As we are approaching a Pastoral Sabbatical at Redemption Church, we wanted to take some time to discuss what a Pastoral Sabbatical is, the purpose of this Pastoral Sabbatical for our church and our pastor, and answer some questions you may have. 

This article is the second of three blogs which we hope will offer clarity and build excitement as we prepare for this season of rest and renewal as a church family.

Part 2: The Purpose of A Pastoral Sabbatical for our Pastor and for our Church

Purpose for our Pastor:

This Pastoral Sabbatical is an intentional time where Pastor Daniel and his family will leave their normal roles in the church to simply be together and hear from the Lord for 3 months. A Pastoral Sabbatical is not an extended vacation, but rather a time to rest from the unique requirements and responsibilities that come with pastoring and shepherding at Redemption Church and renewed and encouraged in the Lord. 

This pastoral sabbatical will provide time to rest from 8 years of pastoral ministry at Redemption Church and allow Pastor Daniel to take a break from the usual routine of sermon preparation and preaching, meetings, counseling, administration of day-to day church affairs, and the daily shepherding of people. 

Specifically, it will be time for the following:

1. A complete break from ministry at Redemption Church

2. Rest, reflection, evaluation and travel

3. Quality time with family

4. Getting recharged by quality time in God’s Word and other reading

5. Renewed vision for Redemption Church

Purpose for our Church:

A sabbatical means a season without our pastor and his family here to lead, guide, teach, counsel, labor, or listen. This may sound scary or even impossible, but a season of sabbatical actually provides unique opportunities to see how Jesus Himself is the Head over the Church and to see each member use their time and gifts in ways they perhaps had not before. There will be needs to be met, and the members of the church will be the ones to see how to go about meeting them. There will be another pastor (Pastor Robin) teaching weekly services and carrying pastoral responsibilities throughout the sabbatical. This will be a time to hear from Jesus through another voice as Pastor Robin hears from the Holy Spirit and shares with the church each week. 

Specifically,  this pastoral sabbatical will be a blessing to the church in the following ways:

1. Greater involvement and growth as more members serve together

2. Awareness of the Holy Spirit’s leading and provision for the church

3. Opportunities to hear from another teacher as God speaks to him

4. Better understanding of and appreciation for the various responsibilities usually carried by the pastor and his family

As we prepare to enter this season of sabbatical this summer, please pray that God uses this time to encourage and renew us as a church as well as for Pastor Daniel and his family. We are looking forward to seeing all the things we are able to learn and experience through this time of pastoral sabbatical at Redemption Church.

***Portions of this article taken from “A Sabbatical Primer for Churches” by David C. Alves and Marcy Devers Alves