Shepherding with Integrity: A Covenant for Church Planting Pastors and Elders
Stepping into the role of pastor or elder is both a sacred privilege and a weighty responsibility. Shepherding God’s people requires a heart fully surrendered to Christ, a life rooted in Scripture, and a commitment to serve with humility and integrity. This covenant is designed to guide and affirm that calling.
By signing, each pastor or elder—and their spouse—acknowledges their dependence on God, their devotion to His Word, and their dedication to living above reproach. It reflects a shared commitment to lead by example, care for God’s people faithfully, and honor Christ in every area of life.
An elected Pastor/Elder and his wife must read and sign this covenant before assuming their office in ______________ church.
I recognize that the task of shepherding God’s people is both a great privilege and serious responsibility. I also recognize that such leadership requires a higher degree of discipline and accountability than might be expected of other church members. I believe that my growth in spiritual maturity will be a direct result of my complete dependence upon God and my willingness to make only wise and obedient choices. In keeping with these convictions, I commit myself to live a life above reproach (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Jam 3:1; Phil 2:12-13).
The details of such a lifestyle being enumerated as follows:
I do depend wholly upon Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection for my salvation, and I attest that I am not a recent convert. The highest priorities in my life are to know my Savior and Lord better, trust Him more fully, and obey Him more faithfully (1 Tim.3:2).
I will hold firmly to the trustworthy truth of the Holy Scriptures, so that I can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. In order that I might shepherd well and be prepared to teach accurately God’s Word, I will strive toward the discipline of daily personal study of God’s Word (1 Tim 3:2; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Acts 20:28-35).
I will live in such a way that my life is characterized as temperate, respectable, gentle, self- controlled, upright, holy, disciplined and loving of what is good. I will abstain from recreational or social use of any substance which may master me or become a spiritual stumbling block for a weaker brother. I will not live so as to be characterized as violent, quick tempered, overbearing, or quarrelsome. In these and in every other respect, I will seek to discipline my body, eyes, mind, and tongue so as to grow toward the character of Christ (1 Cor 6:12; Rom l6:21; Eph.5:18; 1 Tim.3:2;Titus 1:6-8).
I attest that I am the husband of one wife, and I will strive to manage my own family well. I will make every effort to lovingly encourage and spiritually strengthen my spouse, children and parents, recognizing my family to be my most precious earthly responsibility (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6).
I will not live so as to be characterized as a lover of money, nor will I pursue dishonest gain. Rather, I will biblically steward my income, giving regularly and sacrificially back to the Lord through our local fellowship (1 Tim 3:2; 1 Pet.5:2; Titus 1:7; 2 Cor 8:9; Matt 6:1-4, 19-24; 1 Cor.16:2; 1 Tim 6:17-19).
I will serve willingly and eagerly as a shepherd of God’s flock at ______________ Church, not lording over those entrusted to me, but as an example and a servant to the flock of God. I will regard prayer and ministry of God’s Word as primary responsibilities and will regularly support the people of ______________ Church in prayer (Acts 6:2-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
I will strive to be hospitable and to maintain a good reputation with those outside the church. I will seek to live in such a way that, by my conduct at home, at work, and in the community, those around me may be able to see Jesus in my life and be drawn to Him. I will also actively share in Christ’s concern for extending the Gospel to the world. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8)
In all these things I willingly make myself accountable to my fellow elders and pastor. I have prayerfully considered all of the above and pledge my faithfulness before God and the people of ______________ Church.
__________________________________________ Elder/Pastor Signature _____________ Date
Wife’s Covenant
I understand that, in my union and ministry partnership with my husband, my character is as important as his in qualification for the leadership of God’s people. I will hold to the above standards wherever they pertain to my own spiritual walk and growth. I attest that I know of no scriptural reason why my husband should not serve in leadership of God’s people and affirm that he is qualified according to this covenant. I will support and encourage my husband as much as I am able, that he might grow in his relationship with Christ and might effectively carry out his responsibilities as an elder/pastor of ______________ Church.
__________________________________________ Elder/Pastor’s Wife Signature _____________ Date