Pastors and church staff are just like the rest of us. They are tired.
The average pastor is burning up the clock tirelessly serving his congregation day in and day out. Pastors are often pulled in many different directions and find themselves very stressed. Sundays are the big day of preaching and then it all begins again on Monday. Sometimes it seems the ministry cycle is never-ending.
Vacations can be a great thing, but even then most pastors are on call and ready to return home in the case of a death or if a different critical situation develops. To help pastors get an actual rest, some churches have implemented incorporating a time away each year or so for their pastor, called a sabbatical.
A sabbatical is a set time away for the minister to step out of the pulpit and find refreshment and get back to basics with Lord. In today’s church culture, this time away is very needed for today’s busy pastor. Here are several reasons your church should consider a yearly sabbatical for your under-shepherd.
Providing a sabbatical for your pastor:
1) Shows that you care about him.
2) Gives him some quality time to study and spend time alone with God.
3) Sends a strong message to your church body of the respect you have your pastor.
4) Shows the confidence you have in your church staff to lead while your pastor is away.
5) Communicates to the pastor’s spouse and family how much the church values their dad/husband.
6) Helps the pastor give his best at all times knowing there will be a break in the near future.
Are there more ways you’d add to the list? Let us know by leaving your comments in the section below.
