Pastoral Sabbatical Announcement

Dear Church Family,

We want to take a moment to share some important news with you regarding a pastoral sabbatical. Sabbaticals are a common practice among churches to provide pastors with a prolonged, planned, and strategic break from the rigors of ministry for the purpose of rest and rejuvenation.

What Is a Sabbatical?
The purpose of a sabbatical is to give the pastor an opportunity to rest, to be renewed physically and spiritually, to draw close to God and to spend time with his family. This is not a vacation. It is a time to reflect on how he manages his ministry effort, and to identify any changes that can be made to make ongoing ministry more manageable from a stress and energy management level. Sabbaticals are designed to help the pastor to prepare for another season of renewed ministry, flowing from the basic principles in Scripture of the year of sabbatical and jubilee where the people and the land are given rest. Jesus himself would often withdraw to solitary places to pray and be refreshed.

Why Is a Sabbatical Important?
Ministry is deeply rewarding but also demanding. The pastor is on call 24 hours / day, carrying on ministry wherever he goes. In addition to long hours, he experiences ongoing spiritual warfare that is the result of bearing the title and role of “pastor.” Studies suggest that pastors who take regular sabbaticals experience improved mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, increased tenure in ministry, and are less likely to experience burnout.

How Long Will the Sabbatical Last?
Three months; from August 18 to November 10.

What Will Our Pastor Do During These Three Months?
The focus is upon rest and renewal. This does not fit into a tight routine that can be mapped out daily, but it will certainly include solitude, prayer, reading, writing, and other activities that renew body, soul, and spirit. He will also be visiting other churches on Sunday morning in order to disengage from responsibilities at Boyle Gospel Chapel.

How Will This Affect the Church?
During the sabbatical period, the church will continue its regular ministries and services. Richard Semenyna will be looking after the preaching duties. Richard is a Village Missions of Canada board member. It is important that we respect this sabbatical period and not contact our pastor as though he were still at work. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact one of the members of the Leadership Team. Pastor Brenden will provide occasional updates to the Leadership Team during his sabbatical. 
Are There Benefits for the Church?
Yes, the benefits are numerous. We get to hear an “outside” voice that we wouldn’t normally be able to listen to. This season will highlight the many gifted individuals in our church. We also believe that our pastor will return refreshed and able to lead / care to his maximum potential.

How Can You Support This Time?
You can pray for Pastor Brenden and his family, that it will be a great season of refreshment for them. Their desire and ours is that they will return with renewed energy for the next phase of their ministry in our church.

We look forward to seeing how God will use this time to strengthen our pastor and our church family. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Brenden or a member of the Leadership Team.

In Christ,

Boyle Gospel Chapel Leadership Team