1

Followingaresamplesof:

• SabbaticalBestPracticesOutline• SabbaticalPolicy• GuidelinesforPlanning• SabbaticalLetterstoCongregation• Resources

2

SampleBestPracticesofaSabbatical

I.LocalBoardofAdministration(LBA) A.WhatistheChurch’sPolicy? 1.Writeoneifyoudonothaveone (*seesample) B.WhattypeofSabbaticalisbeingtakenandhow long?

C.WhatfinanceswillbemadeavailabletothepastorfortheirSabbatical?1.Researchgrants?

D.Whatisthe“chainofcommand”whentheSr.Pastorisgone?1.Staff2.Congregation

E.HowcantheLBAeffectivelyprepareforthePastor’sSabbatical?1.Createatimeline

a.Preparationforweekendspeakersb.Communicationtimeline

F.HowshouldtheSabbaticalbecommunicatedtothechurch?1.LBAVote2.AnnouncementswithFAQ’s3.CongregationalVote4.Followupletter

II.Congregation

A.HowshouldtheSabbaticalbecommunicatedtothechurch?1.Announcements

a.WhyaSabbaticalb.PolicyforSabbaticalc.TypeofSabbaticalandlengthd.HowtheCongregationalwillbeaffectede.HowtheCongregationcansupport

2.CongregationalVoteB.HowcanthechurcheffectivelyprepareforthePastor’sSabbatical?

III.Pastor A.WhattypeofSabbaticalisbeingtaken? 1.Howlong? B.WhatcanthePastoreffectivelypreparefortheirSabbatical?

2.Timelinea.Forchurchandstaff

b.Personal

3

C.Whatresourcesareavailable? 1.Familytime 2.Bookresources 3.Coach 4.Financial D.FollowupSummary 1.What’snextafterSabbatical? a.ReportofsabbaticaltoLBA&Congregation b.ThankyouLBA,Congregation,speakers c.ReportofsabbaticaltoDistrictSuperintendent

4

SampleofaSabbaticalPolicySabbaticalPolicyPurpose:

• Rest(Physical,Mental,andSpiritual)• EducationalExperience(Development)• Reflection/Visioneering

Qualifications:

• Eligibleafter7consecutiveyearsof“credentialedpastoral”serviceinministry.Money:

• Standardsalarywillbepaid,withnodeductionfromPTOduringthesabbatical.• Totalsabbaticalprovisionbudgetincludespulpitsupplybudgetandallassociatedcosts,

travel,etc.o 1.5xLeadPastorTotalCompensation(equivalenttoroughly$(dollars)asof

(date).• Fundsusedforpersonalnon-businessrelatedexpensearetaxabletoLeadPastor(showupon

paystubandannualW2equivalent)(example:familyvacation,etc)• Fundsusedforbusinessrelatedexpense,arenottaxedtoLeadPastorpersonally,andtreated

asanyotherbusinessexpense.(ex:similartocurrentbusinesstravel,duty-relatedconferences,etc)

Time:• Recommendedtimeisbetween8-13weeks.

Conditions:• Uptoonepastortotakesabbaticalatatime,persiteat_______church.(nooverlap)• Pastortoreportoutcomestoelders,congregationandstaff,uponreturnfromsabbatical

(within30daysofreturn,toallowfor“re-entry”)• PastormustsubmitsabbaticalplanandscheduleforLBAapproval.Planmust:

o Includewrittendiscourse,illustratingtheLeadPastorhasdiscernedGod’stimingtoTakethesabbaticalincludeadetailedplanandtimelineillustratinghowthesabbaticalwillmeetthedefinedpurposeobjectives:

§ Rest(Physical,Mental,andSpiritual)§ EducationalExperience(Development)§ Reflection/Visioneering

o BesubmittedtotheLBAnolessthan9monthsinadvanceofthefirstdayofproposedsabbatical.

Communication:• LBAwillreviewandrespondtotheLeadPastornolaterthan3monthsinadvancedof

Sabbaticaldate.• LBAandLeadPastorcommunicatetoCongregationthatasabbaticalhasbeenapprovedand

willbetaken.FutureConsiderations:

• LeadPastortodevelopanobjective,consistentwaytoallocatesabbaticalprovisiontostaffpastors.

o ThisplantobereviewedandapprovedbyLBA,priortoimplementation

5

SuggestedGuidelinesandBestPracticesforPlanningYourPastor’sSabbatical**SampleadaptedfromWesternCanadianDistrict

FromtheChurch’sperspective:

1. Asa church,establishyourownsabbaticalpolicyandcommunicate it toyour staff.Seesample

2. Recommendedtimeperiodsare8-13weeksafter7yearsoffull-timeministry.Aftertheinitialsabbatical,theyearsinbetweensabbaticalsarenotautomaticallyset.Theycanbeanywherefrom3-7years.

3. Itisrecommendedthatforsabbaticalstohavetheirmaximumeffect,theybe takenasawholeandnotdividedintoseveralparts.

4. Assignsomeonefromyourboardtoproactivelyaddressyoursabbaticalpolicy withstaffandassisttheminplanning.

5. Planforboththefinanciallogisticstosupportthesabbaticalandwellasthe humanresource&communicationlogisticsforthetimeperiodwhenthe pastorisaway.(See“ElderBoardSabbaticalPlanningChecklist”)

6. Createaclearplanforthepastor’sre-entryintocongregationalleadership andreportingbacktotheboardtheoutcomesofhis/hersabbatical. (See“SabbaticalTransitioningPlan”)

FromthePastor’sperspective:

1. Planwellinadvancetoproposeasabbaticalaccordingtoyourlocalchurch’s policy.Iftheydonothaveapolicy,discussyourdesire/needforasabbaticalwithyourboard. TheycanaccesstheresourcesoftheDistrictOfficethroughtheirCoachtoestablishapolicy.

2. Yourproposalshouldcontainthefollowing:(SeePastorsPlanningTemplate)a. Asummarystatementdescribingtheoverallcharacterandpurposeofyour

sabbaticalproposal.b. Adescriptionofhowthiswill:

i. Contributetoyourownrenewalanddevelopment.ii. Contributetotheeffectivenessofyourcongregation/ministry

c. Onyourown,ordependingonyourchurch’spolicy,inconjunctionwithothers,createachronologicaloutlineofhowyouwillspendyourtimeonthesabbatical.Atemplateisprovidedforthis.

d. Aplanforassigningministryresponsibilitytootherswhileyouareonsabbatical.

6

Whenasabbaticalisnotrecommended

1. Whensignificantconflictispresentbetweenpastorandthecongregation. Timeawaywillnotrectifyanyself-defeatingpatternsofbehaviorthatare causingtheconflict.Handletheconflictusingotherresourcessuchas mediators,DistrictStaffetc.

2. When the timing is detrimental to the congregations’ current context. Do notslavishly adhere to the policy’s schedule for sabbaticals. Rather, talk honestly witheachotheras to theneeds,goalsandcontextof thechurch todetermine themostacceptabletimeforthepastortobeaway.

3. Whenitcreatesaseriousfinancialburdentothechurch. Otherpathsmaybeavailableforassistancesuchaspostponingitforanothertimesothechurch canworkuptothefinancesrequired,orbyrequestingfinancialassistance fromtheDistrictOffice.

BeforetheSabbatical–GeneralTips

• Considerstronglytheideaofgettingawayduringmuchoftheentire sabbatical.Thisbestprovidesthecontextforrenewal,rest&reflection

• Pastorsandtheboardareencouragedtorespectthetimeawaythesabbatical offers.Ifyoudoormustremainintown,setexplicitboundarieswithrespect tointeractionbetweenthepastorandcongregation. Communicatethisclearlytotheboardandstaffaswellastothecongregation.

• Ensureareasofministryresponsibilitythatneedcoverageareassignedto stafforlayleaders.Thismaytakeafewmonthstoaccomplish,sobesuretoplanfarinadvanceforyoursabbatical.

• Planaheadsoyoucanleavebehindrelevantinformationandresourcesto staff,volunteersandcongregationmemberswhomightotherwisecallonyou.

DuringtheSabbatical–GeneralTips

• Itwilltakeatleast2weekstodisconnectfromchurchlifementallyandemotionally–bearthisinmindasyouplanyourrenewal/developmentactivities.

• Keepajournalbefore,duringandafterthesabbatical.Thishelpsyoudiscoverwhatthesabbaticalisdoingforyouandalsohelpsyoureportback totheboardandcongregation.

7

• Remainconnectedtoapeercohortorothergroupasmaybeassignedbytheboard.Agrouplikethisprovidesspiritualcompanionship,accountabilityand nurtureduringthesabbaticalperiod.

• DONOTtrytodotoomuch.AftertheSabbatical–GeneralTips

• Togetherwiththeboard,establishaclearre-entryplan. Itissuggestedtotake2-3weekstore-engagewithyourfullministryresponsibilities.(See “SabbaticalTransitioningPlan”)

• Pastorsshouldgaugetheiremotionsandinteractionscarefullyupontheir return:o Immediatere-establishmentandreassertionofyourroleinthe

congregationcanbeexperiencednegativelybycongregants.Perceptionsthatthepastorisinsecure,jealousorneedingtoreassert“authority”arenotuncommon.Othershavebeenleadinginyour absence.Thankthemandgraduallytransitionbacktoyourleadership responsibilities.

o Becarefulnottolookforevidenceofthingsthatdidnotgosmoothlywhileyouwereaway!

o Taketimetoaskaroundconcerningwhathappenedinthelifeofthecongregationwhileyouwereaway

o Itisnotuncommonforyoutofeelyoucan’teasilyre-establishapaceorroutine.

o Transitioningbacktakestime.Giveyourselfspacetoreadjust.o Youmaycomebackfullofideasandenergyaboutthenextsteps,but

rememberthattherestofthechurchhasnotbeenonthejourneyyou justtook,soeasepeopleintoyournewthoughtssothereisasharedvisionandsenseofpartnershipinministry

• Recognizeandthankeveryonewhohelpedmakeyoursabbaticalpossible.• Reportonyoursabbatical.

8

ElderBoardSabbaticalPlanningChecklist Pastor’ssabbaticalproposalreceived Proposedperiodofsabbatical: Proposalalignswithelders’sabbaticalpolicy Assignmentofapointperson/liaisonwiththepastorforplanningand

communicationpurposes(toboard,congregationandDistrictCoach) Budgetconsiderations:

• Strategiesforcovering100%ofsalaryduringsabbaticalperiod• Otherconsiderations:

o Tuition/educationo Travelo Honorariumforguestspeakerso Fundingtemporaryorinterimstaff

Communication:

• Assignmentofpointpersonforcontactwithpastorduringthesabbatical• Frequencyofreportsfrompastortopointpersonduringsabbatical• Communicationtocongregationprior,duringandpost-sabbatical• Expectationforlengthofservicerequiredofpastorpost-sabbatical

Accountability:

• Assignmentofpeercohort(SPN)orboardcommittee• Followupmeetingtoreportonsabbaticaloutcomesto

o Boardo Congregationo ToDistrict:

• Summary report provided to District Superintendent on linkbetween the pastors personal development plans and thechurches’ongoingeffectiveness

• Accountabilityduringthesabbatical• Finalreportonsabbaticaloutcomes• Inthecaseofsabbaticalsduetocrisis,ongoingreportstothe

DistrictaspertheinstructionsoftheDistrictSuperintendent. LeadershipContinuity

• Plansinplacetocoverthepastors’leadershipandministryresponsibilitieswhileonsabbatical(seeSabbaticalTransitioningPlan)

9

SabbaticalTransitioningPlan

ThisplanningguidecoversBOTHthetransitionoutandthere-entrystrategyforthe pastoronsabbatical

SabbaticalRoleAssignments:

Thecurrentroles&responsibilitiesofthepastorwillbeallocatedtoothersas follows:

Pastors’CurrentRole Primaryresponsibility

duringsabbaticalSecondary

responsibilityduringsabbatical(ifneeded)

Ongoingstrategicinitiatives(ifneeded)

Thefollowingareasofongoingstrategicinitiativearethosewhichthepastorwishesthechurchtocontinuetopursueinhisabsence:

···

Miscellaneousinitiatives(ifneeded):

Generalinitiativesthepastorwishestohavepursuedinhisabsence:

···

CommunicationplantoStaff&Congregation:

• Discussionswithstaffregardingpurposeandsabbaticalresponsibilities• Announcementtocongregation(seesampleCommunicationtoCongregation)

o Purposeofsabbaticalo Dateso Keycomponentsofthetransitionplan

10

Re-entryPlanning:

• Weekone–50%loado Nopreaching/teachingresponsibilityo Participateinallstaff/ministry

meetingswithinterimleaderscontinuingtolead

o Meetingswithstaffandlayleadershiptohearupdates. (KEYisto hearonly–nodirectives/advicetobegiven)

o Meetwithboarddesignatetodiscussanyredefinitionofroles/responsibilities

o Reporttotheboardandstaff• Weektwo–75%load

o Prepareforre-engagingwithpreaching/teachinginweekthreeo Allowinterimleaderstocloseouttheirleadershipresponsibilities.

Publiclythankthem.o Meetindividuallywithleaderswhotookonyourrolestothankthem and

receiveanyupdateso Clarifyanyneworredefinedrolesandresponsibilitiesanddiscusswith the

board• Weekthree–100%load

o Communicatewithstaffanychangesinyourrole/responsibilityo Resumepreaching/teachingministry&scheduleo Resumefullworkinghours

11

SampleCongregationalLetter#1: (addyourchurchlogo)DateDear________________,

ThispastSundayinchurch,IsharedthattheAdvisoryTeam(AT)hasextendedtomean 8week Sabbatical. The Sabbatical basically means that I will have a time off from myregular dutiesasLeadPastorof___________. ThatSabbaticalwillbetakingplacefrom________________.

Therearetwoprimarypurposestothistimeaway.

Thefirstpurposeispersonal–atimeofrestandrecharging.

In_______Iaminmy______thyearoffull-timeministry,andmy___yearhereat_______Church. Ineedtocatchmybreathandrechargethebatteries. TherecommendationandencouragementforasabbaticalintheWesleyandenominationthatweareapartofisevery7years.

Thesecondpurposeisforthechurch–atimeofrefocus.

Forthechurch,Ineedtobeapastorwholeadswithaclear,bigviewperspectiveofthecurrentseasonandthenextseason, andhowtoleadinboth.Ithinkthiswillinvolvesharpeningmyfocus.Theplanistoconnectwithstrategicreadingandcoachingexperiencestoenhancethequiettimesofreflectionandfocus.Rest,RechargeandRefocus–thosearetheprimarypurposesofthisSabbatical.

Youmaybethinkingaboutallthatthisisgoingtomean–certainlyquestionsaboutwhowillcovermyresponsibilities,teaching,leadingthestaff,etc.TheStaff,AT,andWestMichiganDistricthavebeenprocessingthesedetailsforseveralmonthsandIwanttoassureyouthatwehavedoneourbesttoconsidereverything.I know by the end of _______ I will be longing to be back with you. But I’m alsoanticipatingconnectionwithGod inperhapsthedeepestmeasure Ihaveeverknown.Thanksforjoiningme,theAdvisoryTeamandtheWestMichiganDistrictinprayingforthisSabbaticalexperience.GratefulforyouandallthatGodhascalledustogether,

Pastor__________________

12

SamplelettertoCongregation#2(addyourchurchlogo)

Date

DearChurch,

SeveralweeksagoweannouncedthatwearegivingourLeadPastor,_________,athreemonthsabbaticalwhichwillbefrom______through_________________,20____.Aspromised,onbehalfofourLocalBoardofAdministration,Iwantedtofollowuptoprovideaframeworkforthesabbaticalaswellasencouragementtoallofusasthetimeapproaches.

BIBLICALUNDERPINNINGSSabbaticalcomesfromtheimageofSabbath,thecycleofrestfoundinthescriptures.Thereisaweeklyrest(Sabbath),acyclicalrest(througheachofthefeastsoftheyear),ayear-longrest(forthelandeverysevenyears},andayearofjubilee,whereeverythingwasrestoredinIsrael-property,debtscanceled,slavesfreed,andayear-longcelebration(every5Oyears).Restandrenewalaredeeplyentrenchedbiblicalprinciples.JesushimselfwouldoftenstealawaytobewiththeFather,torefreshandrestorehissoul.Inthesameway,wewanttoproviderhythmsofrestandrestorationtoourspiritualleaders.

DENOMINATIONALVALUEAsalocalboardofadministration,wemetforPastor________'sreviewlastsummerwithourdistrictsuperintendent-aprocesswedotogethereveryfouryears-andcollectivelywantedtobetterserveourleadershipteam,byofferingaSabbaticalrestfor_______.WealsowereremindedofourdenominationalvaluewhichdesiresforeachlocalchurchtoprovideaSabbaticalresteverysevenyearsforthepastoralleadership.__________hasbeenherefor____yearsandwefeelabitremissthatthishasnothappenedsooner.Weprayedandconcludedtogetherthatitwasagoodtimetodoitnowandwereexcitedtolethimknowthis.WHATWILLTHISBELIKEFORUS?AsPastor_____stepsoutforthe________monthSabbaticalin_______,ourleadershipteamwillstepintofulfillhisroleinmanyways.Theyarecapableandreadytodothiswell.We,asaBoard,feelverypositiveabouttheleadershipteam'splanningandpreparationforthistime.Theteachingteam,supplementedwithafewguests,willcontinuetoteachonSundayswithout_____,inordertoassistandencourageourgrowth.Theleadershipandadministrativeresponsibilities______carrieswillbedelegatedtotheleadershipteam(___________atthepointleadership,______and________).TheLocalBoardwillcontinueinourroleaseldersalongsideofthestaffleadershipteam.WeareveryconfidentintheleadershipteamtheLordhasraiseduphereat___________Church,andexcitedforthisseasonahead!

WHEREWILL____________BEANDWHATWILLHEBEDOING?__________hasanchoredeventsplannedeachmonthaspartoftheSabbatical.In________he/shewillhaveaweekatamonasteryforasilentretreatandreflectiontobeginhistimeaway.Heandhisfamilywillalsohaveaweekawaytogether-awaytocelebratetogethertheyearstheyhavecollectivelyservedwithhimonourbehalf.Heand______willhaveatripplannedthatwillencompasstimevisiting

13

severalchurchesandsurroundedbysometimetogetherforrestandinvestmentintheirmarriage.Theremainderofhistimewillbeforrestandspiritualrenewal.Hewillnotbepresentatthechurchduringthethreemonthperiodandwilldisconnectfromphone,emailandsocialmediaduringthattimeaswell.Hewillreturnthebeginningof_______tohisdutieshere,butwithagradualengagementoverthefirstmonth-there-entryisveryimportanttohelpsolidifythelearningsandbenefitsoftheSabbatical.

OURLEARNINGTOOWeallhavearoleinthelearningprocesswhileheisaway.Ourleadershipteamwilllearnandgrowduringthistimeastheytakeonnewrolesandresponsibilitiesthatwillassistusnotonlynow,butgoingforward.Manyofyoucanalsoengageintheinteriminwaysthatwillmoveyouforwardinpersonalgrowthandinservicetoo.Pleaseaskyourministryleadershowyoucanhelpinthemonthsahead!Also,Godwantstodoaworkineachofusduringthistime.While______isgonepleaseprayforhim;growalongsideofhimandwithusasateam.Godisgoingtodosomethinginallofus-evenwhileapart-thatwillworkbeautifullyaswecomebacktogether.Bepartofthatwork.

OURFOCUSINTHECOMINGSEASONAsthenewministryyearapproaches,wehavetwomajorinitiativeswebelieveGodiscallingusto,inordertoliveoutourmissiontoberadicallyloving,andgrowingtogetherinChrist.

1.Wemustreachtheunchurchedandde-churchedinourarea.Thereareover20,000peopleintheTri-Citiesareaandanother3000inCoopersvillewhodonotattendchurchorknowtheloveof

Jesus.Wehaveagreatredemptivepotentialandthesummerisakeytimetorampupourfocustoreachoutinthecomingyear.

2.WewanttobecomemorelikeJesus,andbelievethiscanbesummedupinoneword.TheloveofJesusisdisplayedinoneword,generosity.GodsolovedtheworldthatHEGAVEHisonlyson...Jesus,tosaveus.AsthefallapproacheswewillbeworkingtoprepareateachingseriesandservingopportunitiesthatwillhelpustogrowinthelikenessofJesusthroughbecominggenerouspeople.Joinusinengaginginthemissiongodhasforus,together!

Thankyouforyoursupport,encouragement,andengagementinthisprocessaswehonorourLeadPastorthroughthisgiftoftime,restandrenewal.Thankyoutooforyourprayersandongoingministryhereat________________________Church!Thebestisyettocome.

___________________

LBAViceChair

14

SampleCongregationalLetter#3(addyourchurchlogo)DateDear______________ChurchFamily,_____________Churchrecentlycelebrated_____years(date)inexistence!Aswecelebrated____yearsthe_________family(namesofPastor’sfamily)havecompleted____yearsaschurchplanters/founders/pastorof_________Church.Forthepast16monthstheDistrictBoard,leadteam,deaconteam,andstaffhavebeenpreparingtoofferasabbaticalleavetoPastor________andhisfamily.Pastor________’ssabbaticalwillcommenceon__________andthe_________’swillreturntoministryon_______(___weeks).WhatisaSabbatical?Itisanextendedtimeawayfromroutineministryforthepurposeofrenewal,retooling,andreceivingafreshvision.Itismeanttoprovideatimeofspecialrenewalforthepastorthatwillbringpersonalnourishmenttohis/hersoul,adeeperrelationshipwiththeLord,familyrenewal,andaclearerunderstandingofGod’svisionforthechurch.Asabbaticalhelpspreventministryburnoutandmaygivethepastorafreshperspectiveforhis/herministry.WhatdoestheBiblesayaboutSabbaticals?

“TheconceptofsabbaticalisdeeplyandindisputablyrootedinScripture.ThetermisderivedfromtheOldTestamentideaof“Sabbath.”TheHebrewwordmeans“rest.”Godcreatedtheworldinsixdaysandrestedontheseventh(Genesis2:1-3).DuringtheHebrewchildren’sexodusfromEgypt,Goddirectedthem(Exodus16:26)togatherthemannadailybuttorestontheseventhday(Sabbath).InnumerousOldTestamentpassages,GodadmonishedhispeopletoworksixdaysbuttodevotetheseventhdaytoGodasadayofrest(Exodus20:9-10,23:12,31:15,34:21,35:2;Leviticus23:3andDeuteronomy5:13).AmongtheIsraelites,GodinstitutedtheSabbathyear(Leviticus25:1-5).Oneveryseventhyear,thechildrenofIsraelweretorefrainfromfarmingthelandandlettheearthrest.BoththeIsraelitesandthelandbenefitedfromtheSabbathrest.

Thesepassagessuggestthatthereisarhythmtolife.Asthepreachersaid,foreverythingthereisaseason(Ecclesiastes3:1).Jesus’ownlifeandministryreflectadeepunderstandingandappreciationfortherhythmsoflife.ThedemandsuponHimweresogreatthathisownministrywaspunctuatedwithtimesofwithdrawalforprayerandspiritualsolitude(Matthew14:23;Mark6:46;Luke5:16,6:12).”(writtenbyTennesseeBaptistConvention)

Whyhavewehavedecidedtograntthissabbatical:

• WearefollowingBiblicalandbestpracticesforlong-termministryhealth• Spiritualrenewalandrechargingforanother7-years!• FurthereducationasPastor______continues______studies

15

WhatistheSabbaticalPolicyat____________Church:

“Theroleofapastorisonethatrequirescontinualsharpeningandrenewal,notonlytoacquireadditionalskills,butalsotoenablethemtodealwiththeever-changingnatureofministryinthemodernworld.Overflowgivesasabbaticaltoitsfull-timepastoralstaffafter7yearsofservicetoitsleadershipandcongregationandevery7yearsthereafter.Itshouldnotbeviewedasavacationnorwillthesabbaticalbecountedagainstaccruedvacationtime.”

WhatistheplanduringPastor________________’sabsence?

• WeekendSermons:Greatguestspeakersand________’steachingteam• MinistryLeadership:_________Staffandministryteamdirectors• Operations/Administration:OfficeManagerandOperationsDirector• CongregationalCare:Pastoralteam(Pastor____,Pastor_____,andPastor________)• StrategicLeadership:LeadteamandDeacons

Whatisyourroleduringthissabbatical?

• Pray,encourage,andsupportPastor________andhisfamily• Prayandstep-upatthechurchsothechurchisstrengthenedduringthistime:

o Attendregularlyandinviteotherso Givefaithfullyandgenerouslyo Volunteerandserveconsistently

• Respecttheboundarieswiththe____________’s.o Theywillbetravelingquiteabit,butalsowillnothaveaccesstoPastor

___________’sphone,email,orsocialmedia.ExpecttoseewordsofinspirationandencouragementfromPastor__________viahisblogandsocialmedia,butknowthatitisallbeingpreparedaheadoftime.Theyarenottoengageinany“ministryorwork”talkduringtheirsabbatical.

Sincerely,_________ChurchLeadTeam

16

SampleCongregationalLetter#3(addyourchurchlogo) DateDearChurchFamily,It’sexcitingtimes!TheWellwillbecelebratingourthirdyearofexistencethiscomingFall!Godhasdoneandisdoinganamazingworkinourmidst.AswepreparetocelebrateandsurgeforwardthiscomingFall,EmilyandIarepreparingtoenterintoaphasewearecalling“soul-rest.”Overthepastfewyears,wehavebeenworkingdiligentlyandtheLordhasbeenblessing.LastFall,theDistrictBoardofAdministration,TheWell’sDiscernmentTeam,andMinistryLeadershipTeamhavebeenpreparingtoofferusa30daysabbaticalleaveduringthemonthofJuly.TheWestMichiganDistrictoftheWesleyanChurchencouragessabbaticals,knowingthatit’sthesetypesofrestingperiodsthatproducelongtermfruit.Justlikeyouhavetoletthesoilrestbeforeyouplantcropsagain,it’sthesameforpastors.Thisparticularsabbaticalisontheshortside,sowearecallingitaminisabbatical.Thetypicalsabbaticalexperienceisthreetofourmonths.However,wefeltlike30dayswassuitableforthistimeandourstageofdevelopment.Ihaveneverhadasabbaticalinmy15yearsofministry,soIamlookingforwardtoadeepworkthattheLordwantstodoinmylife.Thereisacertainhardshipthatcomeswithplantingthatisdifficulttoexplain,butitisverydifferentfromtypicalpastorateroles.Plantingisrewardingandexhilarating,butitalsotakesalotoutofyou.Wehopethismini-sabbaticalwillfillusbackupsowecanbestrongerandevenmoreeffectivepastorsinthefuture.Mydesireinthisletteristoprepyouallwithalittlebitofinformationandcontextforwhatisunfolding:WhatisaSabbatical?Itisanextendedtimeawayfromroutineministryforthepurposeofretooling,andreceivingafreshvision.Itismeanttoprovideatimeofspecialrenewalforthepastorthatwillbringpersonalnourishmenttohis/hersoul,adeeperrelationshipwiththeLord,familyrefreshmentandfocusandaclearerunderstandingofGod’svisionforthechurch.Asabbaticalhelpspreventministryburnoutandmaygivethepastorafreshperspectiveforhis/herministry.WhatdoestheBiblesayaboutSabbaticals?“TheconceptofsabbaticalisdeeplyrootedinScripture.ThetermisderivedfromtheOldTestamentideaof“Sabbath.”TheHebrewwordmeans“rest.”Godcreatedtheworldinsixdaysandrestedontheseventh(Genesis2:1-3).DuringtheHebrewchildren’sexodusfromEgypt,Goddirectedthem(Exodus16:26)togatherthemannadailybuttorestontheseventhday(Sabbath).InnumerousOldTestamentpassages,GodadmonishedhispeopletoworksixdaysbuttodevotetheseventhdaytoGodasadayofrest(Exodus20:9-10,23:12,31:15,34:21,35:2;Leviticus23:3andDeuteronomy5:13).AmongtheIsraelites,GodinstitutedtheSabbathyear(Leviticus25:1-5).Oneveryseventhyear,thechildrenofIsraelweretorefrainfromfarmingthelandandlettheearthrest.BoththeIsraelitesandthelandbenefitedfromtheSabbathrest.Thesepassagessuggestthatthereisarhythmtolife.Asthemanofwisdomsaid,“Foreverythingthereisaseason”(Ecclesiastes3:1).Jesus’ownlifeandministryreflectadeepunderstandingandappreciationfortherhythmsoflife.Thedemandsuponhimweresogreatthathisownministrywaspunctuatedwithtimesofwithdrawalforprayerandspiritualsolitude(Matthew14:23;Mark6:46;Luke5:16,6:12).”WhyTheWellhasdecidedtograntthissabbatical:Wearefollowingbiblicalandbestpracticesforlong-termministryhealth

• Spiritualrenewalandrechargingforanotherstrongministryrun![Justsoyouknow,IsensetheLordcallingourfamilytostayplantedatTheWell,andmyroleinthechurchplantingmovementthatweareapartofwillbetocatalyze,coach,andcoordinateotherchurchplantsandchurchplanters.WehopetoseeTheWell(andtheGreenhousePlantingNetwork)becomeahubforchurchmultiplicationefforts).

• TheLovefamilyneedstospendqualityandquantitytimetogetherinordertostayunitedandstrongintheLord.

17

WhatistheSabbaticalPolicyoftheWestMichiganDistrictoftheWesleyanChurch?“Theroleofapastorisonethatrequirescontinualsharpeningandrenewal,notonlytoacquireadditionalskills,butalsotoenablethemtodealwiththeever-changingnatureofministryinthemodernworld.TheWMDgrantsasabbaticaltoitsfull-timepastoralstaffafter5yearsofserviceandevery5yearsthereafter.Itshouldnotbeviewedasavacationnorwillthesabbaticalbecountedagainstaccruedvacationtime.”WhatistheplanduringEd’sabsence?

• TheSundayMessage:PastorSteveHubbard,ournextchurchplantingintern/resident,willbejoiningusinJuneandwillbepreparinga5weekJulyteachingseries.IhavebeenworkingwithSteveonthisseriesandwearecallingit“AllIn:AStudyinPhilippians”.ThiswillhelpourbodyconnectwithSteveandTheWellwillbeblessedbyhisparticularfocuswithus.

o Augustsermonseries:IamalreadypreparinganAugustteachingseriescalled“RidiculousFaith:TheStoryofElisha”whichisgoingtobeincredibleaswejourneyintothisOThead-spinningnarrative.

• MinistryLeadership:TheWell’sStaffandministryteamdirectorsareamazingandeveryoneissteppinguptomakethingshappen.

• Operations/Administration:_______willbetheprimarycontactforneedsthatmayariseorquestionsthatneedtobeanswered.Email_________

• CongregationalCare:______________,willserveasourinterimpastor.Ifthereareanyillnesses,hospitalizations,prayerrequests,orspecialneedsthatrequireattentioncontact_______________at:________________

• StrategicLeadershipContacts:o

Whatisyourroleduringthissabbatical?• Pray,encourage,andsupportusandourfamily• Prayandstep-upatthechurchsothechurchisstrengthenedduringthistime:(Thiswillalsogiveusa

senseofpeacethateverythingisokayandgoodwhileweareaway…prettypleasewithsugarontop!J)o Attendregularlyandinviteotherso Givefaithfullyandgenerouslyo Volunteerandserveconsistentlyo Continuetobethechurch

• RespecttheLovefamilyboundaries.o Wewillbetravelingquiteabit,andwillnotbeaccessingphonecalls,email,orsocialmedia.

Obviously,iftherewasacaseofanextremeemergencyortragedy,wewilldropourplansandbetheretosupportthoseinneed.However,asaruleofthumbforus,wewillnotbeengaginginany“ministryrelated/worktalk”duringoursabbatical.Thegoalistohaveacompletebrain-breakandrealignouridentitiesaroundChristandnotourworkeffortsforChrist.

Wearesoverygratefulthatwehaveactuallybeenencouragedtodothis.Weloveourchurchfamilyandfeelsoblessedtobeabletodolifetogetherwithyou.Muchobliged.

Sincerely,PastorEdandEmily

P.S.:PleasecontinuetoprayforTheWell’sPrayerFocus:

• BeingMISSIONARIES(sentones)tothosearoundus• LivingasfaithfulSERVANTS• RelyingontheLord’sSTRENGTH• PracticingirrationalGENEROSITY

18

SABBATICALFREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

GlossaryofTermsTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch:ThisbodyoftextisthegoverningguidebookforWesleyanChurchesacrossNorth

America.Guidanceandproceduresforgovernancearedocumentedinthisauthoritativetext,forthepurposesofpreservingtheoperationalintegrityofWesleyanChurches,aswellasprotectthelocalchurchfromundueriskandcorruption.Theguidebookhasbeenprayerfullycraftedthroughdecadesofspiritualdiscernment,andalignswithbestpracticesofhealthyorganizationsandchurches.AllWesleyanChurchessubscribetothepoliciesandproceduresofTheDiscipline.

LeadPastor:Commonlyreferredtoas“SeniorPastor”aswell,theLeadPastorpositionistheorganizationalleaderresponsibleforthespiritualgrowthandhealthofthelocalchurch.Inourcontext,Pastor________waselectedbythecongregationof______________ChurchtoserveasLeadPastoron______________.(ifApplicable)LeadTeam:Awellestablishedteamofdepartmentalleaders,onstaff,whohavepartneredwiththeLeadPastor(________)inoperationalizingthe_________yearstrategicplan.ThisteamprovidesleadershiptotheAdministrationof_____________Church.LBA:Anacronymthatstandsfor“LocalBoardofAdministration.”Commonlyknownasthe“BoardofElders”inthelifeof____________Church.This____________personboardconsistsoftheLeadPastor(BoardChair),and______volunteermemberselectedintoserviceattheannualcongregationalmeeting.Asstatedinparagraph750ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch(2012),thelocalboardofadministrationcarriesoutthewillofthelocalchurchconference,servingasthechiefgoverningandcoordinatingbodyofthelocalchurchintheinterimoflocalchurchconferencesessions.Sabbatical:Asabbaticalisaperiodofpaidleave,grantedtoapastor,usuallyaftersevenconsecutiveyearsofservice.Theleaveisdesignedtoaccomplishapurposeandspecificintent.Duringasabbatical(oraspiritualrenewalleave),Pastorsengageinactivitiesandexperiencesthatofferrest,education,andvision-enhancement,astheyseektohearclearlyfromtheLord,andbringanevenbetterversionofthemselvesbacktoservetheircongregation.FAQ’s:Q: I'veneverheardofasabbaticalbefore.WhyisitimportanttotheLBAtooffera sabbaticaltoPastor______________?A: 1)AlignswithWesleyanDenomination'srecommendation(paragraph724ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch) 2)Itisasignificantlearningandenrichingexperiencethatwillgreatlyenhanceour collectiveunderstandingofscriptureandhowtoapplyitinourlives.

3)Pastoralministrycarriesanotherdimensionofweighttoit,andprovidingthisopportunityisaspecialwaytoappreciateandvaluetheLeadPastorrole.

19

4)Pastor__________celebrates____consecutiveyearsofpastoralservicein _____________.

5)ThisisanincreasinglycommonbenefitofferedtopastorsasaresultofthewordingfoundinTheDiscipline.

Q: Isthesabbaticalpolicynewto__________Church?A: TheWesleyanDenominationadoptedasabbaticalprovisionpolicyin2004.Whilethe policyhasbeeninplaceatthedenominationallevel,KCChadnotspecificallyalignedits policieswiththisuntilnow.TheLBAperformedextensiveresearchonthispracticeand formulatedtheLeadPastorSabbaticalPolicy.Q: HowlongwillPastor___________begone?A: Pastor__________willbetakinga____weeksabbaticalbeginning___________.Q: WhowillcoverforLeadPastorwhileheisaway?A: Consistentwithnormalpractice,TheLeadTeamandstaffwillcontinuetomanageday- to-dayoperations.Specifically,theLeadTeam(withLBAgovernanceasneeded)will addressissuesthatwouldnormallybehandledbytheLeadPastor.Ifneeded,thereisa processinplaceforemergencymattersthatmayrequirecontactingtheLeadPastor.Q: Howwillweknowthesabbaticalwaseffectiveinmeetingitsstatedpurpose?A: 1)TheLBAcarefullyreviewedandapprovedtheLeadPastor’sitineraryandplan, throughthecriteriaofRest,Education,andVision. 2)TheLeadPastorwillsharekeylearningsfromthisexperienceduringatimeoftelling, withtheentirecongregation.Q: Arepastors,whoarenotLeadPastors,eligibleforsabbaticals?A: TheLBAfeelsstronglythataligning___________Church'spolicywiththeWesleyan Denomination'sencouragementtoprovidesabbaticalforpastorsisimportant.Forthis reason,apastoralstaffsabbaticalpolicyisnowinplaceforstaffpastorswhoare eligible.Q: WhoisgoingtobespeakingwhiletheLeadPastorisaway?A: Theworshipartsministry,inconjunctionwiththeleadteam(withapprovalfromthe LBA),haveplannedanincrediblelineupofguestpastorsandspeakersthissummer. Planforanamazing______weeksfilledwithsermons.Q: Howisthesabbaticalfunded?A: _____________________Cwillpayforthesabbaticalexpenses,whichhavebeenpre- approvedbytheLBA.Theexpensesareincludedaspartoftheoperatingbudget.As statedinparagraph724ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch(2012),eachchurchis encouragedtoprovideasabbaticalleaveforitspastor(s)atleasteverysevenyearsof service.Aftersurveyingseverallike-sizedchurches,andseekingcounselof __________Church’sDistrictSuperintendent,theLBAhasdeterminedmoving forwardtoincludethisasabudgetedlineitem.

20

Q: WhereisLeadPastor______________going?A: _________________hasplannedseveralspirituallyreflectiveexperiences,educational trips,andalsotimeforR&R.Uponhisreturn,hewillbesharingsomeofthehighlights fromhissabbatical,includinganywordGodrevealedtohimwhileaway.Q: Pastor___________recentlynotedhefeelswearepickingupmomentumand alignmentinstaff.DoeshisabsenceconcerntheLBA,asariskoflossofmomentum?A: No.TheLBAisnotconcernedaboutariskoflossofmomentumasaresultofthetiming ofthesabbatical.Partofthediscernmentprocessincluded___________confirming thatnowisthetimeforhimtotakeasabbatical.___________hasdoneagreatjob guidingtheLeadershipTeamat__________Church,inourvision.TheTeamwill collectivelyleadandguidethechurchin_______________’sabsence.Q: I'dliketodiscussthisdecisionwithaLBAmember.WhoshouldItalkwith?A: TheLocalBoardofAdministrationwelcomesyourquestionsanddialogue.Please contact___________at______________(email)or___________(phone#)willdirect yourquestions/commentstotheappropriateperson.

21

Resources

ResourcesØ http://www.cpx.cts.edu/renewal

LillyEndowmentClergyRenewalPrograms:grantingqualifyingchurcheswithgrantstosupportapastor’srenewal.

Websites(articles)

Ø http://www.lifeway.com/Article/pastor-ministry-guidelines-successful-sabbatical-vacation

Ø http://thomrainer.com/2014/02/five-reasons-your-pastor-should-take-a-sabbatical/Ø http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/152163-

martin_sanders_and_warren_bird_what_pastors_wish_they_knew_before_their_sabbatical.html

Ø http://dallaswillardcenter.com/Ø http://www.transformingcenter.org/in/about/ruth-bio.shtml#.Vx-ClfkrKCgØ http://embracingrace.com/category/every-pastor-needs-a-sabbatical/(forthePastor’s

wife)

ConferencesØ https://renovare.org/events

RenovaréEvents:SpiritualFormationRetreatsCoaches

Ø www.pastorserve.orgCoach:Email:jay.fowler@pastorserve.net(PeterYoshonisrecommended&used

summer2015)Books

Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Resistance-Saying-Culture-Now/dp/0664239285Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-City-Sustaining-Pastoral-

Excellence/dp/066423349X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444340597&sr=1-1&keywords=sabbath+in+the+city

Ø http://www.amazon.com/The-Emotionally-Healthy-Leader-Transforming/dp/0310494575

Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbatical-Primer-Pastors-Initiate-Spiritual/dp/1495255166/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461681942&sr=1-2&keywords=sabbatical+planningrecommendedbyPastorPeterYoshonis