Sabbatical: A planned time of intensive enhancement for ministry and mission. It is an opportunity for the individual to strategically disengage from regular and normal tasks so that ministry and mission may be viewed from a new perspective because of a planned time of focus. …Sabbatical Leave is an extension of the Biblical concept of a Sabbath day and a Sabbath year for renewal. It is both an act of faith that God will sustain us through a period of reflection and changed activity, and an occasion for recovery and renewal of vital energies.—PC(USA)
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recommends that pastors take sabbaticals every 7 years that they are working in ministry. I’ve been blessed to serve this church as pastor for 7 years now— my how time flies! Unity’s session has graciously allowed me to take a ten-week sabbatical this upcoming summer.
I will be on my sabbatical from May 19 to July 27. During this time, I will travel with my family and focus on rest and study. Sarah and I plan to take our kids to the Grand Tetons and Colorado and have a family wedding in Minnesota. Here’s hoping our three kids learn to love road trips!
I will also spend intentional time in prayer and study. I have a long reading list that I’m eager to tackle. Want to read along with me? Here are the first three books I plan to read:
- Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. By John Mark Comer.
- Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth. By Bill and Kristi Gaultiere
- Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. By Dane Ortlund.
At the conclusion of my sabbatical, I will return to the church refreshed and ready to move ahead on all God has planned for us to do. I’ll also give a presentation on what I learned during my time out west.
Why now?
Practically, summer is a good time to travel with kids. I look forward to creating lasting memories through these adventures with my daughters. They are ages 12, 10 and 3— and growing fast! This period of extended time together is a gift for our family.
Additionally, this time period is after Easter and before programming ramps up in the fall. There is no truly “quiet” period of the church calendar, but this will do.
While I am away, Pastor Dana will serve as Head of Staff. She will preach most every week (although we’ll have some guest preachers too) and she’ll lead staff and session meetings. Not to mention Vacation Bible School and all the other fun summer activities. Dana is a seasoned pastor who will do an incredible job.
Pastoring is an amazing vocation that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It is also a 24/7 position with no true “off” switch. Sabbaticals are designed to help pastors reconnect with God so that they can better serve the church over the long term.
I’m looking forward to this experience and I know I will miss you dearly! I look forward to returning at the end of July refreshed, energized, and ready to continue to lead this thriving church for years to come.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday! The choir will lead a cantata at both services. Join us and invite a friend!
See you on Sunday!
—Pastor David
