful leadership.

• Practical Training on Sustainable Health Habits
  Each session provides research-based instruction on topics such as nutrition awareness, stress management, sleep, and habit formation that pastors can apply in their daily lives and ministries.

• Peer Support and Cohort Accountability
  Participants will engage in an online cohort of fellow pastors who are pursuing healthier lifestyles, creating an environment of encouragement, shared learning, and accountability.

• Encouragement and Follow-Up
  Participants will receive regular encouragement, follow-up communication, and practical support.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• A Personal Health Progress Scale
  Participants will receive guidance on using a digital scale as a simple tool to track personal awareness and progress over time.

• Training Materials and Resources
  Each participant will receive teaching materials and practical resources designed to help pastors understand healthy habits for long-term ministry sustainability.

• Playback Access to All Video Sessions
  All cohort training sessions will be recorded so participants can revisit the material, review key concepts, and stay engaged even if they miss a live session.

• Personal Awareness Through Pre- and Post-Assessments
  Participants will complete short assessments that help them reflect on their current habits, knowledge, and ministry sustainability, allowing them to measure growth throughout the project.