If you read just one article, make it this one: Give ‘Em a Break
Are you spiritually depleted? ***Best
Denise George
“A pastor’s work is ‘others-oriented.’ He constantly gives his time, energy, advice, ears, and heart to those who need him. Sometimes a pastor’s spiritual ‘well’ runs dry. He has nothing left to give. Pastors must ‘go back to the well’ and refill their spiritual ‘pitchers’ often to avoid spiritual dryness. They must spend time in prayer
and God’s Word to keep their spirit renewed and replenished.”
Has ministry taken its toll on you?
Denise George
“One recent study shows that 45.5 percent of pastors say they’ve actually had to take a leave of absence from their ministries because of depression or extreme burnout.”
Give ‘Em a Break ***Best
Ron Benson
“The idea is to bless your leader with an opportunity to
reconnect with God, his family, and himself in a meaningful way.”
Why
You Should Give Your Pastor a Sabbatical
Bruce Dyer
“Clergy often feel trapped living a life where they are constantly overextended, fearful that they are not going to make it, often opting either to leave a church early or to retire from ministry altogether. Compassion fatigue sets in: one’s body, spiritual life and family take constant hits in pastoral ministry.”
Pastor Sabbatical ***Best
MyPastor.com
“Intense stress needs more than a week or two to break away from. It will take your pastor a month just to unwind from the stresses of every day ministry.”
Five
Guidelines for a Successful Sabbatical
Charles Dickson
“Churches are beginning to realize how important it is for congregations to set aside time and funds to allow their ministers extended rest and study… It is one of the most effective ways for clergy and congregation to develop and maintain a long-term relationship.”
Time
Well Wasted
John Ortberg
“Solitude is essentially a discipline of abstinence… I get away from all the voices and demands of my life and find out about what my little life is like when all the distractions are removed… The primary thing to remember about solitude is just don’t do anything.”
Reformed Church in America
“Sabbaticals for pastors are highly recommended in order to renew the calling and creativity of our spiritual leaders. Such sabbaticals should include intentional times for reflection, rekindling the spirit, and deepening spiritual life and family relationships.”
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
“Sabbatical leave should be an ongoing intentional part of a congregation’s ministry, not a reaction to a crisis.”
What Others Have Learned About Sabbaticals
A collection of wisdom and advice from recipients of grants in the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs
