SABBATICAL PREPARATION

PART 1: WHY A SABBATICAL?

LEADERSHIP STRESS

90% work 55 to 75 hours per week
90% feel fatigued and worn out every week
91% have experienced some form of burn out
70% have a lower self-esteem than when theyentered the ministry
70% fight depression
The average seminary trained pastor lasts fiveyears in professional ministry

FAMILY AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE

80% feel unappreciated and left out andunappreciated by church members
80% feel pressured to serve in ways that do notfit their gifts
Over 50% say that the most destructive event intheir marriage and family was the day theyentered the ministry
80% wish their spouse would choose anotherprofession

SUFFERING OF YOUR SOUL

72% only study the Bible when preparing theirsermons for others
70% do not have a close friend
50% do not regularly meet with an accountabilitypartner or group
44% do not regularly take a day off
85% have never taken a Sabbatical!

PART 2: MISCONCEPTIONS

“CHURCHES CAN’T FINANCIAL AFFORD SABBATICALS”

In a time when many churches are struggling, a sabbatical is an unnecessary expense. Many churches have had to let staff go because of shrinking budgets or declining attendance. Plus, you have to spend extra funds to replace some of the things a Pastor would normally do such as filling the pulpit.

“IT’S HARD TO MEASURE A SABBATICALS EFFECTIVENESS”

How do you measure whether sabbatical is effective? There’s no precedent for understanding whether the church will get enough value from doing this.

“CHURCH CAN’T RESOLVE ISSUES WHEN YOU ARE AWAY”

If you are gone, how will we deal with acrisis or other decisions that require your input? This will put the church on autopilot for a couple of months, therefore holding up ministry progress.

“THERE IS TOO MUCH EXTRA LOAD FOR OTHER STAFF”

Many church staff members are overworked as it is; how could they possibly take even more responsibility than they would normally do? This is unrealistic and, frankly, irresponsible of you to expect others to carry the load.

“YOU WILL BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE CONGREGATION”

Many church staff members are already overworked, so how could they possibly take on even more responsibility than they normally do? This is unrealistic and frankly irresponsible for the pastor to expect others to carry the load.

“A SABBATICAL IS JUST A PAID VACATION”

If he is off, relaxing, isn’t that just more vacation time? What could he possibly do that is so productive or necessary that couldn’t be done during his regular ministry responsibilities?

“IT’S JUST A BREAK TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER CHURCH”

This isjust an excuse for you to go on an extended job search and keep his travel to other congregationsa secret.

“EVERYONE’S JOB IS CHALLENGING, YOUR JOB IS NO DIFFERENT”

Why does the pastor think he has such a hard job? Most people work long hours and face many challenges and frustrations. Yet theydon’t get two or three months of extra vacation time. Why are you so special?

“YOU JUST NEED TO PRAY MORE INSTEAD OF EXTENDED TIME AWAY”

You should not need more time away to get the vision, strength, or clarity he needs. He is just not praying enough or spending enough time in God’s word.

PART 3: RIGHT CONCEPTIONS

“CARE AND PROTECTION OF MENTAL HEALTH IS A PRIORITY”

While it’s true that mostpeople deal with stress and frustration in their jobs, a leader’s job is unique; he is dealing with emotional and spiritual dynamics, plus long hours, that few people understand. Especially in an age of dramatic cultural shifts and so many changing forces in society, the leader’s mental well-being is a major priority.

“WE WANT TO EXTEND THE TENURE OF THE LEADER”

A leader is like a car engine: if you take good care of it, it will last longer. If you want great long-term leadership from an emotionally stable, spiritually strong leader, a sabbatical is one of the best ways to achieve it. 90% of pastoral leaders will not retire as pastors; the church body has a responsibility to care for their pastors' mental, spiritual, and physical health.

“SABBATICALS HELP CREATE NEW IDEAS”

Without time to think and reflect, a leader becomes caught up in the week-to-week demands of ministry. They must have time to read, reflect, and think for extended periods. This is a surefire way to create momentum and energy for the future.

“IT REJUVENATES AREAS OF LIFE THAT SUFFER FROM MINISTRY”

Being a leader requires a huge amount of time and emotional energy. If a leader doesn’t carefully guard this aspect of their life, their family will suffer. The best ally a leader can have is his spouse, and a leader’s sabbatical helps strengthen this relationship.

“THE LEADER CAN HAVE UNINTERRUPTED TIME”

Specifically for pastors, one of their primary roles is teaching. However, the daily demands of his time make deep study very difficult. A sabbatical gives him the time and space todo deep study that informs his theology and his messages for the coming months and years.

“IT GIVES OTHER LEADERS OPPORTUNITIES TO GAIN EXPERIENCE”

One of the best ways to boost the leadership capacity of staff volunteers is to give them a chance to actually lead. A sabbatical is the perfect time to make this happen.

“MINISTRY DEMANDS MORE EMOTION THAN MANY JOBS”

Imagine a job where you wore the hats of Counselor, teacher, leader, fundraiser, Vision, caster, chief administrator, chief executive officer, and more. We have just describe the role of a pastor and at times a deacon. The emotional toll of the position is a huge burden to bear, and is unlike any other job on the planet.

“A SABBATICAL IS A BIBLICAL CONCEPT”

Christian tradition, as well as biblical precedent, shows us that after six years of work, the seventh year is designated as one of rest. If God rested after six days of creation, and if God’s people in the Old Testament were instructed to let their land rest after six years of harvest, we should probably pay attention.

“SABBATICALS ARE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO RESET”

If you ask any person who has had a heart transplant when they might be running a race, they would probably say, “Not for a while.” The same is true for any leader who has been doing ministry for at least a few years. They have been through a lot, and it takes time for them to recover and rest. There is no other way to do this other than a sabbatical.

“SABBATICALS ESTABLISH HEALTHY LASTING PATTERNS”

Western Christianity has been in a pattern of accomplishments and activity for a long time. We gauge success by the number of hours we work. This is not a healthy pattern, and a sabbatical provides a much better pathway forward, allowing leaders to take time to rest and be refreshed. But it doesn’t happen by accident. It must be intentional.

PART 4: SABBATICAL PRINCIPLES

“DON’T RELY ON SABBATICALS TO STAY ZEALOUS”

Shepherds are first sheep. If we forget this, spiritual exhaustion is unavoidable. Always aim to minister from the overflow of your fellowship with Jesus (John 15:1–11).

“REST, BUT DON’T RUST

You can unplug from the regular rhythms of ministry in a way that doesn’t end up being edifying. Properly enjoying movies, games, sports, and entertainment is possible, but so is abusing them. Remember: you will end up loving what you retreat to for rest. Keep entertainment in its proper place, and always aim to enjoy Jesus, who promises lasting rest for your weary soul (Matt. 11:28).

“IF POSSIBLE, LEAVE TOWN FOR PART OF THE SABBATICAL”

You may not get to the south of France like Spurgeon, but somewhere ministry won’t be constantly pulling at you, which is helpful. At the same time, don’t travel too much, as that can be taxing in itself.

“VISIT OTHER GOSPEL-PREACHING CHURCHES”

For some, unplugging can be difficult at your own church. Attending other like-minded local churches can refresh, encourage, and inspire creative ideas for your own church.

“SABBATICALS ARE ALSO FOR YOUR SPOUSE”

Your spouse needs a break, too. Remember, find creative ways to bless the whole family. Consider personal and marriage counseling. Even if things are going well, having a professional help you process personal and ministry pressures can be life-giving.

“WITHDRAW FROM EVERYTHING; FOCUS ON SOME THINGS”

Guard extended time in prayer and the Scriptures. Your great aim is to draw nearer to Jesus. Make modest goals to write, study, or plan to that end. But be careful not to begin projects that will stress you later. Returning from sabbatical with half-finished projects sets you up for future trouble.

“READ LIFE-GIVING MATERIAL”

Aside from Scripture, develop a list of other books and articles you hope to consume. Don’t measure success by how much you read, but by how deeply you commune with the Lord through what you read.

“DON’T ‘TALK SHOP’ WITH FELLOW LEADERS”

We are notorious for asking leading questions of our teams to get any information about what is happening, but the church also wants to protect your rest and remain tight-lipped for your own good. This is a kindness that you will remain thankful for.

PART 5: BOOK READING LIST

SHOPPING LIST

MID-TERM BOOKS PROVIDED

(3 BOOKS OR 857 PAGES TOTAL; 10 PAGES PER DAY)

“Reset” by Dave Murray (201 Pages)
FOR YOUR WIFE: “Refresh” by Shona Murray (208 Pages)
“A Praying Life” by Paul Miller (304 Pages)
“Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald Whitney (352 Pages)

FULL-TERM BOOKS PROVIDED

(7 BOOKS 2,281 PAGES TOTAL; 6-12 PAGES PER DAY)

“Reset” by Dave Murray (201 Pages)
FOR YOUR WIFE: “Refresh” by Shona Murray (208 Pages)
“A Praying Life” by Paul Miller (304 Pages)
“Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald Whitney (352 Pages)
“A Quest for Godliness” by J.I. Packer (576 pages)
“Replenish” by Lance Witt (240 Pages)
“Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul (240 Pages)
“Desiring God” by John Piper (368 Pages)

PART 5: COMPLETE THE SABBATICAL PREPARATION FORM

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