PASTORAL THEOLOGY : THE PASTOR'S SABBATICAL

Even the best pastors can become stale or discouraged in their calling.  

Why?

Physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue is experienced by every pastor following a prolonged period of ministry. 

The work of pastor-preacher, if done faithfully, can be one of the most taxing jobs in the world.  Vocational pastors  long for some time-out, for some change in routine, for  space to think, grow and re-adjust and to get out of the rut.  

• It demands having many skills, and very often pastors feel underequipped and therefore stretched in body and soul. He longs to be better equipped in this or that area. For this he needs some time-out.  
• Pastoral work is emotionally taxing. Being involved in the lives of so many people (not just the congregation) is both exhilarating and draining. He longs for rest.
• The work is both, endless routine (that sermon is coming!) and yet so variable (who can predict funerals, illnesses, or member crises?). He longs for a break from this year- in, year- out  routine.
• Pastoral  work can affect  family dynamics. The pastor is often emotionally absent from his family.  He needs  time to catch up with them.  
• Since a pastor serves in the spiritual frontlines, the attack of the devil is relentless. Every soldier needs time for recuperation.

Congregations need to be aware of this and make provision before fatigue overtakes the pastor.  My personal observation  in this regard is that too many pastors feel called to another work, not because they  think their work  here is finished, but because they themselves are finished. A good rest can cure  the temptation to move on. 

Congregations need to keep in mind that the pastor needs time for reflection, personal growth and rest.

Some congregations understand that their pastor has writing gifts, and needs time away for the purpose of writing. Understanding the pastor's skill-sets and need for development is important.  

One way to care for the pastor is by offering a planned and regular sabbatical, apart from his regular leave.  

A pastor ideally should have a 2-month sabbatical after every five years of service. This excludes his annual leave.  

This obviously needs careful  planning. 

1. The congregation needs to be prepared for this. 

The work  does not cease when the pastor  has a sabbatical.  The preaching schedule, the copious administrative work needs to be delegated. The go-to-people in various capacities  need to be  announced. Emergency  visitation  and crisis situations  need  to be delegated  among the elders. The preaching, counselling, funerals, and all the other regular duties  must be  delegated to competent men. The timing of the sabbatical should ideally coincide  with  the least disruptions  for the church.

The congregation  that cares for their pastor  ultimately cares for herself. 

2. The pastor needs to be prepared for this.  

The purpose of the sabbatical will be meaningless if  he is interrupted to care for the flock. The pastor needs to plan well in advance what he will be doing on the sabbatical, otherwise the precious time away can be wasted. The pastor needs to share his plans with the congregation so  that they can pray for a fruitful sabbatical. The pastor will  not be the only one to benefit from his sabbatical, but the congregation should too! If the pastor does not leave town, both pastor and church should have some understandings about interactions.  If a pastor  is frequently called upon at this time  this can easily slide into a resumption of duties.

The many  benefits of a Sabbatical

• For the purpose of continuing education
• For spiritual development and spiritual renewal
• Revitalization of the body, mind, and soul
• Renewed commitment to the church
• Enhanced ministry performance and new zeal for ministry 
•  A renewed  sense of God’s calling 

  Sabbatical Activities 

• Teaching elsewhere & visiting other churches  for the purpose of learning from others. 
•  Missionary outreach
•  Writing or working on a special  project or continued education 
• Personal refreshment and revitalisation and recovery from stressful ministry  situations.
•         Catching up with family members after intense periods of ministry.