The Ehud Declaration
A Statement on Fat Pastors Threatening the Church
Introduction
We, the undersigned, in recognition of the sacred call to shepherd God’s people, make the following affirmations and denials, grounded in Scripture and in the spirit of Christian integrity, calling for pastors to lead with spiritual, physical, and moral discipline. For if a man cannot control what goes into his mouth, how should he control what goes out from it?
Affirmations
WE AFFIRM that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and pastors are called to honor God by caring for their bodies.
WE AFFIRM that pastors should exemplify discipline in all areas of life, including their physical health, as an example to the flock (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
WE AFFIRM that spiritual leadership demands personal integrity, which includes a healthy lifestyle that reflects the teachings of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27).
WE AFFIRM that pastors are called to lead by example, modeling responsible self-control and stewardship over their health as a reflection of their commitment to God (Titus 1:8).
WE AFFIRM that being physically fit enables pastors to better serve, minister, and endure the challenges of leadership (Philippians 4:13).
WE AFFIRM that pastors should promote the well-being of the whole person—spirit, soul, and body (3 John 1:2).
WE AFFIRM that the pursuit of health and fitness is a way to honor God and fulfill the calling to serve Him with strength and vigor (Proverbs 31:17).
WE AFFIRM that a pastor’s health directly impacts their ability to care for their congregation, both in mind and spirit (1 Peter 5:2-3).
WE AFFIRM that the Gospel calls Christians to pursue righteousness, and this includes living in a manner that reflects moderation and self-discipline (Romans 12:1).
WE AFFIRM that the care of one’s physical body reflects the spiritual health of one’s relationship with God, for what is done in the body is a reflection of one’s inner life (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
WE AFFIRM that pastors should exemplify discipline in all areas of life, including their physical health, as an example to the flock (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
WE AFFIRM that spiritual leadership demands personal integrity, which includes a healthy lifestyle that reflects the teachings of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27).
WE AFFIRM that pastors are called to lead by example, modeling responsible self-control and stewardship over their health as a reflection of their commitment to God (Titus 1:8).
WE AFFIRM that being physically fit enables pastors to better serve, minister, and endure the challenges of leadership (Philippians 4:13).
WE AFFIRM that pastors should promote the well-being of the whole person—spirit, soul, and body (3 John 1:2).
WE AFFIRM that the pursuit of health and fitness is a way to honor God and fulfill the calling to serve Him with strength and vigor (Proverbs 31:17).
WE AFFIRM that a pastor’s health directly impacts their ability to care for their congregation, both in mind and spirit (1 Peter 5:2-3).
WE AFFIRM that the Gospel calls Christians to pursue righteousness, and this includes living in a manner that reflects moderation and self-discipline (Romans 12:1).
WE AFFIRM that the care of one’s physical body reflects the spiritual health of one’s relationship with God, for what is done in the body is a reflection of one’s inner life (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Denials
WE DENY that pastors are exempt from maintaining physical health, believing that spiritual maturity is not limited to the mind but includes the body.
WE DENY that excessive weight or gluttony is a form of godly freedom or a mark of spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:19).
WE DENY that pastors who indulge in unhealthy habits are above reproach or immune from the consequences of such behavior (Romans 13:14).
WE DENY that pastors who are overweight or unhealthy provide a proper example of self-control and discipline to their congregation (1 Timothy 3:2-3).
WE DENY that neglecting physical health is a neutral matter, as Scripture calls for believers, especially leaders, to be temperate and moderate in all things (Titus 1:7).
WE DENY that pastors can truly lead a congregation with full strength and energy if they are living in a manner that dishonors their health (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
WE DENY that the pursuit of fitness is a worldly endeavor unworthy of a pastor’s attention, for the body is not to be ignored or abused (Romans 12:1-2).
WE DENY that unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive eating, laziness, and lack of self-care, can be justified under the guise of ministry work or busy schedules.
WE DENY that the Gospel supports gluttony, self-indulgence, or the neglect of one’s health as a faithful witness to the life of Christ (Galatians 5:19-21).
WE DENY that pastors who fail to maintain health or fitness are immune from the Biblical call to be good stewards of every area of their lives, including their physical well-being (Luke 16:10).
WE DENY that excessive weight or gluttony is a form of godly freedom or a mark of spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:19).
WE DENY that pastors who indulge in unhealthy habits are above reproach or immune from the consequences of such behavior (Romans 13:14).
WE DENY that pastors who are overweight or unhealthy provide a proper example of self-control and discipline to their congregation (1 Timothy 3:2-3).
WE DENY that neglecting physical health is a neutral matter, as Scripture calls for believers, especially leaders, to be temperate and moderate in all things (Titus 1:7).
WE DENY that pastors can truly lead a congregation with full strength and energy if they are living in a manner that dishonors their health (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
WE DENY that the pursuit of fitness is a worldly endeavor unworthy of a pastor’s attention, for the body is not to be ignored or abused (Romans 12:1-2).
WE DENY that unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive eating, laziness, and lack of self-care, can be justified under the guise of ministry work or busy schedules.
WE DENY that the Gospel supports gluttony, self-indulgence, or the neglect of one’s health as a faithful witness to the life of Christ (Galatians 5:19-21).
WE DENY that pastors who fail to maintain health or fitness are immune from the Biblical call to be good stewards of every area of their lives, including their physical well-being (Luke 16:10).
Signers
Recent Signers
DOCTOR Joe Boot (I have a doctorate degree)
BRITAIN RIGHT INNIT
Eric Anderson (Lifespring Pastor)
Crosby, MN
Jeremy Gage
Hart MI
Keith Foskey
Get in my belly!
Dude Printz
Neked Crik, VA
Sign the Declaration
We call upon all pastors to reject a life of gluttonous obesity and lead one that honors God and sets an example for the congregation in body, mind, and spirit; rejecting all forms of Gnosticism. May we as leaders lead by example, showing that a faithful walk with Christ involves personal discipline, including in the care of our physical bodies.
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