Search results
Nov 17, 2020 · This definition has three main parts: First, a sabbatical is a planned period of time. A sabbatical is not a leave of absence. Nor is a sabbatical an extended vacation. Sabbaticals are a carefully planned event that is designed to benefit both the ministry of the pastor and the church as a whole.
Mar 29, 2022 · Should pastors take a sabbatical? Answer. The word sabbatical comes from Sabbath, which comes from the Hebrew word for “seventh.” Because work was forbidden, and rest was enjoined on the Sabbath day ( Exodus 20:8–11 ), the word Sabbath came to be associated in Christianity with the idea of rest rather than the number 7 or the day Saturday.
People also ask
Do pastors take a sabbatical?
What is sabbatical and how does it work?
Is a sabbatical a good time for church members?
Are pastoral sabbaticals a good idea?
Is a Pastor Sabbatical For You? Few pastors take a sabbatical—few churches have a sabbatical policy. However, the biblical principle of rest and the benefit of having an extended time to seek Jesus and revive the soul is undisputed. Pastors are targets and, like Jesus, should seek times of deep rest, earnest worship, prayer, and reflection.
- Steve Dulin
- There’s never a good time to go on a sabbatical. Something else will always be happening, but I go because I see the blessings and benefits of it, even if it’s just for two or three days.
- Find a place where you’re not easily distracted. It doesn’t have to be a freezing cabin in the woods, but it should be somewhere you and God can be alone.
- Start preparing for your sabbatical about a week ahead of time. Begin to consciously slow down your mind and thoughts so you will be prepared to focus on the Lord rather than work, projects, and issues.
- Bring plenty of paper, pens, pencils, and highlighters.
- A pastor has emotional highs and lows unlike most other vocations. In the course of a day, a pastor can deal with death, deep spiritual issues, great encouragement, petty criticisms, tragedies, illnesses and celebrations of birth.
- A pastor is on 24-hour call. Most pastors don’t have an “off” switch. They go to sleep with the knowledge they could be awakened by a phone call at any time of the day.
- Pastors need time of uninterrupted study. It doesn’t usually happen in the study at church or home. There is always the crisis or need of the moment. Church members expect sermons that reflect much prayer and study.
- Pastors who have sabbaticals have longer tenure at churches. Though my information is anecdotal, I do see the trend. And while I cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship, I feel confident that pastors who have sabbaticals are much more likely to stay at a church because they are less likely to experience burnout.
Oct 13, 2021 · A pastor shares why a sabbatical was necessary for him, powerful truths he learned, and important steps for an effective sabbatical.
Feb 1, 2014 · For the purpose of this article, I define sabbatical in simple terms. It simply means time off for rest and/or study. The time can be a few days, a few weeks or, on rare occasions, a few months. The pastor is given paid leave for rest, rejuvenation and, perhaps, deeper study.
