Drawing upon yesterdays explanation of some of the theological truths imbedded in the Sabbath, let us look at its implications for the congregation and the pastor. First, there is a certain rhythm to the relation between a pastor and a congregation that is honored by the sabbatical. Every seven years, like sabbaticals for the land in the Bible, so the pastor also needs some time to step back and be restored in his or her ministry. While this should be happening at regular intervals during the practice of the ministry, it is good at least every seven years to have a more extended time to sit back and drink in the spiritual resources that under-gird a pastor’s ministry. This might mean a more concentrated focus on study, prayer, etc., but it can also include time with family, time for recreation, etc. Since it all comes from God’s creation, all of it can be a source of God’s nurture.
Since the word for Spirit in the Hebrew can also be translated breath, a simple analogy is that the spiritual leader, who often serves as the contact between the human and the divine, cannot just breathe out. Every once in awhile, s/he needs to take time to breathe in. Sabbaticals are times for breathing in more ways that one.
The continual demands of the ministry, no matter how legitimate, can also enslave a pastor. We can be so caught up in responding to the very real needs of a congregation, that our freedom to be God’s person becomes compromised. Slavery in a religious organization is still slavery. A good pastor is servant to the congregation but never its slave. The sabbatical allows the pastor to step away and gain perspective on what within the ministry is in accordance with God’s purpose for that congregation and its pastor.
Tomorrow we will look at some of the implications for the congregation.
