How to Have a Successful Sabbatical: Timing, Structure, and Flow
Planning a pastoral sabbatical? Here’s your go-to guide, packed with wisdom gleaned from seasoned practitioners and personal insights from my recent transformative three-month renewal. Whether you’re seeking rest, clarity, or a deeper connection with your calling, these practical tips will help you make the most of this sacred time away. Confession: I hesitated in writing […]
Sabbaticals: An Exploration on the What, Why, and How of Pastoral Sabbaticals
When I mentioned the idea of taking an extended sabbatical to our elder chairman, a man of proven character and wisdom, he hesitantly said, “Huh, okay . . . I guess I’ll need to hear more about that. I come from a tradition where we . . . well . . . work.” I smile […]
Pastoral Burnout: Getting Below the Surface
Author’s note: This is my second article dealing with pastoral burnout. Recent Barna research revealed that 33% of ministers had given serious thought to quitting. My own research for a graduate studies project showed 63% of those surveyed had given or were giving serious thought to quitting the ministry. In the first article, I wrote […]
Sabbath Won’t Just Happen
It feels impossible to find time to meet. Check your calendar for openings, notify me of availability, and see what might look good in the next few weeks. Six months later we are in the same place. Sync schedules, pivot to Google Calendars, and submit a Doodle poll. Nothing. Our calendars have less empty space […]
