Intentional focus on the well-being and resiliency of ministry leaders.

First things first…

Do I really need a Sabbatical?

According to research by the Barna Group, “pastors share that they’re doing worse now [2022] than in 2015. Meanwhile, their loneliness and isolation, mental and emotional exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy in their role are trending higher.” Barna’s research on resiliency helped define sabbath rest and sabbatical as noted by Resilient Pastor faculty member Sharon Hodde Miller, “Sabbaticals are not about vacation,” she notes, “but about counter-formation and all the ways that our culture is malforming us in a way that undermines the image of God and Christ in us. Practicing Sabbath, taking sabbaticals, is one way that we push back against that malformation” (see Article).

Corporate America and the business sectors of commerce are now recognizing the value of sabbaticals among roles of management and leadership. According to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, “Burnout, meaningless work, and stalled careers continue to contribute to a historic number of workers quitting (or quiet quitting). How can these people craft work that is truly better? Our research suggests that one answer is to take a sabbatical — an extended break from your job lasting long enough for you to truly distance yourself from your normal work life.” (see Article). This, from a secular standpoint, acknowledges the value of sabbath rest via sabbatical!

Writing specifically to decision-makers of churches, the placement agency Vanderbloemen notes: “Offering a sabbatical plan as part of your benefits policy will help ensure pastors avoid burnout and help them refocus on their personal calling and the church’s mission by taking a step back to gain perspective… caring for and protecting your pastor and your church’s long-term health. Considering a sabbatical plan can save you from experiencing the detrimental effects of pastoral burnout.” (see Article).

How do I “do” a Sabbatical?

The primary purpose of sabbatical is soul rest and renewal. How do you do that? It’s individual and specialized to how you are wired. Are you an adventurer? Love travel? Include those in your sabbatical plans. Are you an introvert and enjoy being caught up in a book? Plan to read from genres you typically would not. What feeds your soul? Spending time with family? Plan it! Camping by yourself? Plan it! What a sabbatical looks like is up to you.

Reclaim Leadership suggests ministry leaders take an 8-week sabbatical focused on the four traits of resiliency. This includes attention to issues of:

Forgiveness

Gratitude

Hope

Optimism

With the purpose of a sabbatical to pull back from clamoring attentions and responsibilities (work), and to re-frame present context, recalibrate personal well-being, and reignite a passion for future ministry, Reclaim Leadership provides:

• One coaching session the week before the sabbatical to clarify expectations and process (resiliency assignments)

• A well-being call in week 2

• One full-day Recalibration Retreat at the 4-week mark.

• A well-being call in week 6

• A final coaching session at the beginning of the last week of sabbatical to help prepare for re-entry.

If you would like the benefit of a Reclaim Leadership Sabbatical Coach, just let us know by clicking the button below.