A sabbatical leave offers a pastor time to retreat from the day-to-day pressures, to rejuvenate their own soul, deepen family connection, renew vision, research new possibilities to fulfill that vision, and then return to ministry with a restored passion for ministry.
Sabbaticals are based on the following principles within these verses:
Exodus 20:8-11, Leviticus 25:4-5, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 11:25-26
A sabbatical should include the following:
Relaxation
Recreation
Rest
Renewal
Revival
Rethinking
Refocusing
Returning (this is not a time for resume work, career search, etc.)
Sabbaticals are based on the following principles within these verses:
Exodus 20:8-11, Leviticus 25:4-5, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 11:25-26
A sabbatical should include the following:
Relaxation
Recreation
Rest
Renewal
Revival
Rethinking
Refocusing
Returning (this is not a time for resume work, career search, etc.)
So what is a sabbatical?
The word sabbatical has its roots in the Biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbath includes elements of rest, renewal, revival, exploration, reflection and prayer. A pastor’s sabbatical is a time designated for the pastor to remove himself from the routines of regular ministry and to experience a change in perspective, to receive spiritual nourishment and to deepen one’s relationship with God.
Why do pastors get sabbaticals and I do not?
Taking times of sabbatical are normal occurrences in pastoral ministry. Many churches have established policies of sabbatical leave, most often granted after every 7 years of full time ministry.
And yes, Sabbatical leaves are not common outside of ministry, medical or academic institutions. For many people in the business community, this can seem like a strange idea. Pastors, however, are not CEO’s. A Pastor has on them the prayers of the flock and the burden that goes along with those prayers and needs. A Pastor’s role has never been a 9-5pm position at New Salem and requires different hours and demands. It can be very difficult for Pastors to find time to refresh themselves and prepare for the next season of ministry while trying to keep up with all the weekly demands as well.
Finally, sabbaticals are effective tools for reducing burnout and stress. A sabbatical is a tool to help New Salem retain Godly, healthy, productive and energized pastors.
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/blog/why-your-pastor-needs-a-sabbatical
https://ncbaptist.org/5-reasons-your-pastor-should-take-a-sabbatical/
And yes, Sabbatical leaves are not common outside of ministry, medical or academic institutions. For many people in the business community, this can seem like a strange idea. Pastors, however, are not CEO’s. A Pastor has on them the prayers of the flock and the burden that goes along with those prayers and needs. A Pastor’s role has never been a 9-5pm position at New Salem and requires different hours and demands. It can be very difficult for Pastors to find time to refresh themselves and prepare for the next season of ministry while trying to keep up with all the weekly demands as well.
Finally, sabbaticals are effective tools for reducing burnout and stress. A sabbatical is a tool to help New Salem retain Godly, healthy, productive and energized pastors.
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/blog/why-your-pastor-needs-a-sabbatical
https://ncbaptist.org/5-reasons-your-pastor-should-take-a-sabbatical/
Is this more vacation time?
Although some components of a sabbatical may sound a bit like vacation, a sabbatical is not a vacation from the church. Vacation and sick time are separate from a sabbatical. This is an opportunity for the pastor to reconnect with parts of his life that are important, such as his sense of call, his vocation and the roots of his spiritual journey. Times of sabbatical give pastors the opportunity to shape themselves as better shepherds and leaders for the church and give rise to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in their life. The intent of the sabbatical is for the pastor to return to the congregation refreshed and renewed, ready to move forward into the next phase of our life together.
Is everything okay? Is our pastor okay? Is our pastor in trouble?
First, our Pastor is not in trouble or facing any discipline. Praise God, New Salem and Pastor Nik are doing very well and we are very thankful. Although you are just hearing of this now, Pastor Nik has been praying and planning this for more than a couple years, after originally requesting a sabbatical when he first came to New Salem with our Pastor Search Committee. Pastor Nik has been in full time ministry at New Salem for 18 years and has never taken an extended leave.
What will pastor Nik be doing on sabbatical?
The activities, during sabbatical, will be for the improvement of the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of the pastor, the pastors’ family and the congregation he serves.
We pray Pastor Nik’s sabbatical will include the following:
Relaxation, Recreation, Rest, Renewal, Revival, Rethinking, Refocusing and Returning (this is not a time for resume work, career search, etc.)
We pray Pastor Nik’s sabbatical will include the following:
Relaxation, Recreation, Rest, Renewal, Revival, Rethinking, Refocusing and Returning (this is not a time for resume work, career search, etc.)
What if I need pastor Nik for something?
Pastor Nik will be unavailable throughout the period of sabbatical and it’s requested that you don’t try and contact him through email, or by phone. If there is a care need or you seek pastoral guidance, you can contact Pastor Taylor or any one of the Deacons and they will be there to help.
In case of emergency, Pastor Taylor or Charlie Johnson, (our lead Deacon) are designated to reach out to Pastor Nik at their discretion.
In case of emergency, Pastor Taylor or Charlie Johnson, (our lead Deacon) are designated to reach out to Pastor Nik at their discretion.
Who will preach and oversee ministry while pastor Nik is away?
Our other pastoral staff will take on the bulk of the preaching, and we will also have a few guest speakers come preach.
Pastor Nik wouldn’t do this if he did not think that New Salem was in good hands. We have an incredible staff and great Deacons who are capable and willing. Also, remember that Christ is always the leader of New Salem, so we will be in perfect, capable hands.
Pastor Nik wouldn’t do this if he did not think that New Salem was in good hands. We have an incredible staff and great Deacons who are capable and willing. Also, remember that Christ is always the leader of New Salem, so we will be in perfect, capable hands.
How can I best support pastor Nik and the church during this time of sabbatical?
First, recognize that the church is not the pastor. This church does not belong to Pastor Nik; it belongs to Jesus. In fact, the Bible calls the church His “bride,” which means He loves it more than any pastor ever could. Jesus alone is the Head of the church. So, recognize that what New Salem is as a church goes far deeper than the leadership of a single pastor.
Second, lean in, not out. It’s very normal for some of you to think this would be a great time for you to take a break from ministry, either in attendance, giving or volunteering. Our hope is that this won’t be the case for you. The church is a body that needs all of its parts doing what they do best. Our church needs you and we hope that you take this opportunity to engage even deeper in our church and find new ways to call this place your home.
Finally, pray for pastor Nik, Taylor and the leadership at New Salem. Though there are many great things about spending an extended period in this way, it can also be a struggle. Disconnecting from relationships for a period can be painful and changing the day-to-day rhythms can leave one wondering about their purpose. Pray for Pastor Nik’s journey through sabbatical and for his leadership and passion for Jesus’ church here at New Salem to be renewed so that the church may benefit from what God is doing in him upon his return. Pray for Taylor and the leadership as Pastor Nik is away. Taylor will have more responsibility during this time and he can use our prayers as well.
Second, lean in, not out. It’s very normal for some of you to think this would be a great time for you to take a break from ministry, either in attendance, giving or volunteering. Our hope is that this won’t be the case for you. The church is a body that needs all of its parts doing what they do best. Our church needs you and we hope that you take this opportunity to engage even deeper in our church and find new ways to call this place your home.
Finally, pray for pastor Nik, Taylor and the leadership at New Salem. Though there are many great things about spending an extended period in this way, it can also be a struggle. Disconnecting from relationships for a period can be painful and changing the day-to-day rhythms can leave one wondering about their purpose. Pray for Pastor Nik’s journey through sabbatical and for his leadership and passion for Jesus’ church here at New Salem to be renewed so that the church may benefit from what God is doing in him upon his return. Pray for Taylor and the leadership as Pastor Nik is away. Taylor will have more responsibility during this time and he can use our prayers as well.