For some the word sabbatical provokes thoughts of living in isolation for several months where you don’t talk, wear a robe and only eat rice and beans. Sounds fun, eh? Not so much. So, what is a sabbatical?
The word sabbatical derives from the biblical word Sabbath which stems from the word sabat which means, “to cease or rest.” God divinely wove the Sabbath day into the work week and the Sabbath year into the crop cycle. Practically speaking, God’s people were instructed to cease their labor every seven days and cease their sowing every seven years. It was during the rest that the people would show their dependence on God, and God would show His faithfulness to the people.
Is the Sabbath still a thing?
Many religious leaders during the time of Jesus prided themselves in keeping the Sabbath. Essentially, they worked really hard at not working. In fact, they found it offensive Jesus’ disciples would pick grain to eat on the Sabbath. These Pharisees couldn’t believe that Jesus would break this sacred law of God. Jesus corrected their legalistic thinking by stating, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)
While a time of Sabbath is not required, finding time to Sabbath is a healthy spiritual practice. In the same way as it was originally intended, taking a break from the ordinary routine keeps us dependent on God, and creates the time and space for God to show Himself faithful to us.
What do you do on a Sabbatical?
A sabbatical is not a vacation. Spending time on the beach or in the mountains can certainly be a relaxing experience. However, it’s not the same as a sabbatical. Also, a sabbatical is not a “year of study” many college professors take. While those are definitely beneficial, a true sabbatical is not intended to replace work with different work.
In short, a sabbatical is an intentional spiritual retreat. Practically speaking, it’s taking intentional time away from the ordinary routine of life to pursue God wholeheartedly. When we give God the time and space to move in our heart and mind, He gladly fills us with more of Himself.
What are the benefits of a Sabbatical?
Ask any pastor what he loves most about ministry, and he will talk about the people. Ask any pastor what his greatest struggle is in ministry, and he will talk about the people. Ministry can be both life-giving and life-draining at the same time. Here are a few stats for those in ministry:
- 40% of pastors have seriously considered quitting the ministry in the past year.
- 65% of pastors report feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- 75% of pastors report being “extremely stressed” or “highly stressed.”
- 80% who enter ministry will not be in ministry 10 years later.
When a minister takes a sabbatical, both the church and the minister benefit.
- The minister is refreshed and renewed.
- The minister gains clarity.
- The minister is given a fresh vision or direction.
- The minister gets to refocus on what’s most important.
- The minister is given a chance to recalibrate.
How does Antioch do Sabbaticals?
At Antioch Georgetown, we have chosen to follow the model established by God for His people. We encourage our ministry to staff to take a sabbath one day a week, and a four week sabbatical during their seventh year of service. This four week sabbatical during their seventh year must be taken during four consecutive weeks, and is addition to normal vacation time.
We believe it’s important to care for those who care for us. Please pray for the pastors and ministry leaders at Antioch. They are doing an important work! Our church thrives when those individuals stay rooted in the Word and connected to Christ.
