Laity Should Insist on Sabbatical

Human Resource studies estimate that 20% of organizations in the U.S. have some form of sabbatical for their executives. It is seen as a way to increase retention and productivity of the executive. The stresses of leadership require a stepping away from the responsibilities to refresh. The experience is often accompanied by additional education or self-study that benefits the executive and the organization upon their return.

The practice of sabbatical began in the Jewish culture related to an agricultural economy and eventually spread to include periods of respite every seven years for those in the rabbinical services. Some churches have adopted the seven year break for their pastoral staff.

The role of pastor is likely one of the most difficult leadership positions in the U.S. Dealing primarily with a volunteer workforce, a membership struggling with the financial and social stresses of society as well as an often tight budget from which to serve -- pastor's are reaching record periods of burnout and turnover.

I believe it is the responsibility of church lay leaders to speak on behalf of the pastoral staff and insist to other leadership that provisions be made for pastoral sabbatical. When a laity leader comes to have a deep understanding of the day-to-day stresses of ministry, they are more likely to appreciate the benefit of such a break.

As a lay leader, spend some time with your pastors to understand what they face and what you can do to walk with them in that journey. A good start is becoming an advocate for their rest and reflection.