Alarmingly, almost 42% of pastors considering quitting within the last year due to burnout. Preventing this fatigue, particularly among church staff, calls for implementing a restorative and well-planned sabbatical. However, the challenge lies in stepping away without letting your ministry fall apart. Here are five essential steps for planning a sabbatical that will allow pastoral and church staff to rest, recharge, and return to their roles with renewed vigor.
Recognizing that you need rest is the first crucial step. Ministry is not a sprint, but a marathon. Therefore, strategically planned periods of rest and renewal, much like how Jesus took time to rest and pray (Luke 5:16), are essential. Sabbaticals aren't about escaping reality, but renewing your strength for the ongoing journey.
Securing support from your leadership is crucial. You’ll need to advocate for a sabbatical policy that benefits both you, the church staff, and the church as a whole, preventing long-term burnout and creating room for team growth.
Once leadership is on board, develop a structured sabbatical plan that includes rest, renewal, and re-entry. Rest involves a complete break from work responsibilities, while renewal focuses on personal and spiritual growth. Finally, re-entry should cover your transition back to full-time ministry to ensure the sabbatical benefits aren’t diminished.
Delegate your duties to others in your team. This will not only keep the ministry running smoothly in your absence but also enable them to grow in their roles. Establish communication boundaries, deciding whether you’ll be completely unplugged or available for emergencies.
A sudden return to full-time ministry could undo all the benefits of your sabbatical. A soft re-entry with fewer initial meetings and intentional prayer time will ease you back into your work rhythm. This period is an excellent time to reflect on your time away and consider changes to prevent burnout in the future.
A well-executed sabbatical is not marked by your return to the ministry but by coming back rejuvenated. This restorative break is a proactive measure against burnout and a strategy for long-term success in your pastoral role. If you're ready to take your first or next sabbatical, or simply want to learn more, catch today's episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast here. Healthy pastoral leadership contributes significantly to a healthy ministry — so give rest the high priority it deserves!