Caring Well for Those Who Shepherd Our Church
Pastoral Sabbaticals at MacArthur Blvd
A Letter to Our Church Family
Dear Church Family,
One of the great gifts Christ has given His church is faithful shepherds who labor in the ministry of the Word and care for His people (Ephesians 4:11–12; Acts 20:28). At MacArthur Blvd, we are deeply grateful for the pastors God has called to serve our congregation, and we believe it is our responsibility as a church to steward those gifts well and faithfully care for those who care for us.
Turning to Scripture, we can see examples in God’s Word that highlight the regular rhythms of work and rest. We see in creation how God rested on the seventh day, He then established the Sabbath for His people based on that same pattern, and can even read of Jesus regularly withdrawing from His ministry for times of prayer and renewal (Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 2:27; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:16). And while the Bible does not specifically speak to pastoral sabbaticals, it does consistently teach us throughout the text the wisdom of intentional rest, renewal, and dependence upon the Lord.
With that conviction, MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church has for many years maintained a pastoral sabbatical policy for our Lead Pastor, providing intentional seasons of spiritual, emotional, and relational renewal to support their long-term effectiveness and health. However, because our church looks and operates very differently than it used to nearly 20 years ago, the Directional Pastors have now reviewed and updated this policy to ensure it continues to reflect the current polity and needs of our church.
Because this update reflects real changes to a practice that has quietly served our church and pastors well for many years, we recognize you may have questions, and we’ve prepared a resource to help explain the biblical convictions behind pastoral sabbaticals, as well as the ins and outs of how the church will approach sabbaticals from a practical perspective. We encourage you to read through the full details below, as we seek to care well for both our pastors and our church family.
Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and faithful support of the church and those who serve it. We ask that you would continue to pray for our pastors and their families, that the Lord will sustain them, deepen their love of Christ and each other, and continue to strengthen them for continued and faithful service for His Kingdom.
In Christ,
Pastor Rickey
MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church
A Closer Look at Our Approach to Sabbaticals
At MacArthur Blvd. Baptist Church, we believe Christ has graciously blessed us with pastors to equip and shepherd His church (Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 5:1–4). And because we recognize that pastoral ministry carries with it unique spiritual, emotional, and relational demands, we are committed to caring for those whom God has called to lead our congregation.
For that reason, and because we want to steward and care for the gifts God has given us in the form of our pastors, MacArthur Blvd has maintained a pastoral sabbatical policy for many years, providing intentional seasons of rest and renewal for our Lead Pastor. We believe this practice is both biblically appropriate and wise, and is beneficial to the long-term health of our pastors, their families, and ultimately our church as a whole. However, because our church looks and operates very differently than it used to nearly 20 years ago, the Directional Pastors have now reviewed and updated this policy to ensure it continues to reflect the current polity and needs of our church.
To provide our members with a greater understanding of how MacArthur Blvd will approach sabbaticals under this updated policy, we’ve prepared the following overview and answers to what we expect to be some of the most common questions.
What is a pastoral sabbatical?
A pastoral sabbatical is a planned season during which a pastor briefly steps away from the normal responsibilities of ministry in order to pursue physical, emotional, relational, and especially spiritual renewal.
A sabbatical is not simply an extended vacation. Rather, it is an intentional period of time to be devoted to deepening one’s relationship with the Lord, strengthening one’s relationship with their family, resting from the unique demands of pastoral ministry, and preparing for many more years of faithful service to the church.
Why do we have a pastoral sabbatical policy?
While the New Testament doesn’t command or explicitly direct churches to provide pastoral sabbaticals, Scripture consistently teaches us the importance of consistent and intentional rhythms for work and rest. Our God rested on the seventh day, He established the Sabbath on that same pattern, and Jesus regularly withdrew from His ministry for prayer and renewal (Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 2:27; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:16). Additionally, pastors are called to watch over their own souls just as much as they are called to shepherd the souls of others (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). Ultimately, our goal is to apply these biblical principles with wisdom through an intentional approach towards pastoral sabbaticals within our church.
These sabbaticals will serve several important purposes, including:
- Encourage spiritual renewal. Sabbaticals create intentional and dedicated time for pastors to seek the Lord through prayer, reflection, worship, and Scripture.
- Care for pastors and their families. It is proven that healthy pastors are better equipped to faithfully shepherd the church and God’s people over the long term. Sabbaticals provide opportunities to strengthen marriage bonds, invest in family relationships, and recover from the demands of ministry.
- Promote long-term ministry health and faithfulness. Periodic seasons of renewal help pastors continue to serve their church members with joy, wisdom, and endurance.
- Remind us that Christ builds His church. One of the many blessings of a sabbatical is that it reminds all of us, pastors and church members, that the ministry of the church does not depend on any one individual. Christ alone is the Chief Shepherd of His church.
- Provide proactive care. Rather than waiting until a pastor is exhausted or facing significant ministry challenges, our church seeks to be proactive, wise, and intentional about caring for pastors throughout their time of ministry.
How often will pastors receive a sabbatical?
All full-time pastors of MacArthur Blvd (staff and non-staff) will take a pastoral sabbatical every 5-6 years.
This rhythm reflects a common practice that we have observed among healthy and biblical churches, especially within our own convention, and provides a regular opportunity for renewal before the cumulative demands of ministry become overwhelming.
How long are sabbaticals?
The length of a pastor’s sabbatical will vary according to their specific role within the church. However, generally, staff pastors may receive sabbaticals up to 10 weeks, and non-staff pastors will receive sabbaticals up to 12 months.
It’s also worth highlighting that non-staff pastors often serve in vocational ministry while also maintaining an active and demanding career outside of the church. Because of this, their sabbaticals will tend to be longer in recognition of their additional responsibilities, while also allowing for an appropriate time of rest, pastoral service, and evaluation.
What happens during a sabbatical?
Prior to each sabbatical, the pastor and the collective Directional Pastors will work to develop a personalized sabbatical plan that identifies the following:
- Length of the sabbatical
- Goals for spiritual, personal, and family renewal
- Opportunities for pastoral and personal growth
- Ministry responsibilities from which the pastor will be relieved of during the sabbatical.
The purpose of this planning is to ensure the sabbatical accomplishes its intended purpose of personal rest and renewal. It’s also to ensure that the time is focused on that renewal, and not productivity.
While this will look different for each pastor, you can expect them to engage in some of these types of common activities:
- Intentional time with family
- Personal prayer and worship
- Retreats for solitude and reflection
- Biblical reading and theological study
- Counseling or coaching
- Conferences or workshops that encourage spiritual growth
- Activities that refresh and restore the pastor physically, emotionally, and spiritually
Generally speaking, each sabbatical will move through three overlapping phases:
- Phase One: Rest and intentional time with family
- Phase Two: Personal and spiritual renewal
- Phase Three: Preparing to return to ministry
Again, it’s important to stress that sabbaticals are not intended to become opportunities for special ministry projects or increased productivity. The primary purpose and focus is to foster a renewed fellowship with Christ and a renewed strength for future ministry in the church.
What should the church expect during a sabbatical?
In short, the ministry and work of the church continues.
While a pastor is away, you can expect the other pastors and staff to fill the gap and support that ministry. The specifics of how it may look different depending on each ministry area, but you can be assured a pastor’s sabbatical does not mean that ministry area is on pause.
How will the church be informed about a pastor’s sabbatical?
Pastoral sabbaticals do not happen in a vacuum. While these opportunities certainly provide a season of personal renewal for the pastor, it’s an opportunity for the entire congregation to participate through prayer, encouragement, and faithful ministry.
Open communication is a key part of that so that members may clearly know what to expect during the pastor’s absence, and celebrate God’s work through the season of renewal. As such, you can expect a communication from the church and individual pastor before and after their sabbatical.
These two communications will help communicate the duration the pastor will be on sabbatical, an overview of their specific sabbatical plan and goals, what members can expect for their area of ministry while they’re gone, any specific prayer requests, and, upon their return, a word of reflection and praises for their time of renewal.
How are sabbaticals funded?
The church’s annual budget includes a designated fund to support pastoral sabbaticals as part of the staff line item.
These funds may be used for, or to reimburse, approved expenses that contribute to the pastor’s specific goals of their sabbatical. This may include, but not be limited to, retreats, counseling, conferences, books, and relevant travel.
The amount of funding will be set in advance of the pastor’s sabbatical and unique to each pastor’s approved sabbatical plan. Generally, you can expect a fund to be no more than $3,500.
What happens after a sabbatical?
At the conclusion of every sabbatical, the pastor will meet with the Directional Pastors to reflect on their experience, discuss how the sabbatical contributed to the desired goals, and prepare for a healthy return to ministry within the church.
For non-staff pastors, this review will also provide an opportunity to evaluate readiness for continued pastoral service and whether additional sabbatical time is appropriate.
Members can also expect to receive a communication from the church and pastor to help provide the congregation a note on what to expect from any ministry changes during the pastor’s return, as well as any notes of personal reflection from the pastor on their time of spiritual renewal and growth.
A final word
We want to end by saying thank you and sharing our appreciation for all your continued love, prayers, and faithful support of the church and those who serve it. We ask that you would continue to pray for our pastors and their families, that the Lord will sustain them, deepen their love of Christ and each other, and continue to strengthen them for continued and faithful service for His Kingdom.
Other Common Questions
While we’ve done our best to provide a comprehensive look at MacArthur Blvd’s approach to pastoral sabbaticals, we understand you may have additional questions. We’ve included some of the most frequent questions we’ve encountered or might expect. However, if you have any additional questions, the entire team of Directional Pastors welcomes the opportunity to connect with you and answer any specific questions you may have.
Have a question you don’t see below? Let us know by connecting directly with a pastor or sending us a message.
Why are sabbaticals provided only to pastors and not to ministers, directors, or other church staff?
Our church deeply values each and every member of our staff, and recognizes the significant contributions made by ministers, directors, and support personnel. This policy is certainly not intended to communicate that one role is more valuable than the other.
Rather, pastoral sabbaticals are tied to the unique biblical office of pastor (elder/overseer). Scripture assigns pastors a distinct responsibility to shepherd the flock, devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, exercise spiritual oversight, and give an account before God for the souls that are placed under their care (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–4). Because of these unique pastoral responsibilities, the church has determined that intentional seasons of renewal should be a regular part of caring for those who serve in this office.
The church remains committed to caring well for all staff members through healthy workloads, vacation, continuing education, encouragement, and other opportunities for personal rest and development.
No. While rest is an important part of a sabbatical, it is much more than just a long vacation. A sabbatical is a very intentional time that is set apart and dedicated for a pastor to invest in their family, spiritual renewal, prayer, rest, personal and spiritual growth, as well as preparation for continued ministry within the church.
Yes. A pastoral sabbatical is not a leave of absence from employment but a planned season of ministry renewal.
One of the greatest challenges in pastoral ministry is that the work of shepherding is never truly complete. Without intentional planning, pastors often put off much needed rest because there is always another sermon to prepare, another family to visit, or another ministry opportunity to pursue.
By making sabbaticals a regular expectation, our church seeks to be proactive in caring for its pastors and encourage healthy rhythms of ministry before fatigue becomes a significant concern.
We believe it is. As a church, we are committed to being wise stewards of every area of our ministry. This includes both the financial obligations we have and the care of those whom God has called to shepherd His church.
Reducing the church’s debt continues to be an important priority for us, and we are no less committed to fully paying down that debt as part of our Forward in Freedom< effort. We don’t view these as competing priorities. In fact, we view them as closely linked and that investing in the spiritual renewal of our shepherds is an investment in the health and future ministry of the entire church.
While this may look differently for staff and non-staff pastors, generally we can expect that pastors on sabbatical will not be in their normal seats every Sunday. Depending on the specific goals of their sabbatical plan, pastors and their families may be away for retreats, visiting extended family, or may attend worship at other gospel-preaching churches to observe their rhythms and church practices Ultimately, though the specifics will be determined as part of the pastor’s sabbatical plan, they will be encouraged to step away from their normal ministry environment as needed so they can fully rest and receive the intended benefit of the sabbatical.
First and foremost, we can all support pastors in their sabbaticals by praying for them and their families. Additionally, we can also support them by fully encouraging them to embrace the gift of rest, respecting their time away from ministry responsibilities, and finding opportunities to serve or assist in the life of the church while they’re away. And when their sabbatical is over, let us celebrate their return by joyfully and eagerly welcoming them back so that we may all continue serving Christ together.
No. A pastoral sabbatical is separate from a pastor’s vacation time or paid time off (PTO).
Vacation time provides brief and regular opportunities for rest and family time throughout the course of a year and this time is used for everything from attending family milestones to school breaks or even helping with a child’s field-trip. A sabbatical serves a very different purpose: It is an intentional, extended, and infrequent season of devoted spiritual, emotional, and relational renewal that can typically not be fully achieved over the course of ordinary vacation time.
For this reason, pastors will continue to receive their normal vacation time and work with the Lead Pastor on the specific of how and when they would use it during a sabbatical year.
Generally, no. It’s important for pastors to step away from their normal ministry responsibilities to receive the full benefit of a sabbatical. Except in extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Directional Pastors, pastors will be allowed to step away and fully devote themselves to the purposes of the sabbatical.
Yes. Corporate worship, ministries, missions, pastoral care, and the regular life of the church will all continue as normal throughout every sabbatical. While things may certainly look different, especially in the most visible ways such as who is filling the pulpit or leading worship, members can expect the ministry of the church to continue faithfully.
One of the many blessings of being an Elder Led church, is that we have an incredible team of pastors and church leaders that will continue to care for the congregation while a pastor is on sabbatical. Because of that, only in truly extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Directional Pastors, will a pastor be asked to interrupt his sabbatical.
The primary purpose of a sabbatical is spiritual, emotional, and relational renewal; not increased productivity. While we expect that reading, studying and writing may be a natural part of a pastor’s sabbatical, it should not become an opportunity for a pastor to take on new or heavier workloads.
Every sabbatical will be unique and planned around the needs of the individual pastor. Together with the individual pastor, the Directional Pastors will prayerfully develop a sabbatical plan that considers a wide range of factors, including their ministry responsibilities, family circumstances, total years of service, and the areas where they may need renewal the most. While every sabbatical will follow the overall guidelines we’ve shared (staff pastors, up to 10 weeks; non-staff pastors, up to 12 months), we expect no two sabbaticals will look exactly alike.
No. Sabbaticals will be intentionally staggered to ensure that the church always has a strong and healthy pastoral team present and shepherding the congregation. While it’s possible that there may be more than one pastor taking a sabbatical in a year, given the natural rhythms for ministries to have different high- and low-activity seasons, the Directional Pastors will coordinate scheduling to preserve continuity of leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and the overall ministry of the church.