How can I best support our pastor and our church throughout this sabbatical time?

Q: How can I best support our pastor and our church throughout this sabbatical time?

First, recognize that the church is not the pastor. This church does not belong to Pastor Jeremy and Darci. It belongs to Jesus. In fact, the Bible calls the church His “bride,” which means He loves it more than any pastor ever could. So recognize that what you are a part of in this church goes far deeper than the leadership of a single pastor. Second, lean in, not out. It’s very normal for some of you to think this would be a great time for you to take a break from ministry in either attendance, giving, or volunteering. Our hope is that this won’t be the case for you. The church is a body that needs all of its parts doing what they do best. Our church needs you and we hope that you take this opportunity to engage even deeper in our church and find new ways to call this place your home. Finally, pray for your pastor. Though there are many great things about spending an extended period in this way, it can also be a struggle. Disconnecting from relationships for a period can be painful and changing the day-to-day rhythms can leave one wondering about their purpose. Pray for Pastor Jeremy and Darci’s journey through sabbatical and for their leadership to be renewed so that the church may benefit from what God is doing in them upon their return.

First, recognize that the church is not the pastor. This church does not belong to Pastor Jeremy and Darci. It belongs to Jesus. In fact, the Bible calls the church His “bride,” which means He loves it more

than any pastor ever could. So recognize that what you are a part of in this church goes far deeper

than the leadership of a single pastor.

Second, lean in, not out. It’s very normal for some of you to think this would be a great time for

you to take a break from ministry in either attendance, giving, or volunteering. Our hope is that this

won’t be the case for you. The church is a body that needs all of its parts doing what they do best.

Our church needs you and we hope that you take this opportunity to engage even deeper in our

church and find new ways to call this place your home.

Finally, pray for your pastor. Though there are many great things about spending an extended

period in this way, it can also be a struggle. Disconnecting from relationships for a period can be

painful and changing the day-to-day rhythms can leave one wondering about their purpose. Pray

for Pastor Jeremy and Darci’s journey through sabbatical and for their leadership to be renewed so that the church may benefit from what God is doing in them upon their return.