What is a sabbatical?
The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (to rest, or to cease). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbatical leave is a time for Kevin to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, travel, reflect, and refocus in order to return to ministry among us refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. It is not a time for routine work, mid-career assessment, job search, or terminal leave.
Do other clergy go on sabbatical?
Yes. Sabbaticals are often a part of a pastor's terms of call. Many denominations, including ours, allow and encourage pastors to take paid sabbatical leave. Kevin has served as our pastor for 15 years. The personnel committee and Session have encouraged him to take a sabbatical and are fully supportive. This will be a paid sabbatical.
How long will Kevin be away?
The planned timeframe is May 2 - August 28. Kevin's last Sunday will be May 1, and his first Sunday back will be September 3.
What will Kevin be doing?
One of the questions Kevin has considered in thinking about a plan is what he hopes to see on the other side of a renewal leave. What are the desired outcomes? What would be good for him and for Christ Pres? Here are three desired outcomes that have emerged for Kevin that will guide the activities he pursues:
1. Return rested and refreshed.
2. Return refocused, with a deeper sense of his pastoral identity and renewed in heart and mind for the work of pastoral ministry.
3. Return with a stronger understanding of what practices, habits, and rhythms will help sustain him as a pastor, husband, father, and friend over the next 3 years.
Who will cover Kevin's responsibilities?
Here is a Who Does What document that clearly identifies who is responsible for areas of Christ Pres ministry, with contact info.
What about weddings and funerals?
Kevin will not be available to officiate weddings during his sabbatical. He will arrange to be back temporarily in the event of a death within the immediate Christ Pres family.
Do you have other questions that we might add here? If so, please email cpcrva@gmail.com.