Thursday, December 1st, 2011click here for past entriesSabbaths and Sabbaticals
I remember being at an MNO Synod convention a number of years ago when a sabbatical policy for pastors was being discussed. At that convention, a retired pastor stood up and said that if sabbaticals had been available for him, he might have lasted longer in ministry. Instead, he retired early, having come to the point where he simply had nothing left to give.
Unfortunately, for people in many lines of work, the idea of a sabbatical is virtually unknown. Whereas employers might think only in terms of making more money, workers who have been given significant time off for renewal (and paid for it!) would be far more effective and more energized over the long term. The sabbatical is an idea that goes back at least as far as the Old Testament law, which spoke of a Sabbath year, as well as a Sabbath day.
Under the Sinai Covenant, every 7th year was to be a sabbatical year. During that year, the land was to be left to rest, growing only what it sprouted all by itself. At the same time, all slaves were to be released, and all debts were to be cancelled. From the Old Testament it is evident that many people ignored the Sabbath year, undoubtedly believing that they could make more and produce more by refusing to take this break. Still, Deuteronomy insists that if the people would only observe these sabbatical laws, they would experience God’s blessing (Deut. 15:4-5).
When the MNO Synod did adopt a sabbatical policy for pastors, it contained the same 7 year rhythm as the biblical sabbatical year – just as every 7th day is intended to be a day of rest. Thus, the ideal would be to have a significant break for renewal every 7 years. For those who might say, “well, what exactly is a sabbatical?” – the following definition is given: “A sabbatical leave is a paid leave granted in recognition of the need for, or the beneficial effects of, time away from the regular duties of a call following a time of continuous service in that call.” A sabbatical can be used for rest and renewal, travel, or study, or all three, and can be anywhere from 3 months to 1 year in length.
For 2012, I have applied for sabbatical leave from May to August, which amounts to 4 months and includes vacation time and study leave. I have also proposed doing it in such a way that it would cost the congregation less than the 2011 budget. Pastor Don Engel would be the main person filling in for me during that time. This application has been approved by our council.
It is my hope that such a break will help in restoring some creativity and enthusiasm and will make room for new ideas to take root, as well as better ways of doing things. After a number of years in ministry (18 in total), I am simply getting more and more worn down over time. I need this break in order to be able to bring my best to the call which God has given me.
There may be some who grumble and say, “I wish I could have a sabbatical!” Truthfully, I wish you could, too. All of us would be healthier, more energized, and more productive with the benefit of both Sabbath days and sabbatical years. There is a great deal of wisdom in the Sabbath laws, which call us to rest in the Lord and to be renewed. And the result is not less production, but God’s richest blessings.
In Christ,
Pastor Lynne Hutchison
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