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Followingaresamplesof:
• SabbaticalBestPracticesOutline• SabbaticalPolicy• GuidelinesforPlanning• SabbaticalLetterstoCongregation• Resources
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SampleBestPracticesofaSabbatical
I.LocalBoardofAdministration(LBA) A.WhatistheChurch’sPolicy? 1.Writeoneifyoudonothaveone (*seesample) B.WhattypeofSabbaticalisbeingtakenandhow long?
C.WhatfinanceswillbemadeavailabletothepastorfortheirSabbatical?1.Researchgrants?
D.Whatisthe“chainofcommand”whentheSr.Pastorisgone?1.Staff2.Congregation
E.HowcantheLBAeffectivelyprepareforthePastor’sSabbatical?1.Createatimeline
a.Preparationforweekendspeakersb.Communicationtimeline
F.HowshouldtheSabbaticalbecommunicatedtothechurch?1.LBAVote2.AnnouncementswithFAQ’s3.CongregationalVote4.Followupletter
II.Congregation
A.HowshouldtheSabbaticalbecommunicatedtothechurch?1.Announcements
a.WhyaSabbaticalb.PolicyforSabbaticalc.TypeofSabbaticalandlengthd.HowtheCongregationalwillbeaffectede.HowtheCongregationcansupport
2.CongregationalVoteB.HowcanthechurcheffectivelyprepareforthePastor’sSabbatical?
III.Pastor A.WhattypeofSabbaticalisbeingtaken? 1.Howlong? B.WhatcanthePastoreffectivelypreparefortheirSabbatical?
2.Timelinea.Forchurchandstaff
b.Personal
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C.Whatresourcesareavailable? 1.Familytime 2.Bookresources 3.Coach 4.Financial D.FollowupSummary 1.What’snextafterSabbatical? a.ReportofsabbaticaltoLBA&Congregation b.ThankyouLBA,Congregation,speakers c.ReportofsabbaticaltoDistrictSuperintendent
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SampleofaSabbaticalPolicySabbaticalPolicyPurpose:
• Rest(Physical,Mental,andSpiritual)• EducationalExperience(Development)• Reflection/Visioneering
Qualifications:
• Eligibleafter7consecutiveyearsof“credentialedpastoral”serviceinministry.Money:
• Standardsalarywillbepaid,withnodeductionfromPTOduringthesabbatical.• Totalsabbaticalprovisionbudgetincludespulpitsupplybudgetandallassociatedcosts,
travel,etc.o 1.5xLeadPastorTotalCompensation(equivalenttoroughly$(dollars)asof
(date).• Fundsusedforpersonalnon-businessrelatedexpensearetaxabletoLeadPastor(showupon
paystubandannualW2equivalent)(example:familyvacation,etc)• Fundsusedforbusinessrelatedexpense,arenottaxedtoLeadPastorpersonally,andtreated
asanyotherbusinessexpense.(ex:similartocurrentbusinesstravel,duty-relatedconferences,etc)
Time:• Recommendedtimeisbetween8-13weeks.
Conditions:• Uptoonepastortotakesabbaticalatatime,persiteat_______church.(nooverlap)• Pastortoreportoutcomestoelders,congregationandstaff,uponreturnfromsabbatical
(within30daysofreturn,toallowfor“re-entry”)• PastormustsubmitsabbaticalplanandscheduleforLBAapproval.Planmust:
o Includewrittendiscourse,illustratingtheLeadPastorhasdiscernedGod’stimingtoTakethesabbaticalincludeadetailedplanandtimelineillustratinghowthesabbaticalwillmeetthedefinedpurposeobjectives:
§ Rest(Physical,Mental,andSpiritual)§ EducationalExperience(Development)§ Reflection/Visioneering
o BesubmittedtotheLBAnolessthan9monthsinadvanceofthefirstdayofproposedsabbatical.
Communication:• LBAwillreviewandrespondtotheLeadPastornolaterthan3monthsinadvancedof
Sabbaticaldate.• LBAandLeadPastorcommunicatetoCongregationthatasabbaticalhasbeenapprovedand
willbetaken.FutureConsiderations:
• LeadPastortodevelopanobjective,consistentwaytoallocatesabbaticalprovisiontostaffpastors.
o ThisplantobereviewedandapprovedbyLBA,priortoimplementation
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SuggestedGuidelinesandBestPracticesforPlanningYourPastor’sSabbatical**SampleadaptedfromWesternCanadianDistrict
FromtheChurch’sperspective:
1. Asa church,establishyourownsabbaticalpolicyandcommunicate it toyour staff.Seesample
2. Recommendedtimeperiodsare8-13weeksafter7yearsoffull-timeministry.Aftertheinitialsabbatical,theyearsinbetweensabbaticalsarenotautomaticallyset.Theycanbeanywherefrom3-7years.
3. Itisrecommendedthatforsabbaticalstohavetheirmaximumeffect,theybe takenasawholeandnotdividedintoseveralparts.
4. Assignsomeonefromyourboardtoproactivelyaddressyoursabbaticalpolicy withstaffandassisttheminplanning.
5. Planforboththefinanciallogisticstosupportthesabbaticalandwellasthe humanresource&communicationlogisticsforthetimeperiodwhenthe pastorisaway.(See“ElderBoardSabbaticalPlanningChecklist”)
6. Createaclearplanforthepastor’sre-entryintocongregationalleadership andreportingbacktotheboardtheoutcomesofhis/hersabbatical. (See“SabbaticalTransitioningPlan”)
FromthePastor’sperspective:
1. Planwellinadvancetoproposeasabbaticalaccordingtoyourlocalchurch’s policy.Iftheydonothaveapolicy,discussyourdesire/needforasabbaticalwithyourboard. TheycanaccesstheresourcesoftheDistrictOfficethroughtheirCoachtoestablishapolicy.
2. Yourproposalshouldcontainthefollowing:(SeePastorsPlanningTemplate)a. Asummarystatementdescribingtheoverallcharacterandpurposeofyour
sabbaticalproposal.b. Adescriptionofhowthiswill:
i. Contributetoyourownrenewalanddevelopment.ii. Contributetotheeffectivenessofyourcongregation/ministry
c. Onyourown,ordependingonyourchurch’spolicy,inconjunctionwithothers,createachronologicaloutlineofhowyouwillspendyourtimeonthesabbatical.Atemplateisprovidedforthis.
d. Aplanforassigningministryresponsibilitytootherswhileyouareonsabbatical.
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Whenasabbaticalisnotrecommended
1. Whensignificantconflictispresentbetweenpastorandthecongregation. Timeawaywillnotrectifyanyself-defeatingpatternsofbehaviorthatare causingtheconflict.Handletheconflictusingotherresourcessuchas mediators,DistrictStaffetc.
2. When the timing is detrimental to the congregations’ current context. Do notslavishly adhere to the policy’s schedule for sabbaticals. Rather, talk honestly witheachotheras to theneeds,goalsandcontextof thechurch todetermine themostacceptabletimeforthepastortobeaway.
3. Whenitcreatesaseriousfinancialburdentothechurch. Otherpathsmaybeavailableforassistancesuchaspostponingitforanothertimesothechurch canworkuptothefinancesrequired,orbyrequestingfinancialassistance fromtheDistrictOffice.
BeforetheSabbatical–GeneralTips
• Considerstronglytheideaofgettingawayduringmuchoftheentire sabbatical.Thisbestprovidesthecontextforrenewal,rest&reflection
• Pastorsandtheboardareencouragedtorespectthetimeawaythesabbatical offers.Ifyoudoormustremainintown,setexplicitboundarieswithrespect tointeractionbetweenthepastorandcongregation. Communicatethisclearlytotheboardandstaffaswellastothecongregation.
• Ensureareasofministryresponsibilitythatneedcoverageareassignedto stafforlayleaders.Thismaytakeafewmonthstoaccomplish,sobesuretoplanfarinadvanceforyoursabbatical.
• Planaheadsoyoucanleavebehindrelevantinformationandresourcesto staff,volunteersandcongregationmemberswhomightotherwisecallonyou.
DuringtheSabbatical–GeneralTips
• Itwilltakeatleast2weekstodisconnectfromchurchlifementallyandemotionally–bearthisinmindasyouplanyourrenewal/developmentactivities.
• Keepajournalbefore,duringandafterthesabbatical.Thishelpsyoudiscoverwhatthesabbaticalisdoingforyouandalsohelpsyoureportback totheboardandcongregation.
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• Remainconnectedtoapeercohortorothergroupasmaybeassignedbytheboard.Agrouplikethisprovidesspiritualcompanionship,accountabilityand nurtureduringthesabbaticalperiod.
• DONOTtrytodotoomuch.AftertheSabbatical–GeneralTips
• Togetherwiththeboard,establishaclearre-entryplan. Itissuggestedtotake2-3weekstore-engagewithyourfullministryresponsibilities.(See “SabbaticalTransitioningPlan”)
• Pastorsshouldgaugetheiremotionsandinteractionscarefullyupontheir return:o Immediatere-establishmentandreassertionofyourroleinthe
congregationcanbeexperiencednegativelybycongregants.Perceptionsthatthepastorisinsecure,jealousorneedingtoreassert“authority”arenotuncommon.Othershavebeenleadinginyour absence.Thankthemandgraduallytransitionbacktoyourleadership responsibilities.
o Becarefulnottolookforevidenceofthingsthatdidnotgosmoothlywhileyouwereaway!
o Taketimetoaskaroundconcerningwhathappenedinthelifeofthecongregationwhileyouwereaway
o Itisnotuncommonforyoutofeelyoucan’teasilyre-establishapaceorroutine.
o Transitioningbacktakestime.Giveyourselfspacetoreadjust.o Youmaycomebackfullofideasandenergyaboutthenextsteps,but
rememberthattherestofthechurchhasnotbeenonthejourneyyou justtook,soeasepeopleintoyournewthoughtssothereisasharedvisionandsenseofpartnershipinministry
• Recognizeandthankeveryonewhohelpedmakeyoursabbaticalpossible.• Reportonyoursabbatical.
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ElderBoardSabbaticalPlanningChecklist Pastor’ssabbaticalproposalreceived Proposedperiodofsabbatical: Proposalalignswithelders’sabbaticalpolicy Assignmentofapointperson/liaisonwiththepastorforplanningand
communicationpurposes(toboard,congregationandDistrictCoach) Budgetconsiderations:
• Strategiesforcovering100%ofsalaryduringsabbaticalperiod• Otherconsiderations:
o Tuition/educationo Travelo Honorariumforguestspeakerso Fundingtemporaryorinterimstaff
Communication:
• Assignmentofpointpersonforcontactwithpastorduringthesabbatical• Frequencyofreportsfrompastortopointpersonduringsabbatical• Communicationtocongregationprior,duringandpost-sabbatical• Expectationforlengthofservicerequiredofpastorpost-sabbatical
Accountability:
• Assignmentofpeercohort(SPN)orboardcommittee• Followupmeetingtoreportonsabbaticaloutcomesto
o Boardo Congregationo ToDistrict:
• Summary report provided to District Superintendent on linkbetween the pastors personal development plans and thechurches’ongoingeffectiveness
• Accountabilityduringthesabbatical• Finalreportonsabbaticaloutcomes• Inthecaseofsabbaticalsduetocrisis,ongoingreportstothe
DistrictaspertheinstructionsoftheDistrictSuperintendent. LeadershipContinuity
• Plansinplacetocoverthepastors’leadershipandministryresponsibilitieswhileonsabbatical(seeSabbaticalTransitioningPlan)
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SabbaticalTransitioningPlan
ThisplanningguidecoversBOTHthetransitionoutandthere-entrystrategyforthe pastoronsabbatical
SabbaticalRoleAssignments:
Thecurrentroles&responsibilitiesofthepastorwillbeallocatedtoothersas follows:
Pastors’CurrentRole Primaryresponsibility
duringsabbaticalSecondary
responsibilityduringsabbatical(ifneeded)
Ongoingstrategicinitiatives(ifneeded)
Thefollowingareasofongoingstrategicinitiativearethosewhichthepastorwishesthechurchtocontinuetopursueinhisabsence:
···
Miscellaneousinitiatives(ifneeded):
Generalinitiativesthepastorwishestohavepursuedinhisabsence:
···
CommunicationplantoStaff&Congregation:
• Discussionswithstaffregardingpurposeandsabbaticalresponsibilities• Announcementtocongregation(seesampleCommunicationtoCongregation)
o Purposeofsabbaticalo Dateso Keycomponentsofthetransitionplan
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Re-entryPlanning:
• Weekone–50%loado Nopreaching/teachingresponsibilityo Participateinallstaff/ministry
meetingswithinterimleaderscontinuingtolead
o Meetingswithstaffandlayleadershiptohearupdates. (KEYisto hearonly–nodirectives/advicetobegiven)
o Meetwithboarddesignatetodiscussanyredefinitionofroles/responsibilities
o Reporttotheboardandstaff• Weektwo–75%load
o Prepareforre-engagingwithpreaching/teachinginweekthreeo Allowinterimleaderstocloseouttheirleadershipresponsibilities.
Publiclythankthem.o Meetindividuallywithleaderswhotookonyourrolestothankthem and
receiveanyupdateso Clarifyanyneworredefinedrolesandresponsibilitiesanddiscusswith the
board• Weekthree–100%load
o Communicatewithstaffanychangesinyourrole/responsibilityo Resumepreaching/teachingministry&scheduleo Resumefullworkinghours
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SampleCongregationalLetter#1: (addyourchurchlogo)DateDear________________,
ThispastSundayinchurch,IsharedthattheAdvisoryTeam(AT)hasextendedtomean 8week Sabbatical. The Sabbatical basically means that I will have a time off from myregular dutiesasLeadPastorof___________. ThatSabbaticalwillbetakingplacefrom________________.
Therearetwoprimarypurposestothistimeaway.
Thefirstpurposeispersonal–atimeofrestandrecharging.
In_______Iaminmy______thyearoffull-timeministry,andmy___yearhereat_______Church. Ineedtocatchmybreathandrechargethebatteries. TherecommendationandencouragementforasabbaticalintheWesleyandenominationthatweareapartofisevery7years.
Thesecondpurposeisforthechurch–atimeofrefocus.
Forthechurch,Ineedtobeapastorwholeadswithaclear,bigviewperspectiveofthecurrentseasonandthenextseason, andhowtoleadinboth.Ithinkthiswillinvolvesharpeningmyfocus.Theplanistoconnectwithstrategicreadingandcoachingexperiencestoenhancethequiettimesofreflectionandfocus.Rest,RechargeandRefocus–thosearetheprimarypurposesofthisSabbatical.
Youmaybethinkingaboutallthatthisisgoingtomean–certainlyquestionsaboutwhowillcovermyresponsibilities,teaching,leadingthestaff,etc.TheStaff,AT,andWestMichiganDistricthavebeenprocessingthesedetailsforseveralmonthsandIwanttoassureyouthatwehavedoneourbesttoconsidereverything.I know by the end of _______ I will be longing to be back with you. But I’m alsoanticipatingconnectionwithGod inperhapsthedeepestmeasure Ihaveeverknown.Thanksforjoiningme,theAdvisoryTeamandtheWestMichiganDistrictinprayingforthisSabbaticalexperience.GratefulforyouandallthatGodhascalledustogether,
Pastor__________________
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SamplelettertoCongregation#2(addyourchurchlogo)
Date
DearChurch,
SeveralweeksagoweannouncedthatwearegivingourLeadPastor,_________,athreemonthsabbaticalwhichwillbefrom______through_________________,20____.Aspromised,onbehalfofourLocalBoardofAdministration,Iwantedtofollowuptoprovideaframeworkforthesabbaticalaswellasencouragementtoallofusasthetimeapproaches.
BIBLICALUNDERPINNINGSSabbaticalcomesfromtheimageofSabbath,thecycleofrestfoundinthescriptures.Thereisaweeklyrest(Sabbath),acyclicalrest(througheachofthefeastsoftheyear),ayear-longrest(forthelandeverysevenyears},andayearofjubilee,whereeverythingwasrestoredinIsrael-property,debtscanceled,slavesfreed,andayear-longcelebration(every5Oyears).Restandrenewalaredeeplyentrenchedbiblicalprinciples.JesushimselfwouldoftenstealawaytobewiththeFather,torefreshandrestorehissoul.Inthesameway,wewanttoproviderhythmsofrestandrestorationtoourspiritualleaders.
DENOMINATIONALVALUEAsalocalboardofadministration,wemetforPastor________'sreviewlastsummerwithourdistrictsuperintendent-aprocesswedotogethereveryfouryears-andcollectivelywantedtobetterserveourleadershipteam,byofferingaSabbaticalrestfor_______.WealsowereremindedofourdenominationalvaluewhichdesiresforeachlocalchurchtoprovideaSabbaticalresteverysevenyearsforthepastoralleadership.__________hasbeenherefor____yearsandwefeelabitremissthatthishasnothappenedsooner.Weprayedandconcludedtogetherthatitwasagoodtimetodoitnowandwereexcitedtolethimknowthis.WHATWILLTHISBELIKEFORUS?AsPastor_____stepsoutforthe________monthSabbaticalin_______,ourleadershipteamwillstepintofulfillhisroleinmanyways.Theyarecapableandreadytodothiswell.We,asaBoard,feelverypositiveabouttheleadershipteam'splanningandpreparationforthistime.Theteachingteam,supplementedwithafewguests,willcontinuetoteachonSundayswithout_____,inordertoassistandencourageourgrowth.Theleadershipandadministrativeresponsibilities______carrieswillbedelegatedtotheleadershipteam(___________atthepointleadership,______and________).TheLocalBoardwillcontinueinourroleaseldersalongsideofthestaffleadershipteam.WeareveryconfidentintheleadershipteamtheLordhasraiseduphereat___________Church,andexcitedforthisseasonahead!
WHEREWILL____________BEANDWHATWILLHEBEDOING?__________hasanchoredeventsplannedeachmonthaspartoftheSabbatical.In________he/shewillhaveaweekatamonasteryforasilentretreatandreflectiontobeginhistimeaway.Heandhisfamilywillalsohaveaweekawaytogether-awaytocelebratetogethertheyearstheyhavecollectivelyservedwithhimonourbehalf.Heand______willhaveatripplannedthatwillencompasstimevisiting
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severalchurchesandsurroundedbysometimetogetherforrestandinvestmentintheirmarriage.Theremainderofhistimewillbeforrestandspiritualrenewal.Hewillnotbepresentatthechurchduringthethreemonthperiodandwilldisconnectfromphone,emailandsocialmediaduringthattimeaswell.Hewillreturnthebeginningof_______tohisdutieshere,butwithagradualengagementoverthefirstmonth-there-entryisveryimportanttohelpsolidifythelearningsandbenefitsoftheSabbatical.
OURLEARNINGTOOWeallhavearoleinthelearningprocesswhileheisaway.Ourleadershipteamwilllearnandgrowduringthistimeastheytakeonnewrolesandresponsibilitiesthatwillassistusnotonlynow,butgoingforward.Manyofyoucanalsoengageintheinteriminwaysthatwillmoveyouforwardinpersonalgrowthandinservicetoo.Pleaseaskyourministryleadershowyoucanhelpinthemonthsahead!Also,Godwantstodoaworkineachofusduringthistime.While______isgonepleaseprayforhim;growalongsideofhimandwithusasateam.Godisgoingtodosomethinginallofus-evenwhileapart-thatwillworkbeautifullyaswecomebacktogether.Bepartofthatwork.
OURFOCUSINTHECOMINGSEASONAsthenewministryyearapproaches,wehavetwomajorinitiativeswebelieveGodiscallingusto,inordertoliveoutourmissiontoberadicallyloving,andgrowingtogetherinChrist.
1.Wemustreachtheunchurchedandde-churchedinourarea.Thereareover20,000peopleintheTri-Citiesareaandanother3000inCoopersvillewhodonotattendchurchorknowtheloveof
Jesus.Wehaveagreatredemptivepotentialandthesummerisakeytimetorampupourfocustoreachoutinthecomingyear.
2.WewanttobecomemorelikeJesus,andbelievethiscanbesummedupinoneword.TheloveofJesusisdisplayedinoneword,generosity.GodsolovedtheworldthatHEGAVEHisonlyson...Jesus,tosaveus.AsthefallapproacheswewillbeworkingtoprepareateachingseriesandservingopportunitiesthatwillhelpustogrowinthelikenessofJesusthroughbecominggenerouspeople.Joinusinengaginginthemissiongodhasforus,together!
Thankyouforyoursupport,encouragement,andengagementinthisprocessaswehonorourLeadPastorthroughthisgiftoftime,restandrenewal.Thankyoutooforyourprayersandongoingministryhereat________________________Church!Thebestisyettocome.
___________________
LBAViceChair
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SampleCongregationalLetter#3(addyourchurchlogo)DateDear______________ChurchFamily,_____________Churchrecentlycelebrated_____years(date)inexistence!Aswecelebrated____yearsthe_________family(namesofPastor’sfamily)havecompleted____yearsaschurchplanters/founders/pastorof_________Church.Forthepast16monthstheDistrictBoard,leadteam,deaconteam,andstaffhavebeenpreparingtoofferasabbaticalleavetoPastor________andhisfamily.Pastor________’ssabbaticalwillcommenceon__________andthe_________’swillreturntoministryon_______(___weeks).WhatisaSabbatical?Itisanextendedtimeawayfromroutineministryforthepurposeofrenewal,retooling,andreceivingafreshvision.Itismeanttoprovideatimeofspecialrenewalforthepastorthatwillbringpersonalnourishmenttohis/hersoul,adeeperrelationshipwiththeLord,familyrenewal,andaclearerunderstandingofGod’svisionforthechurch.Asabbaticalhelpspreventministryburnoutandmaygivethepastorafreshperspectiveforhis/herministry.WhatdoestheBiblesayaboutSabbaticals?
“TheconceptofsabbaticalisdeeplyandindisputablyrootedinScripture.ThetermisderivedfromtheOldTestamentideaof“Sabbath.”TheHebrewwordmeans“rest.”Godcreatedtheworldinsixdaysandrestedontheseventh(Genesis2:1-3).DuringtheHebrewchildren’sexodusfromEgypt,Goddirectedthem(Exodus16:26)togatherthemannadailybuttorestontheseventhday(Sabbath).InnumerousOldTestamentpassages,GodadmonishedhispeopletoworksixdaysbuttodevotetheseventhdaytoGodasadayofrest(Exodus20:9-10,23:12,31:15,34:21,35:2;Leviticus23:3andDeuteronomy5:13).AmongtheIsraelites,GodinstitutedtheSabbathyear(Leviticus25:1-5).Oneveryseventhyear,thechildrenofIsraelweretorefrainfromfarmingthelandandlettheearthrest.BoththeIsraelitesandthelandbenefitedfromtheSabbathrest.
Thesepassagessuggestthatthereisarhythmtolife.Asthepreachersaid,foreverythingthereisaseason(Ecclesiastes3:1).Jesus’ownlifeandministryreflectadeepunderstandingandappreciationfortherhythmsoflife.ThedemandsuponHimweresogreatthathisownministrywaspunctuatedwithtimesofwithdrawalforprayerandspiritualsolitude(Matthew14:23;Mark6:46;Luke5:16,6:12).”(writtenbyTennesseeBaptistConvention)
Whyhavewehavedecidedtograntthissabbatical:
• WearefollowingBiblicalandbestpracticesforlong-termministryhealth• Spiritualrenewalandrechargingforanother7-years!• FurthereducationasPastor______continues______studies
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WhatistheSabbaticalPolicyat____________Church:
“Theroleofapastorisonethatrequirescontinualsharpeningandrenewal,notonlytoacquireadditionalskills,butalsotoenablethemtodealwiththeever-changingnatureofministryinthemodernworld.Overflowgivesasabbaticaltoitsfull-timepastoralstaffafter7yearsofservicetoitsleadershipandcongregationandevery7yearsthereafter.Itshouldnotbeviewedasavacationnorwillthesabbaticalbecountedagainstaccruedvacationtime.”
WhatistheplanduringPastor________________’sabsence?
• WeekendSermons:Greatguestspeakersand________’steachingteam• MinistryLeadership:_________Staffandministryteamdirectors• Operations/Administration:OfficeManagerandOperationsDirector• CongregationalCare:Pastoralteam(Pastor____,Pastor_____,andPastor________)• StrategicLeadership:LeadteamandDeacons
Whatisyourroleduringthissabbatical?
• Pray,encourage,andsupportPastor________andhisfamily• Prayandstep-upatthechurchsothechurchisstrengthenedduringthistime:
o Attendregularlyandinviteotherso Givefaithfullyandgenerouslyo Volunteerandserveconsistently
• Respecttheboundarieswiththe____________’s.o Theywillbetravelingquiteabit,butalsowillnothaveaccesstoPastor
___________’sphone,email,orsocialmedia.ExpecttoseewordsofinspirationandencouragementfromPastor__________viahisblogandsocialmedia,butknowthatitisallbeingpreparedaheadoftime.Theyarenottoengageinany“ministryorwork”talkduringtheirsabbatical.
Sincerely,_________ChurchLeadTeam
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SampleCongregationalLetter#3(addyourchurchlogo) DateDearChurchFamily,It’sexcitingtimes!TheWellwillbecelebratingourthirdyearofexistencethiscomingFall!Godhasdoneandisdoinganamazingworkinourmidst.AswepreparetocelebrateandsurgeforwardthiscomingFall,EmilyandIarepreparingtoenterintoaphasewearecalling“soul-rest.”Overthepastfewyears,wehavebeenworkingdiligentlyandtheLordhasbeenblessing.LastFall,theDistrictBoardofAdministration,TheWell’sDiscernmentTeam,andMinistryLeadershipTeamhavebeenpreparingtoofferusa30daysabbaticalleaveduringthemonthofJuly.TheWestMichiganDistrictoftheWesleyanChurchencouragessabbaticals,knowingthatit’sthesetypesofrestingperiodsthatproducelongtermfruit.Justlikeyouhavetoletthesoilrestbeforeyouplantcropsagain,it’sthesameforpastors.Thisparticularsabbaticalisontheshortside,sowearecallingitaminisabbatical.Thetypicalsabbaticalexperienceisthreetofourmonths.However,wefeltlike30dayswassuitableforthistimeandourstageofdevelopment.Ihaveneverhadasabbaticalinmy15yearsofministry,soIamlookingforwardtoadeepworkthattheLordwantstodoinmylife.Thereisacertainhardshipthatcomeswithplantingthatisdifficulttoexplain,butitisverydifferentfromtypicalpastorateroles.Plantingisrewardingandexhilarating,butitalsotakesalotoutofyou.Wehopethismini-sabbaticalwillfillusbackupsowecanbestrongerandevenmoreeffectivepastorsinthefuture.Mydesireinthisletteristoprepyouallwithalittlebitofinformationandcontextforwhatisunfolding:WhatisaSabbatical?Itisanextendedtimeawayfromroutineministryforthepurposeofretooling,andreceivingafreshvision.Itismeanttoprovideatimeofspecialrenewalforthepastorthatwillbringpersonalnourishmenttohis/hersoul,adeeperrelationshipwiththeLord,familyrefreshmentandfocusandaclearerunderstandingofGod’svisionforthechurch.Asabbaticalhelpspreventministryburnoutandmaygivethepastorafreshperspectiveforhis/herministry.WhatdoestheBiblesayaboutSabbaticals?“TheconceptofsabbaticalisdeeplyrootedinScripture.ThetermisderivedfromtheOldTestamentideaof“Sabbath.”TheHebrewwordmeans“rest.”Godcreatedtheworldinsixdaysandrestedontheseventh(Genesis2:1-3).DuringtheHebrewchildren’sexodusfromEgypt,Goddirectedthem(Exodus16:26)togatherthemannadailybuttorestontheseventhday(Sabbath).InnumerousOldTestamentpassages,GodadmonishedhispeopletoworksixdaysbuttodevotetheseventhdaytoGodasadayofrest(Exodus20:9-10,23:12,31:15,34:21,35:2;Leviticus23:3andDeuteronomy5:13).AmongtheIsraelites,GodinstitutedtheSabbathyear(Leviticus25:1-5).Oneveryseventhyear,thechildrenofIsraelweretorefrainfromfarmingthelandandlettheearthrest.BoththeIsraelitesandthelandbenefitedfromtheSabbathrest.Thesepassagessuggestthatthereisarhythmtolife.Asthemanofwisdomsaid,“Foreverythingthereisaseason”(Ecclesiastes3:1).Jesus’ownlifeandministryreflectadeepunderstandingandappreciationfortherhythmsoflife.Thedemandsuponhimweresogreatthathisownministrywaspunctuatedwithtimesofwithdrawalforprayerandspiritualsolitude(Matthew14:23;Mark6:46;Luke5:16,6:12).”WhyTheWellhasdecidedtograntthissabbatical:Wearefollowingbiblicalandbestpracticesforlong-termministryhealth
• Spiritualrenewalandrechargingforanotherstrongministryrun![Justsoyouknow,IsensetheLordcallingourfamilytostayplantedatTheWell,andmyroleinthechurchplantingmovementthatweareapartofwillbetocatalyze,coach,andcoordinateotherchurchplantsandchurchplanters.WehopetoseeTheWell(andtheGreenhousePlantingNetwork)becomeahubforchurchmultiplicationefforts).
• TheLovefamilyneedstospendqualityandquantitytimetogetherinordertostayunitedandstrongintheLord.
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WhatistheSabbaticalPolicyoftheWestMichiganDistrictoftheWesleyanChurch?“Theroleofapastorisonethatrequirescontinualsharpeningandrenewal,notonlytoacquireadditionalskills,butalsotoenablethemtodealwiththeever-changingnatureofministryinthemodernworld.TheWMDgrantsasabbaticaltoitsfull-timepastoralstaffafter5yearsofserviceandevery5yearsthereafter.Itshouldnotbeviewedasavacationnorwillthesabbaticalbecountedagainstaccruedvacationtime.”WhatistheplanduringEd’sabsence?
• TheSundayMessage:PastorSteveHubbard,ournextchurchplantingintern/resident,willbejoiningusinJuneandwillbepreparinga5weekJulyteachingseries.IhavebeenworkingwithSteveonthisseriesandwearecallingit“AllIn:AStudyinPhilippians”.ThiswillhelpourbodyconnectwithSteveandTheWellwillbeblessedbyhisparticularfocuswithus.
o Augustsermonseries:IamalreadypreparinganAugustteachingseriescalled“RidiculousFaith:TheStoryofElisha”whichisgoingtobeincredibleaswejourneyintothisOThead-spinningnarrative.
• MinistryLeadership:TheWell’sStaffandministryteamdirectorsareamazingandeveryoneissteppinguptomakethingshappen.
• Operations/Administration:_______willbetheprimarycontactforneedsthatmayariseorquestionsthatneedtobeanswered.Email_________
• CongregationalCare:______________,willserveasourinterimpastor.Ifthereareanyillnesses,hospitalizations,prayerrequests,orspecialneedsthatrequireattentioncontact_______________at:________________
• StrategicLeadershipContacts:o
Whatisyourroleduringthissabbatical?• Pray,encourage,andsupportusandourfamily• Prayandstep-upatthechurchsothechurchisstrengthenedduringthistime:(Thiswillalsogiveusa
senseofpeacethateverythingisokayandgoodwhileweareaway…prettypleasewithsugarontop!J)o Attendregularlyandinviteotherso Givefaithfullyandgenerouslyo Volunteerandserveconsistentlyo Continuetobethechurch
• RespecttheLovefamilyboundaries.o Wewillbetravelingquiteabit,andwillnotbeaccessingphonecalls,email,orsocialmedia.
Obviously,iftherewasacaseofanextremeemergencyortragedy,wewilldropourplansandbetheretosupportthoseinneed.However,asaruleofthumbforus,wewillnotbeengaginginany“ministryrelated/worktalk”duringoursabbatical.Thegoalistohaveacompletebrain-breakandrealignouridentitiesaroundChristandnotourworkeffortsforChrist.
Wearesoverygratefulthatwehaveactuallybeenencouragedtodothis.Weloveourchurchfamilyandfeelsoblessedtobeabletodolifetogetherwithyou.Muchobliged.
Sincerely,PastorEdandEmily
P.S.:PleasecontinuetoprayforTheWell’sPrayerFocus:
• BeingMISSIONARIES(sentones)tothosearoundus• LivingasfaithfulSERVANTS• RelyingontheLord’sSTRENGTH• PracticingirrationalGENEROSITY
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SABBATICALFREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
GlossaryofTermsTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch:ThisbodyoftextisthegoverningguidebookforWesleyanChurchesacrossNorth
America.Guidanceandproceduresforgovernancearedocumentedinthisauthoritativetext,forthepurposesofpreservingtheoperationalintegrityofWesleyanChurches,aswellasprotectthelocalchurchfromundueriskandcorruption.Theguidebookhasbeenprayerfullycraftedthroughdecadesofspiritualdiscernment,andalignswithbestpracticesofhealthyorganizationsandchurches.AllWesleyanChurchessubscribetothepoliciesandproceduresofTheDiscipline.
LeadPastor:Commonlyreferredtoas“SeniorPastor”aswell,theLeadPastorpositionistheorganizationalleaderresponsibleforthespiritualgrowthandhealthofthelocalchurch.Inourcontext,Pastor________waselectedbythecongregationof______________ChurchtoserveasLeadPastoron______________.(ifApplicable)LeadTeam:Awellestablishedteamofdepartmentalleaders,onstaff,whohavepartneredwiththeLeadPastor(________)inoperationalizingthe_________yearstrategicplan.ThisteamprovidesleadershiptotheAdministrationof_____________Church.LBA:Anacronymthatstandsfor“LocalBoardofAdministration.”Commonlyknownasthe“BoardofElders”inthelifeof____________Church.This____________personboardconsistsoftheLeadPastor(BoardChair),and______volunteermemberselectedintoserviceattheannualcongregationalmeeting.Asstatedinparagraph750ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch(2012),thelocalboardofadministrationcarriesoutthewillofthelocalchurchconference,servingasthechiefgoverningandcoordinatingbodyofthelocalchurchintheinterimoflocalchurchconferencesessions.Sabbatical:Asabbaticalisaperiodofpaidleave,grantedtoapastor,usuallyaftersevenconsecutiveyearsofservice.Theleaveisdesignedtoaccomplishapurposeandspecificintent.Duringasabbatical(oraspiritualrenewalleave),Pastorsengageinactivitiesandexperiencesthatofferrest,education,andvision-enhancement,astheyseektohearclearlyfromtheLord,andbringanevenbetterversionofthemselvesbacktoservetheircongregation.FAQ’s:Q: I'veneverheardofasabbaticalbefore.WhyisitimportanttotheLBAtooffera sabbaticaltoPastor______________?A: 1)AlignswithWesleyanDenomination'srecommendation(paragraph724ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch) 2)Itisasignificantlearningandenrichingexperiencethatwillgreatlyenhanceour collectiveunderstandingofscriptureandhowtoapplyitinourlives.
3)Pastoralministrycarriesanotherdimensionofweighttoit,andprovidingthisopportunityisaspecialwaytoappreciateandvaluetheLeadPastorrole.
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4)Pastor__________celebrates____consecutiveyearsofpastoralservicein _____________.
5)ThisisanincreasinglycommonbenefitofferedtopastorsasaresultofthewordingfoundinTheDiscipline.
Q: Isthesabbaticalpolicynewto__________Church?A: TheWesleyanDenominationadoptedasabbaticalprovisionpolicyin2004.Whilethe policyhasbeeninplaceatthedenominationallevel,KCChadnotspecificallyalignedits policieswiththisuntilnow.TheLBAperformedextensiveresearchonthispracticeand formulatedtheLeadPastorSabbaticalPolicy.Q: HowlongwillPastor___________begone?A: Pastor__________willbetakinga____weeksabbaticalbeginning___________.Q: WhowillcoverforLeadPastorwhileheisaway?A: Consistentwithnormalpractice,TheLeadTeamandstaffwillcontinuetomanageday- to-dayoperations.Specifically,theLeadTeam(withLBAgovernanceasneeded)will addressissuesthatwouldnormallybehandledbytheLeadPastor.Ifneeded,thereisa processinplaceforemergencymattersthatmayrequirecontactingtheLeadPastor.Q: Howwillweknowthesabbaticalwaseffectiveinmeetingitsstatedpurpose?A: 1)TheLBAcarefullyreviewedandapprovedtheLeadPastor’sitineraryandplan, throughthecriteriaofRest,Education,andVision. 2)TheLeadPastorwillsharekeylearningsfromthisexperienceduringatimeoftelling, withtheentirecongregation.Q: Arepastors,whoarenotLeadPastors,eligibleforsabbaticals?A: TheLBAfeelsstronglythataligning___________Church'spolicywiththeWesleyan Denomination'sencouragementtoprovidesabbaticalforpastorsisimportant.Forthis reason,apastoralstaffsabbaticalpolicyisnowinplaceforstaffpastorswhoare eligible.Q: WhoisgoingtobespeakingwhiletheLeadPastorisaway?A: Theworshipartsministry,inconjunctionwiththeleadteam(withapprovalfromthe LBA),haveplannedanincrediblelineupofguestpastorsandspeakersthissummer. Planforanamazing______weeksfilledwithsermons.Q: Howisthesabbaticalfunded?A: _____________________Cwillpayforthesabbaticalexpenses,whichhavebeenpre- approvedbytheLBA.Theexpensesareincludedaspartoftheoperatingbudget.As statedinparagraph724ofTheDisciplineofTheWesleyanChurch(2012),eachchurchis encouragedtoprovideasabbaticalleaveforitspastor(s)atleasteverysevenyearsof service.Aftersurveyingseverallike-sizedchurches,andseekingcounselof __________Church’sDistrictSuperintendent,theLBAhasdeterminedmoving forwardtoincludethisasabudgetedlineitem.
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Q: WhereisLeadPastor______________going?A: _________________hasplannedseveralspirituallyreflectiveexperiences,educational trips,andalsotimeforR&R.Uponhisreturn,hewillbesharingsomeofthehighlights fromhissabbatical,includinganywordGodrevealedtohimwhileaway.Q: Pastor___________recentlynotedhefeelswearepickingupmomentumand alignmentinstaff.DoeshisabsenceconcerntheLBA,asariskoflossofmomentum?A: No.TheLBAisnotconcernedaboutariskoflossofmomentumasaresultofthetiming ofthesabbatical.Partofthediscernmentprocessincluded___________confirming thatnowisthetimeforhimtotakeasabbatical.___________hasdoneagreatjob guidingtheLeadershipTeamat__________Church,inourvision.TheTeamwill collectivelyleadandguidethechurchin_______________’sabsence.Q: I'dliketodiscussthisdecisionwithaLBAmember.WhoshouldItalkwith?A: TheLocalBoardofAdministrationwelcomesyourquestionsanddialogue.Please contact___________at______________(email)or___________(phone#)willdirect yourquestions/commentstotheappropriateperson.
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Resources
ResourcesØ http://www.cpx.cts.edu/renewal
LillyEndowmentClergyRenewalPrograms:grantingqualifyingchurcheswithgrantstosupportapastor’srenewal.
Websites(articles)
Ø http://www.lifeway.com/Article/pastor-ministry-guidelines-successful-sabbatical-vacation
Ø http://thomrainer.com/2014/02/five-reasons-your-pastor-should-take-a-sabbatical/Ø http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/152163-
martin_sanders_and_warren_bird_what_pastors_wish_they_knew_before_their_sabbatical.html
Ø http://dallaswillardcenter.com/Ø http://www.transformingcenter.org/in/about/ruth-bio.shtml#.Vx-ClfkrKCgØ http://embracingrace.com/category/every-pastor-needs-a-sabbatical/(forthePastor’s
wife)
ConferencesØ https://renovare.org/events
RenovaréEvents:SpiritualFormationRetreatsCoaches
Ø www.pastorserve.orgCoach:Email:[email protected](PeterYoshonisrecommended&used
summer2015)Books
Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Resistance-Saying-Culture-Now/dp/0664239285Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-City-Sustaining-Pastoral-
Excellence/dp/066423349X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444340597&sr=1-1&keywords=sabbath+in+the+city
Ø http://www.amazon.com/The-Emotionally-Healthy-Leader-Transforming/dp/0310494575
Ø http://www.amazon.com/Sabbatical-Primer-Pastors-Initiate-Spiritual/dp/1495255166/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461681942&sr=1-2&keywords=sabbatical+planningrecommendedbyPastorPeterYoshonis