As I mentioned in the last post, I was encouraged to take some time for sabbatical while on Home
Ministry Assignment with Peru Mission. So as not to waste this time, I decided to do a little bit of searching
to find out what that would look like. I was also encouraged to find a
sabbatical counselor; however, I have not done so yet.
A few biblical thoughts are as follows. God gave us the design
of Sabbath rest one day in 7 (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy
5:12-15). He also gave a design of several week-long breaks where the entire
community stopped work and feasted (Exodus 23:10-19; Leviticus 23). Every seven
years he designed for land to go fallow (Leviticus 25). He designed a release
to all debts every seven years (Deuteronomy 15).
We also see Jesus' very practice in the flesh of pulling away to
a secluded place to spend time in prayer. He spent 40 days before starting his
ministry. These are just a few biblical points that help us reflect on
the need for taking a sabbatical rest.
As I consider these things and consider the role of a minister and
other ministry workers and missionaries as I have experienced in Peru and see
through other pastors in the States is that this job is unlike many other jobs
in that you do not have a clear off time. Even when you are at home, you are on
call all the time.
Here are a few links of descriptions of Sabbaticals and of the
need for Sabbaticals from a range of perspectives and in no particular order:
Why
Your Pastor Needs a Sabbatical by Sarah Hogan on Vanderbloemen
Including
Sabbaticals as Part of Soul Care for Your Pastor by Garrett Higbee on
Biblical Counseling Coalition
What
I Learned About Sabbaticals by Finally Taking One by Michael Morgan on The Gospel
Coalition
Seven
Sabbatical Insights for Pastors by Eric Geiger on Lifeway Christian
Resources
A Sabbatical Guide
for Pastors by Bill Gaultiere on Soul Shepherding
Burnout and
Stress by Ed Welch on CCEF
I also spoke with Ray Cannata who shared with me Redeemer Nola’s policy on Pastoral Sabbaticals this was similar and also very helpful to get a good idea of the purpose, timing and planning of taking one. One comment from
Ray was that pastors never get away from the job. “In
fact, the more faithfully embedded in your community and mission, the less
likely you get any breaks from it!!”
1 comment:
Hey Stuart. Thanks for the info on sabbaticals. I hope you're able to have one while you're there and you're overall time in the States will be good for all your family. I need to look into this as well for when we get back on the first of next year. After eight years as a missionary, seven on the field, I'm sure we need some debriefing and decompressing. I hope to pastor a church when we return but not immediately. I also hope to build a Peruvian dirt house when we get back. I have lots of silly ideas like hiking the Appalachian Trail or biking the Natchez Trace, but I need to think along spiritual lines as well. Write a book or put some Peru pictures in a book. Anyway, this is something I really need to look into. Thanks for being on the same page for me. Greetings to Meg and Mr. Magoo. Steve
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