The word sabbatical has its roots in the Biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath
keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbath includes elements of rest,
disengagement, study, exploration, reflection and prayer. A pastor’s sabbatical is a time designated for the pastor to remove himself or herself from the routines of regular ministry and to experience a change in perspective, to receive spiritual nourishment, and to deepen one’s relationship with God.
Although some components of a sabbatical may sound a bit like vacation, a sabbatical is not a vacation
from the church. This is an opportunity for the pastor to reconnect with parts of his life that are important: God and family. Further it is a time to rest and reflect; to be renewed and refilled.
Times of sabbatical give pastors the opportunity to shape themselves as better shepherds and leaders for the church and give rise to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in their life. The intent of the sabbatical is for the pastor to return to the congregation refreshed and renewed, ready to move forward into the next phase of our life together.