In the terms of call of Presbyterian pastors to serve congregations, there is a requirement for a two week study leave. The intention is to encourage pastors to take time to not only improve their ministerial skills but also to deepen their theological and spiritual resources. The Presbyterian Research Service recently reported the following results concerning whether Presbyterian pastors avail themselves of such study leave opportunities.
Research Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2008 3 Survey of Pastors
Annual Study Leave
Few respondents have skipped annual study leave entirely in the last five years (9%), and most have taken it at least three times in the last five years (78%).
Events sponsored by the denomination, para-church organizations, and seminaries are more typical annual study leaves choices than are events sponsored by megachurches, universities, or private corporations. For example, 71% of respondents have attended a seminary-sponsored seminar or event in the last five years as part of an annual study leave, compared to only 20% who have attended a private-corporation-sponsored seminar or event.
Most of those who haven’t taken annual study leave report more than one factor as important in explaining that absence, with 74% citing as “very important” or “important” lack of time, and 61%, lack of financial support. Less than half report lack of congregational encouragement as “very important” or “important” (46%).
A couple of things stand out in this survey. First, while most pastors do seem to engage in some form of study leave, the reason most often given for failure to take advantage of such opportunities was “lack of time.” It is my experience that if you wait for time to be available, the normal course of ministry will never make it available. When was the last time you arrived at a week when you didn’t have anything to do in the ministry? However, if you will make use of a calendar to plan ahead, most often you are able to take the week that has been planned.
While it is heartening to see that only 46% said that lack of congregational encouragement led to their failure to take the time, that is still almost half of the clergy who responded. The question is whether that is perception or reality. It is true that some members of congregations consider study leave just another form of vacation, it is also true that most Presbyterian congregations expect their pastors to be well prepared. It might help if pastors would share more often with their congregation what they hope to achieve in a study leave experience. Whether it be a seminar on new techniques on evangelism or a course on Romans, it helps the congregation to understand that you are striving to bring them the best that you can offer.
