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.
Taking times of sabbatical are normal occurrences in pastoral ministry. Many churches have established policies of sabbatical leave, most often granted after every 7 years of ministry.
And yes, Sabbatical leaves are not common outside of ministry or academic institutions. To many people in the business community, this can seem like a strange idea. However, pastors are not CEO’s. Their role is to shepherd and lead God’s people and to do so requires them to seek God’s voice and spend time engaging God in different rhythms.
Though you may be just hearing of this now, Pastor Jeremy and the Board have been planning this for more than a year and a half years. There are no negative reasons attached to this sabbatical and Pastor Jeremy and Darci are expected to resume regular ministry and continue to lead C2 for years to come.
Absolutely. Pastor Jeremy and Darci will not be seeking any other position or speaking at any other ministries throughout this sabbatical.
Pastor Jeremy and Darci will be doing a number of things related to developing a deeper understanding of God’s voice in their lives including reading, counseling, and extended times of silence, meditation and reflection. A sabbatical is designed so ministers can receive, rather than give, by providing the time and space necessary for spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational renewal. It provides an intermission within the unending demands of daily ministry life. It is not additional vacation, an academic leave, nor an escape. They will spend their time resting, recharging, and being with their family.
Pastor LT Bowens will take on the responsibility of leading the ministry at C2. Additionally, our Board of Directors will provide oversight and support where needed. We have a great team of staff and volunteers that are fully capable of leading during this time.
Pastor Jeremy and Darci will be unavailable throughout the period of sabbatical and it’s requested that you don’t try to contact them through email, Facebook, or by phone. If there is a care need, or you need pastoral guidance, you can contact the church office or email pastors@c2church.com
- 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.