Greetings Fellow Traveler!

A Word of Encouragement

Greetings 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 Sabbatical

What 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.

• It is one of the greatest tools a missionary has towards the aim of longevity
• It's a safeguard against the cult of personality
• It's the greatest tool a church has towards longevity
  • Make Sabbatical a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Ministry’s Culture

Why Take a Sabbatical?

It's good for you. It's good for the church

How to Communicate with Donors

• All career employees employed by Reliant at least 7 years
• Have not already taken a sabbatical within the past 7 years
• Employed 20+ hours/week for the majority of their Reliant employment

Typical Phases of a Sabbatical

These are just “typical” it’s okay if your sabbatical doesn’t follow this.

Scaffolding for your Sabbatical

Sabbatical Coach / Advisor

• They do this

• How do I select an coach or advisor?
• And this!

• And this!

Sabbatical Rhythms

• Daily Rhythms
• Weekly Rhythms
• Monthly Rhythms

Optional Sabbatical Support Group

• They do this
• How do I select a support group?
• And this!
• And this!

What is Reimbursable?

• Reasonable expenses for travel, meals, and lodging for the employee to participate in activities in which the intent is for training, mentoring, intense study, meditation, and reflection or similar purposes
• Meal per diem can be given for significant time away from the home. See Per Diem - U.S. for further details
• Spousal and family travel, meals or lodging expenses must be deemed reasonable and necessary and are taxable if approved
• Books, conferences, study courses (Reliant Education Reimbursement Program may apply)
• Reliant sabbatical approval is required before any expenses can be reimbursed

Resources

Books and Articles

• Planning Sabbaticals 
  • by Robert C. Saler
• Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide To Sabbatical Planning 
  • by Richard Bullock & Richard J. Bruesehoff 
• Confessions of a Former Sabbath Breaker
  • by Eugene Peterson

Sample Away Messages for your Email Inboxes

It is good to have an away message during this season.

Retreat Centers & Programs

We 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.

Credits

Many thanks to the following people:

• Bill at Navigators for sharing their Sabbatical Handbook, whoch provided much inspiration and guidance for our words above. 
• Gaia Stanley at New Life Church for her wisdom and insights on how to sabbatical well.
• Eugene Peterson for advocating for pastoral balance and rest during his time on earth.

Questions?