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Nov 17, 2020 · We will explain when a sabbatical could be needed and how the church and pastor can benefit. We will also survey a few Scriptures that should inform our understanding of rest and the need for sabbaticals.
The purpose of a Sabbatical Leave within the Presbytery of Northern New York is to allow adequate time away from normal job responsibilities for personal and professional growth, spiritual renewal and a revitalization of vision and hope.
People also ask
Is a sabbatical a leave of absence?
Is a sabbatical a vacation?
Should a church take a sabbatical?
What is a ministry sabbatical?
Apr 24, 2021 · A vacation is typically a week or a few weeks of leisure and recreation, and a respite from our work. Despite contingency planning, a vacationing pastor may be contacted on occasion for an unforeseen crisis. A pastoral sabbatical is an extended period of leave, usually lasting several months.
- Recommendation
- Rationale
- Committee on Ministry Responsibilities
- Minister Responsibilities
- Session Responsibilities
Pittsburgh Presbytery recommends to the sessions of its churches that pastors be granted a compensated sabbatical of at least three months after seven years of service to an individual church.
A sabbatical will enable the minister to be renewed through the vital pursuit of continuing education, extended time spent in spiritual formation, and fresh mentoring by respected teachers. A sabbatical enables a pastor to return to the responsibilities of the parish with new energy, spiritual vision, and effectiveness.
Encourage churches to offer sabbatical leave for pastors.Review the sabbatical timetable and usage plan as submitted by the minister.Serve as mediator in any concerns of session or minister relative to the sabbatical.Determine who will moderate the session in the minister’s absence.Bring the sabbatical proposal before the session – at least in outline form – a minimum of six months before the intended commencement of the sabbatical.Secure the approval of the session for the sabbatical proposal and work out the necessary coverage of pastoral and pulpit responsibilities.Assure the session of continued service to the church for at least one full year from the conclusion of the sabbatical.Bring up to date all pending responsibilities as determined in consultation with the session before departing on a sabbatical.Receive for approval the pastor’s proposal for a sabbatical, at least six months in advance of the intended commencement of the sabbatical.Continue terms of call commitments to the pastor during sabbatical leave.Contract for pastoral services during the pastor’s sabbatical.Communicate to the congregation the importance and values to the church of a sabbatical.Chad’s Renewal Leave will begin just after Easter on Monday, April 5. He will return to the office the week of June 20, and join us for worship on Sunday, June 27! Chad is eligible for a sabbatical of up to 6 months.
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Post-sabbatical service: Following the sabbatical, the church professional is to serve that church for a period of at least 4 times the length of time away, e.g., 12 months after a three month leave, 16 months after a 4 month leave.
A sabbatical typically includes time for travel, rest, prayer, and the broadening of one’s sense of God’s work in the world—a time to pause, step back, and behold God and creation from a new perspective.
