Not infrequently as I advocate for a sabbatical in a congregation, someone will say that no one ever offered him or her a sabbatical. My response has always been that it is better for a church to offer a better way of life to corporations and others than to follow the more destructive pattern of the past. However, I am most interested in exploring the value of a pastor’s sabbatical for the congregation.
The pastor’s absence can result in a new appreciation for his or her ministry within the congregation. That can result in being more conscious of how the congregation can support the pastor and enhancing the ministry upon the pastor’s return. Sometimes the very need of responding to pastoral care issues by the elders, deacons, etc. can raise awareness of a more complete understanding of their calling.
Contemplating the value of a sabbatical for a pastor, can also have the effect of being more sensitive to the value of sabbatical times for the best workers within the congregation. A sensitivity to this area might help prevent burnout among very involved members.
It would be best if this could be intentionally thought through so that such sabbatical breaks were not just the absence of responsibilities but an opportunity to deepen a person’s spiritual maturity and their own opportunity to breathe more deeply of God’s spirit. Could a congregation affirm the gifts of a hard working member by providing him or her an opportunity to read deeply in an area of interest, take a course at a nearby seminary, attend a retreat, etc.
Consider the implications if a whole congregation sought ways to be a Sabbath congregation.
