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Greetings Fellow Traveler!A Word of EncouragementGreetings fellow traveler and welcome to the "Sabbatical Handholds" Solomon page. If you're here, you are most likely considering or requesting a sabbatical. Our hope with this document is that we could provide some "handholds" for you as you begin the process of dreaming and discerning with the Lord what your sabbatical season should be like. As you read, please keep this important thing in mind: no two sabbaticals will look exactly alike, so feel freedom to renew in your own way! During a sabbatical your "role is to rest" and as long as your accomplishing that goal you will find some modicum of success! Below you will find a collection of tips and suggestions which we hope will help you as you plan. Proverbs 16:9 tells us "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." During the planning and execution of your sabbatical, keep this verse in mind and be willing to surrender your plans to the Lord as He establishes you during this time of renewal and recovery. We hope and pray you sense the Lord and His Spirit during this process and we ask Jesus to guide you as you plan. God bless! I've Been Asked to be a Sabbatical Advisor/Coach?First off, thank you for considering or agreeing to be a sabbatical advisor to our staff. As you can imagine, a sabbatical is a unique and powerful opportunity to hear from God. However, potential “downsides” do exist – people have experienced discouragement, loneliness, isolation, and loss of perspective. A significant part of the solution to avoid these pitfalls is a spiritual friend, and that's one of the most succinct ways to describe a sabbatical advisor. The sabbatical advisor doesn’t do much teaching or directing, rather they take the initiative to come alongside and listen, clarify, suggest, and possibly protect. A sabbatical advisor shepherds the staff through the sabbatical process, helping them achieve their God-directed goals. The content below could be helpful for you to read, so you have a sense of what our staff will be walking through. If any questions come up along the way, please don't hesitate to reach out to our liaisons below. Overview of a SabbaticalWhat is a Sabbatical?A sabbatical is an extended time of spiritual rest, renewal, rejuvenation, reflection and refocus. It is not a vacation or Paid Time Off (PTO), nor is it only continuing education. It is a guided process where one deliberately trusts God for the outcome as they disengage from normal ministry responsibilities and leadership involvement for study, rest, renewal and evaluation of life and ministry. This can include reading books, attending seminars, studying, writing, prayer, etc. A sabbatical has an intended purpose and plan at the outset. This plan and purpose should be agreed upon between the local church leadership or ministry and the employee. At the conclusion of the sabbatical, individuals will be expected to give an account of their sabbatical time to both their local ministry leadership and to Reliant. Why Offer Sabbaticals?Sabbaticals are an important part of the life and career of a healthy pastor or ministry worker. Having a suitable sabbatical plan can help contribute to field staff being refreshed and refocused. It can also help field staff remain in the field long-term, giving them time for refreshment and reflection regarding their ministry path.
Why Take a Sabbatical?
It's good for you. It's good for the church How to Communicate with Donors
Typical Phases of a SabbaticalThese are just “typical” it’s okay if your sabbatical doesn’t follow this.
Scaffolding for your SabbaticalSabbatical Coach / Advisor
Sabbatical Rhythms
Optional Sabbatical Support Group
What is Reimbursable?
ResourcesBooks and Articles
Sample Away Messages for your Email InboxesIt is good to have an away message during this season.
Retreat Centers & ProgramsWe do not currently offer any official recommendations for retreat centers or programs. If you're curious about these options, please reach out to people within your network or movement that have take sabbaticals and see if they have any suggestions or recommendations. CreditsMany thanks to the following people:
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