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Nov 17, 2020 · A Ministry Sabbatical is a planned period of time that allows a leader the opportunity to step away from their usual ministry responsibilities for a specific purpose. 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.
- Roadblocks and Downsides to A Sabbatical
- 6 Steps to Get You to A Sabbatical
- Recommended Resources
- What’s Next?
There’s no denying that taking a sabbatical has its risks. Here are a few worries that I hear from pastors: 1. Will people leave the church? 2. Will giving go down? 3. Who will we get to preach? 4. Who will do the things I do that must get done? There’s a one-word answer to those concerns. Preparation. Every problem can be worked out. You just need...
1. Decide what kind of sabbatical would be best for you.
You get to choose what you want to do. Mostly. Your Board must see the benefit, too. You’ll need to articulate to your Board and your congregation what your purpose is in taking a sabbatical, so do some thinking and research privately before you start talking about it. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: 1. Is there something I want/need to learn to become more effective in the next season of my ministry? 2. Do I want to pursue more formal education, maybe leading to another degree? 3....
My Ideal Sabbatical
My ideal sabbatical would be eight weeks. 1. I’d spend my first week relaxing, sleeping, journalling and making preparations for the rest of the time away. 2. Then I’d spend two weeks somewhere historical: in Europe, or Quebec, Israel, or Iran, investing what God did there, in and through His people. 3. I’d spend one to two weeks with my family, having pure fun. Maybe at a lake or cabin in the woods, or maybe just at home, enjoying God’s creation here in leisurely fashion. 4. Then I’d jump in...
2. Find out if your church has a policy on sabbaticals.
What parameters does the policy give you? Have you been at the church long enough to qualify? How much time is given? If your church doesn’t have a policy on sabbaticals, then collect a few examples of churches you know that give sabbaticals to their pastors. Call those churches and ask for a copy of their sabbatical policy. Usually sabbaticals are offered for 6-8 weeks every 5 years. If you aren’t eligible for another couple of years, then that gives you plenty of time to prepare for it. If...
Here are some articles and books that will help you plan your sabbatical. This 34-page resource unpacks the underestimated value of taking a ministry sabbatical. It also gives you guidance for making the most of a sabbatical when you do take one. Learn More “When I requested a sabbatical, I was rebuffed. Today, here’s what I would do differently.” ...
Download my worksheet to think through the obstacles, benefits, and preparation you need to do. We have a resource called the “Sabbatical SWOT Worksheet”. You can find it in the Pastor’s Personal Toolbox. It’s a library of our best tools and resources — all in one place. Tap below to learn all about it, and get the worksheet that goes with this art...
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Feb 8, 2019 · Rest. The first and perhaps longest phase of the sabbatical should be rest in God. This sabbath rest is important because it sets the stage for all the other movements of a sabbatical. Sufficient rest is necessary to have the clarity of mind and spirit needed to really connect with God on a deep level. During this phase of rest the mind, body ...
Soul Shepherding’s Sabbatical Guide for Pastors has been downloaded over 30,000 times so far. We (Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere) are thankful that pastors, leaders, and missionaries like you have found this resource helpful and then shared it with your church staff or ministry colleagues. At Soul Shepherding, we provide Sabbatical coaching ...
Feb 11, 2019 · A sabbatical matching fund plan. Another way to pay for a pastor’s sabbatical is to offer a matching gift fund. In this plan the pastor designates a portion of his salary (5% to 10%) and the church matches the amount. At the end of five years the pastor and church would have a good-sized fund. Here are some ways to make this fund more ...
In a day when most pastors leave their churches every eighteen months and step out of the pastorate after five years, churches must do better at recognizing that sabbaticals benefit pastors and congregations. Reasons to Consider a Sabbatical for a Pastor 1. Rest. Rest is important for the body and soul.
Aug 24, 2021 · The pastor does need to present, in writing, a request for sabbatical leave several months in advance of the actual start of the leave. This allows the congregation time to plan for his absence. Most churches will continue to pay the pastor’s salary and benefits during his sabbatical although this depends on church sabbatical policy.
