Sabbatical: Now That It Is Over

This past spring I was given the gift of a 3 month sabbatical from ministry responsibilities and concerns from Heartland Fellowship.  This time has created a context for me to experience a measure of inner renewal and mental focus.

I’ve been in pastoral ministry for 18 years and I realize that at the age of 47 I am half way (if I retire at age 65).  The Lord willing, I have another 18 years in pastoral ministry.

This sabbatical has been about preparing myself to enter into the next 18 years.  I want to be focused and principled but also emotionally and spiritually healthier – to pay attention to not only my mind but also my heart and soul.  I want to be prepared to grow into each new phase of life and understand what an effective pastor is when he is 47, 55, and 65.  I hope to mature and understand what I have to offer the Kingdom of God in the next 18 years.  I am in it for the long haul.

There is widespread concern over the longevity of pastors these days.  Our denomination recently had this on it’s web site:

“There is increasing discussion in churches about the value of sabbaticals for pastors—and for good reason. The pastoral vocation seems to be more demanding than ever.  

Years ago, pastors’ duties were simpler and more focused. Today, pastors are expected not only to preach the Word, visit their congregants, and teach some catechism classes but to lead dynamic churches, sustain creative evangelism programs, excel in administrative skills, plan meaningful worship, possibly manage multiple staff positions, and more.   Pastors are expected to accomplish all of this during their normal work week—a week that can be 60-plus hours long. James O. Davis, president of Global Pastors Network, has stated that: 

•  1,600 pastors in US churches quit or resign from their jobs every month
•  nearly 20 percent of pastors suffer stress or burnout
•  50 percent of pastors become divorced 

A sabbatical is a change or a break from the normal routine. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, relax, recharge, and renew. Here are some opportunities to do just that."

Wow, 1600 pastors a month leaving the ministry.  I don’t only want to survive for the next 18 years but I hope they will be the most fruitful and joy filled time of my life.

I recognize that much of life is about patterns and routines.  I am learning to insert the type of disciplines into my everyday routine that will nurture my soul/spirit and provide increasing measures of emotional and spiritual health.

I’m also thankful for the extra time I could spend with my family.  Each of my kids have gone through significant events (car accident, death of a friend, recovery from surgery etc.) and transitions during this time.  I am thankful that I could have the undivided time with them.

So, I am thankful for the release from ministry this past 3 months and I am eager to step forward and enter the next 18 years. Let's go!