In January of this year, I presented my written sabbatical proposal to the elders of our church in accordance with our sabbatical policy. In February, the elders graciously approved my sabbatical proposal with a few alterations. I shared briefly about my upcoming sabbatical in my sermon on February 25, emphasizing that the purpose of this renewal sabbatical is longevity in ministry at Wildwood. In my interview process with Wildwood in 2016, I was encouraged that Wildwood had a long-standing sabbatical policy. It conveyed that this church recognizes the toll of ministry on a pastor and his family and they care enough to keep pastors around for the long-term to offer this extended time away. 

At the business meeting in March Cecil Rudd, one of our lay elders, presented the sabbatical policy and I shared my sabbatical plan. I spoke about the purpose and objectives of my sabbatical as well as the situational context of modern-day ministry. I shared the basic plan, the best practices, and offered a few ways you can pray. I’ll recap some of that below. Al Knott then shared that on the Sunday before each pastor’s sabbatical, the congregation will be invited to pray a blessing over their family and to participate in a love offering.

I find it particularly poetic that the Sunday prior to our sabbatical, June 16, is also Kellye’s and my wedding anniversary. As every pastor can attest, the ministry is not just a job, and the spouse is just as impacted as the pastor by the stress and strain of ministry. Kellye and I have taken every ministry step together ever since we walked the aisle at First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Texas on February 12, 2006. On that Sunday, two days after burying our firstborn daughter, Kennedy, we publicly professed the Lord’s call to ministry. It seems only appropriate that we would enter this time of rest and renewal together and receive your love and your prayers of blessing as a couple on the day we gratefully celebrate 23 years of marriage. We have much to be grateful for, not the least of which is God’s kind and gracious hand in ordering the timing of our sabbatical. 

Do you wonder why a sabbatical is necessary? In my objectives below, I’ll lay out what I’ve learned over the last eight months of research and coaching. 

My Sabbatical Objectives:

Celebration – Like God creating and then saying, “It is good,” I recognize my need to step away from, reflect upon, and gratefully enjoy the work of ministry over the previous seven years. Unlike the results of most other types of work, the result of faithful ministry is measured in years and decades rather than hours, weeks, and months. It is important for us to gain perspective and celebrate how God has used me and my family in His Kingdom in ways we may not see while we’re entrenched in daily ministry. I expect this will reinvigorate us and lead to an even more vibrant ministry, akin to when we first began ministry at Wildwood. 

Renewal – Research shows a spiritually empty pastor will find it extremely difficult to pour out into others’ spiritual lives. However, a spiritually renewed pastor is likely to bring fresh insights, passion, and energy to their pastoral duties, renewing the congregation as a result. 

Contemplation – As Jesus practiced the “quiet life” pastors also need an intentional time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual rhythms not associated with sermon preparation and leadership planning. I have a routine daily quiet time with the Lord separate from my sermon preparation, but I also need an extended time in which I step out of my role as pastor and simply come before the Lord as a beloved child.

Personal Growth – This sabbatical will give me the opportunity to hear clearly from the Holy Spirit as He gives direction and guidance on the future of my ministry at Wildwood. Perhaps more importantly, I will hear from the Holy Spirit as He peels back some layers in my heart and brings to light the hidden things that are easy to overlook in routine life. 

Marriage and Family Enrichment – Sabbaticals provide pastors the opportunity to strengthen family relationships. A pastor and his wife who are emotionally and relationally healthy are better equipped to build strong connections within the congregation. Kellye and I are vitalized, but we cannot take this for granted forever. My children will get their dad back. In some ways, they will meet “me” for the first time. Each of my children was born after my call to ministry 18 years ago. They don’t know me aside from who I am as a pastor. This will be my first sabbatical, and possibly the last time that all my kids will join me on one. 

Leadership Succession and Development – Sabbaticals create the opportunity for other leaders to step into new levels of leadership responsibility, fostering a culture of leadership development. The congregation benefits as it recognizes the leadership strengths of other elders, ensuring continuity and stability in my absence.