What is a sabbatical?
With Mike’s Weekly Update on May 22nd, he reminded everyone of something the leadership has implemented here at MCC and that is “Sabbatical Policy”. In 2018 the elders created and approved the “Sabbatical Policy” for our staff to allow them to rest, quiet their souls, and listen to God. You’ve heard about the importance of the Sabbath Day and the principle is found throughout the Bible, but it always points back to the creation account (Genesis 1:1-2:3) when God created the world in six days and then rested on the seventh. The idea is so important
that God included it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). We have been hardwired by our Creator to work 6 and rest 1 and violating that principle can damage us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
The practice of sabbaticals has been a long practiced tradition in the academic and agricultural worlds and has even shown up in corporate America over the last several decades. Isn’t it interesting when a biblical truth shows up in what we consider the business world?
In the church, a sabbatical leave is one way we can care for the pastors of the church. The sabbatical leave is a carefully planned period of time in which the pastor is granted time away from his/her normal responsibilities to shift gears in order to rest, renew, and refresh. A sabbatical leave provides the pastor an opportunity to reflect on his/her call to ministry, relationship with God, and with the church they are shepherding. It is expected to benefit both the pastor and the congregation.
At MCC, every seven years, a pastoral staff member may take a sabbatical, Mike was the first staff person at MCC to take a sabbatical, and I am proud to say since that time all of our pastoral staff with more than seven years seniority have been able to take a sabbatical leave.
John Satterfield
Elder
Mike is preparing now for his second sabbatical leave on June 30th through August 17th. Let me share some additional information about the sabbatical and what you can do for Mike during his time away and how you can help him with it.
Sabbatical Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of Mike's sabbatical?
Sabbatical leave is a time for our pastors to shift gears to rest, disengage, study, reflect and spend time with his/her family to return to ministry refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. Also, it is a time for MCC to examine and to explore new ways to serve, grow, contribute and possibly to lead.
The sabbatical time has 4 purposes:
1. Release and Relinquish: During Mike’s sabbatical he will disengage from all ministry and leadership responsibilities.
2. Rest and Recovery: “Rest” means more than ceasing from all activity. Rather, Mike will concentrate on what restores him emotionally and feeds him spiritually. He has already begun to collect books that will help remind him to stop and listen to God, and set up several appointments to talk to other church leaders to see what works for them.
3. Reflect and Refocus: Mike will be listening for what God might be saying to him, scheduling extended time alone with God.
4. Realignment and/or Reassignment: Asking God: “Father, what changes in my life and ministry would You like me to make as a result of hearing from You?”
How can MCC be part of Mike’s Sabbatical?
To be sure, this is something Mike has looked forward to and dreaded at the same time. Certainly, he has had days off and even vacation time which have been great opportunities to rest and be with family and friends, but truthfully, MCC is never far from Mike’s mind even
on those days. To be 100% off the grid from MCC will be challenging, but he understands the benefits enough to work hard to make that a reality.
To be sure, a Sabbatical leave is a time designed for pastors to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, reflect, and spend time with family in order to return to minister refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. In addition, it is a time for MCC to examine our own lives as members of the body of Christ, and to explore new ways to serve, grow, contribute and possibly to lead.
Here are more Frequently Asked Questions:
How will Mike’s responsibilities be reallocated?
Mike has worked hard with Rich and the rest of the staff to be sure that his responsibilities will be covered during his absence. Mike’s responsibilities will be covered before he leaves with staff or the elders stepping in to cover any issues that might arise. If you have any questions, you can email [email protected].
Is there anything I can do to help?
By the way, this is one of the reasons MCC is a special place. Thank you for your heart in this. Here are some ways you can help:
1. DO encourage Mike as he prepares for his time away.
2. DO pray for Mike every day from June 30th to August 17th. Ask God to speak to Mike to remind him that it is he and not what he does (pastor) that God loves.
Also, pray for Sandy who is a big part of Mike’s ministry and support system.
3. DON’T contact Mike during this time. That sounds odd to say but the idea behind a sabbatical is to experience a complete disconnect from pastoral responsibilities. Most people have jobs they can walk away from at the end of the day and do not think about it until they go back to work. That is not true of ministry, and certainly not of Mike!
MCC’s foundational belief is that the Church is led by Jesus and the Holy Spirit through people who have been given the necessary gifts for the roles for which they’ve been selected. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be part of a church where the people allow God to work through them to make MCC a place where all people feel safe investigating Who Jesus is and Who He will be in their lives, and for those of us who follow Him to help others become disciples. God continually raises up people to lead and serve Him, perhaps He has already been prompting you.
John Satterfield
Elder