Sabbaticals

  • Sabbaticals 101

FAQ

Process

Benefits

  • Sabbatical Planning

Guidelines

Preparation Rest Re-entry

  • Policies

YFC/USA

Central Minnesota YFC

Appendix

Greater Cleveland YFC

  • Resources
  • Retreats and Counseling Centers

The following resources will help your chapter develop appropriate Sabbatical Policies and provides

resources and tools for you and your staff to utilize in planning for them to meet the intended sabbatical goals. For additional resources or assistance contact .

What is a Sabbatical?

It is a time to disengage from normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow a time of rest, spiritual renewal, personal growth, serious evaluation of life and ministry, or professional development and/or research. It is not the same as a leave of absence or vacation.

How long are Sabbaticals?

Depending on the purpose and your length of time in ministry, it can be from 1 to 6 months

When should you take a Sabbatical?

The NSC suggeststheir stafftake a 2 to 6 month Sabbatical every 7-10 years. Other instances might include a change of ministry location or direction, burnout, family or marital difficulties.

What do you do during a Sabbatical?

All Sabbaticals should include a time of physical rest, soul care, renewal with family, and re-evaluation of current ministry roles. The specific activities of this restlook differently depending on the individual.

How do you begin the process?

The long answer can be found in the Navigators Sabbatical Guidelines. A summary can be found belowunder “Sabbatical Process”.

Where do you take a Sabbatical?

It is beneficial to spend some of the time away from your normal physical location. This could include time at a retreat center,visiting distant friends or family, camping – some place that facilitates filling up your soul.

How would my responsibilities be met while I’m gone?

It is recommended that planning for a Sabbatical begin 6 months before the projected start date. That allows time to discuss with your supervisor, Board of Directors, or Ministry Director which of your responsibilities will be picked up and by whom. It is also recommended that your Sabbatical be taken during a “slower” time of your ministry calendar.

What if my chapter doesn’t currently allow for Sabbaticals?

The concept and value of Sabbaticals is now becoming more recognized as essential soul care. Take time to educate your board on the value to staff and the chapter. Examining the resources here and speaking with others about their Sabbatical can help.

How can I explore further what a Sabbatical might mean to me?

The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan is highly recommended reading. Other books include Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordiero and Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton.

This all sounds good to me, but is it really Biblical?

While “Sabbatical” is not used in the Scriptures, regular periods of rest from work are part of God’s plan since the beginning of Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). Obviously God didn’t need to rest but was establishing a pattern for all of His creation. He reiterated times of rest in Leviticus. In fact He set up the Sabbath just for us (Mark 2:27) and Jesus called His worn-out disciples to a time of rest with Him (Matthew 11: 28, 29). Isaiah 30:15-17 reminds us, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”, but it was as hard for the Hebrews to accept God’s rest as it is for us,so we will“flee and be pursued” (by our driven-ness and our ‘enemies’), “yet He longs to be gracious to us” (v.18).

Pre-Sabbatical – In the 6 months prior to Sabbatical

Obtain permission for Sabbatical

Submit written request if mandatory

Determine the purpose of your Sabbatical

Line up Advisor/Mentor, Liaison to Supervisor (if necessary), and Sabbatical Support Group

Determine how current job responsibilities will be handled while you are away and by whom

Write Sabbatical Plan (see SAMPLE RRR Worksheets). Include time for rest, family, spiritual listening.

Sabbatical – Journal major lessons learned and insights gained

Rest, Renewal, Recovery – “Doing something you want to do”

Get away from current location (includes lots of physical and mental rest) May include counseling or spiritual healing if necessary

Reflection – “Lord, is there anything You want to say to me?”

Include extended time alone (meditation, quiet space to consider what God wants to say about your current job responsibilities)

Refocus, Realign – “Lord, am I doing what I should be doing? What changes in life and ministry should I make?”

Re-entry – Slowly enter back into work responsibilities. (Depending on length of time gone this might look like part time for the first week or two)

Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened in you

Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened at work while you were gone

Make changes in personal schedule and work responsibilities to align with insights gained

Arrange an accountability partner to make sure alignment is followed

YFC Staff Experiences

“Very refreshing. Great time to reflect and refocus. Haven't solved all of life but made good decisions and several changes.”

“It was such a blessing to have the space to spend extended time each day with Jesus so I could really be filled and challenged. I came into my sabbatical really tired and in need of a break and I came back refreshed and ready for another year of ministry. After the sabbatical I felt more in love with Jesus and knew him in some very new ways.”

“The luxury of no schedule is a rare treat that I am still grateful for.”

“A new commitment to Sabbath rest every week and Sabbath moments every day; I never understood this before.”

“A deeper intimacy with Jesus and a love of silence and solitude.”

“I came back to a mess in the office. I don't think I would have made it had I not had a sabbatical prior to this. God knew what I would need even more than I did.”

“Perspective. New social media habits.Greater commitment to not overdoing it. And maybe a heightened sensitivity to the signs.”

“Rest! Re-ignited passion and confirmed commitment to the mission. Family that gets all of dad and husband for extended time. Home projects done. Memories made. Hopefully insight from the training time.”

“Scored huge points with my family. It gave me the energy and renewed purpose to do this another 7 years. It gave me time to think big thoughts and not just go 90 miles per hour.”

Sabbatical Overview Excerpted from The Navigator’s Sabbatical Guidelines

What is a “sabbatical”? We are not talking about a vacation but rather disengaging from normal ministry and leadership involvement for a period of time to allow for soul rest and serious evaluation of life and ministry. It is a time to make space to hear God.

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with

me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

But what if I don’t feel tired? While physical rest is an important component of a sabbatical, this time is more importantly about slowing down, removing yourself from your normal routines in order to make space to hear God in a new way. It is amazing that when we slow down our adrenaline driven bodies, our souls and physical strength have a chance to catch up – and we might realize how tired we are from the duties of ministry.

CAUTION: IT IS BETTER NOT TO TAKE A SABBATICAL THAN TO DO IT INCORRECTLY!

Without a proper understanding of sabbatical and preparation and helpful oversight, the experience can result in potential lost, expectations dashed, and opportunities missed. Hope deferred makes the heart sick(Proverbs 13:12).

Especially if it is not your habit to take a weekly Sabbath, expect to feel stressed as you transition into the rest phase. Change is always stressful.

To prepare, read the rest of this article and as desired, the other articles found at Contact the YFC Sabbatical Director and choose a Sabbatical Advisor.

Five SabbaticalPhases

SabbaticalPhaseI–ReleaseandRelinquish: Exiting from leadership roles and ministry responsibilities

During this first phase, you disengage from ministry and leadership responsibilities, if necessary get needed funding, and draw up a plan for your sabbatical. Choose a Sabbatical Advisor (prerequisite - they have taken a sabbatical). Typically, this phase starts 3-6 months before the sabbatical begins.

At the beginning of Phase I, your Sabbatical Advisorhelps you and your spouse develop a sabbatical plan. Begin by meeting with your supervisor to get his/her input. Your plan revolves around your identified priority needs and the following inventories found on page 46 and following of The Navigators Sabbatical Guidelines: A Season of Renewal:

  • Role Fit Inventory
  • Burnout Inventory (as needed)
  • Personal and Marital Survey

Once you (and your spouse) identify your priority needs, your Sabbatical Advisor works with you to come up with possible resources and action steps. You then create a sabbatical plan draft that includes your funding plan, priority needs, action steps, and other resources. Your Sabbatical Advisor and supervisor read the draft and give you input and suggestions. The sabbatical plan is an initial framework for direction, based on your priority needs. It’s a dynamic tool that can be tweaked throughout the sabbatical process. Early phases often have more detail than later phases. A copy of the finalized sabbatical plan should be sent to your Sabbatical Advisor

Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:

1. How are you feeling about disengaging from the ministry?

2. Are you worried about losing financial support while on sabbatical? How’s your funding?

3. How have other staff and friends reacted when they learned about your sabbatical?

4. How does your spouse feel about your sabbatical?

5. Since drawing up your sabbatical plan a couple of weeks ago, have you had any further thoughts? Do you still believe it reflects your priority needs and desires?

6. Does the starting date for Phase II: Rest and Recovery still seem realistic to you?

7. What excites you most about your sabbatical?

8. What are your priorities for the next couple of weeks?

9. What can I do to help you?

10. How can I be praying for you?

SabbaticalPhase2–Rest and Recovery: Establishing Margin and Managing Pace of Life

It isn’t unusual for staff on sabbatical to have trouble letting go of the ministry. Some don’t quite believe it’s really okay to step out. It’s important that you and your Sabbatical Advisor make sure ministry commitments have been handed off or finished. During this phase, be sensitive to feelings of isolation or lack of significance. Often, staff who are no longer “doing ministry” struggle with their identity. You should be out of regularly scheduled YFC ministry but not out of fellowship.

It’s also common for staff to treat their sabbatical as another Type-A frenzied activity. As you consider your sabbatical inevitably extra ministry opportunities will pop up. The guiding principle is, “Keep the sabbatical the focus.” Extra opportunities should be examined individually and cautiously. Generally we suggest you make a full break from ministry activities.

“Rest” in this phase doesn’t mean ceasing from all activity. Rather, you pull back from ministry activities and (where possible) other areas of stress. This gives you room to explore and discover what God wants to say to you, what relaxes you and what restores you emotionally.

What Others Have Done During This Phase To Rest

  • Duck hunting
  • Reading novels
  • Started fly-fishing
  • Sleeping more
  • Playing softball
  • Gardening
  • Home projects (enjoyed seeing tangible results and working with their hands)
  • Travelling

Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:

  1. How would you define or explain rest?
  2. Do you feel that you’re resting? What rests you?
  3. Are you experiencing any obstacles to rest?
  4. Have you noticed significant changes in your eating or sleeping habits?
  5. What things are stressful for you right now? Can anything be done to remove or reduce them?
  6. How’s your relationship with your spouse? With your children?
  7. What are your thoughts since our last meeting? What kinds of feedback are you getting from others? Do you think they understand you?
  8. Is your sabbatical going the way you expected? How so?
  9. What are your priorities for the next two weeks?
  10. Is there something I can do to help you?

PhaseIII–ReflectandRefocus: Experiencing God and Self in New or Deeper Ways

This is the work phase of the sabbatical. During this phase, you should be asking the question, Lord, is there anything You want to say to me? God speaks to us in a variety of ways. You should consider how God has spoken to you in the past and position yourself to hear His voice. Extended time alone with God for reflection is the focus of this phase. This is the time to go after whatever it is you want to pursue.

What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase

  • Extended times alone with God
  • Getaway to a retreat center
  • Written a personal development plan
  • Developed a “Marriage Partnering Plan”
  • Focused on Emotional Healing
  • Journaled what God is teaching
  • Read books of interest
  • Crystallized personal passions
  • Received counseling
  • Met with a Life Planner

Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:

  1. Are you aware of anything that would hinder God from speaking to you during this phase? (Busyness, unforgiving spirit, conflict, unhealthy habits, unconfessed sin, etc.)
  2. Is there anything that would be helpful to discuss?
  3. What things are currently stressful for you? Can anything be done to remove or reduce them?
  4. How’s your relationship with your spouse/children?
  5. Is there anyone particular who is speaking into your life?
  6. Is your sabbatical going the way you expected? How so?
  7. What are your priorities for the next two weeks?
  8. Is there something I can do to help you?

PhaseIV–Realignment: Empowering for Maximum Contribution

This is the application phase of the sabbatical. During this phase you want to answer the question, “What changes in life and ministry should I make as a result of hearing from God in the Reflection Phase?” This might involve changing your ministry role or you may want to change how you’ve been handling your current ministry role – what realignments do you need to consider?

What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase

  • Reviewed and reaffirmed their calling
  • Updated their resume
  • Received input from sabbatical advisor
  • Received counsel from friends and staff
  • Visited possible ministry locations
  • Entertained options with various entities
  • Completed Debriefing Questions
  • Developed a plan for what to do differently in their role

Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:

  1. With what you’ve learned in the last phases, do you see any adjustments you need to make in your life or ministry to more accurately reflect your design and desires?
  2. What do you sense God has for your future?
  3. If you lack clarity about the future, what specific steps might you take to see more clearly?
  4. Can you describe your perfect job? Be sure to include elements or functions you consider essential. Also pinpoint those that should NOT be your primary responsibility.

PhaseV–Re-EntryandRe-Engagement: Re-Engaging at the right pace

At the beginning of this phase, be aware that your pace of life will increase and that transition is stressful. Expect emotional disorientation and spiritual warfare as you re-engage.

What Other Staff Have Done During This Phase

  • Formally end sabbatical with a celebration event sharing what they’ve learned and a time of “dedication prayer” with those on their support team, Sabbatical Advisor with a (preferred) in-person gathering, or Skype call, Conference call, mass letter or email.
  • Resumed ministry responsibilities half time for the first month.
  • Set up accountability relationships to help with changes they want to make in life and ministry.
  • Coached ministry and teammates on their desired changes.
  • Scheduled no major responsibilities for at least the first 4 months.

Questions your Sabbatical Advisor will ask you:

  1. What changes have you experienced as you’ve re-engaged?
  2. What help do you need as you re-enter ministry?

HelpfulTipsandLessonsLearned

  1. If you have school-aged children, consider taking a sabbatical during the school year rather than summer.
  2. It’s okay to sleep more.
  3. This is not a sabbatical from life. Expect to spend time on family responsibilities and daily living tasks.

5. Plan for your spouse to have sabbatical time as well.