Good morning all. I used to blog somewhat regularly but that was prior to the social media craze. I admit, I bought in to social media somewhat. I post pretty often via FaceBook and not so much on Instagram and even less on X, but I definitely don’t get consumed with that being life and more important than truly important things. What does it mean to have a time of sabbatical? Is it just for rest? Is it because of burnout? Does one need to take ministry course? What is the purpose of a lengthy sabbatical? In my case, a 90 day sabbatical. I hope to use this blog to help other ministers, churches, and religious organizations in understanding the purpose of a pastoral sabbatical.
I have zero sabbatical experience. in over 25 years of full-time pastoral ministry, this is my very first sabbatical. To say this is new territory for me is an understatement. Even reading through the personal policy handbook, there isn’t a mandate of what I should be doing. So, as I blog through this each day, I will try and establish what I think is a healthy time of sabbatical. Today, as I write, I have a load of towels in the washer and a load of towels in the dryer. I still need to be useful for my family during this time!
So, what does day one look like? Coffee with my wife at 6 am, but that’s most days, and sometimes even earlier. I will be reading Soul on Fire, a book by John O’Leary who had 100% of his body burned in a house fire when he was 9 years old. I will place some key pieces of encouragement through this sabbatical blog as I read it. During day 2, I will recap what Day 1 of a 90 day sabbatical looks like. Until tomorrow, may the Lord give you His blessings and wisdom to make through another day!
In the Light, Larry Floyd, 1 John 1:7
In The Light, 1 John 1:7 