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?
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. - 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?“The sabbatical is going really well – amazing, really. Feeling so much more vibrant, alive, connected, rested, reflective and healthy. It’s been so good for my parenting, my marriage and my heart, mind, and body!” |
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 SabbaticalThese are just “typical” it’s okay if your sabbatical doesn’t follow this. | Phase | Timeframe | Description |
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| Phase 1: Preparing to Off-Ramp | 5-6 months before sabbatical begins | - Release & Relinquish
- If married, have a 1 on 1 with your spouse to talk through the sabbatical
| Phase 2: Rest & Recovery | 3 months |
| Phase 3: Reflect & Refocus | 4 months |
| Phase 4: Preparing to On-Ramp | 6 months |
| Phase 5: Re-Entry or Exiting |
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Scaffolding for your SabbaticalSabbatical Coach / AdvisorThey 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?It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with the Reimbursements Coordinator at reimbursements@reliant.org before making any major purchases and plans to ensure the costs will be eligible for reimbursement. |
- 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
ResourcesBooks and ArticlesSample Away Messages for your Email InboxesIt is good to have an away message during this season. I will be out of my office, and on a Sabbatical, until (insert date). I am trying not to respond back to most of my email during this time. If you feel like it would be important that I read your email before (insert date), make sure to resend it with "URGENT" in the subject line. Thank you for your understanding, and prayers for renewal during this Sabbatical. |
Hello! Thank you for your email! I will be away from work emails until the end of (insert month) taking a sabbatical. If you'd like to ensure that I respond to your email, please email me again after (insert date)! If you are a ministry partner: - with questions, concerns, need help or would like to change your giving, please reach out to gift.services@reliant.org
- with any questions about (insert ministry name) specifically, please reach out to (insert email address)
If you are a student, previous student, or parent of a student and have a need or question, you can reach out to (insert name), our (insert title), or our (insert leadership/governance team).
First Name Last Name, Title - first.last@reliant.org
Leadership/Governance Team - email@yourministry.org With joy, |
I am currently on sabbatical and will not personally be checking email or doing my typical ministry roles until (insert date). For operational purposes, my assistant, (insert name), will monitor my inbox while I am on sabbatical to help facilitate connections with the appropriate parties.
Given an anticipated high volume of messages that will likely be difficult to respond to in a thoughtful manner, I will not be responding to any emails received during the duration of sabbatical. I value your time and giving appropriate thought to responding to you, and so I ask that you send me a new message after I return to work on (insert date).
If you have questions regarding (insert ministry), please contact our board at theboard@yourministry.org in my absence.
Grace and Peace, |
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: - 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.
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