What is a sabbatical?
If you have been around MCC for any amount of time you have heard that our elders have graciously implemented a sabbatical policy that, at the completion of every 6th year of ministry, our staff is given time away from ministry responsibilities.
The Sabbatical is time 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.
For over a year Eric has been overseeing 2 major areas of ministry here at MCC: Student and Discipleship. As he completes his 6th year here (and 13th year overall in ministry), and with Bryce coming on staff as our Student Pastor, Eric will take his sabbatical beginning April 20.
Eric will begin his 4 week sabbatical on April 20.
Here is some additional information about the sabbatical and what you can do and how you can help Eric during his time away.
Sabbatical Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of Eric's sabbatical?
A Sabbatical Leave is a carefully planned period of time in which the Pastor is granted leave away from his/her normal responsibilities in order to spend an extended period of time in rest, renewal and refreshment. 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 Eric's sabbatical, he will disengage from all ministry and leadership responsibilities.
2. Rest and Recovery: “Rest” means more than ceasing from all activity. Rather, Eric will concentrate on what restores him emotionally and feeds him spiritually.
3. Reflect and Refocus: He 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?”
Here are more Frequently Asked Questions:
How will Eric's responsibilities be reallocated?
Eric has worked hard to be sure that his responsibilities will be covered during his absence. His responsibilities will be covered before he leaves and anything that is ongoing will be covered by ministry teams as much as possible with staff stepping in to cover for 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 him as he prepares for his time away.
2. DO pray for Eric every day from April 20 to May 18. Ask God to speak to him to remind him that he is not what he does (Discipleship Pastor) but is His child.
3. DON’T contact him during this time. That sounds odd to say but the idea behind a sabbatical is to experience a complete disconnect from pastoral responsibilities. He has carried those every day for almost 13 years. Most people have jobs they can walk away from at the end of the day and not think about it until they go back to work. That is not true of ministry.
4. DO let us know if you want to be part of his ministry areas. You can contact [email protected]. It would be a great surprise for Eric to come back to the office and find out he has new people looking to serve in his ministry areas.
While Eric is on Sabbatical, his wife Sam, will be away with him.
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.
Mike Tuttle
Lead Pastor