June 4th will mark the 15th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. I marvel at how fast the time has gone. I’m also a bit surprised that it has already been 7 years since I took my first sabbatical in the summer of 2016. I often thank God that he lets me serve him as a pastor in such a strong and faithful church. I love our church family! I continue to tell the Lord that I will stay here as long as he lets me. I also feel loved by our vestry, staff and congregation. Thank you.  

When I was hired, the leadership that was in place had the wisdom and foresight to write into my agreement that I would accrue a week of additional paid leave for every year I was on staff. The understanding is that I would use this gift of time for a sabbatical every 7 years to care for my own soul. The caveat, however, is that the rest of our leadership team has to be able to continue the good work of our ministries without my sabbatical causing a set-back to the church. Assuming that Curtis’ candidacy for ordination to the priesthood is approved by the diocesan Standing Committee this month, Bishop Alex will ordain him on Friday, June 2nd. The vestry and I will then commission Curtis to take authority in my absence as our priest-in-charge through the summer. I will return to the pulpit for Get Connected Sunday, August 27th.   

What is a Sabbatical and why is it needed?

The concept of sabbaticals goes all the way back to God’s initial giving of the law and even to the story of creation in Genesis. God rested on the seventh day, then told his people to do the same. Rest is so important to God that he has listed it as the fourth commandment. Even the land of Israel was supposed to receive a rest from farming every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4). Such a rest allowed the soil to recover to continue producing in future years. The idea of a pastoral sabbatical is similarly intended to increase the longevity of fruitfulness by an extended period of rest. A sabbatical provides rest from actively serving God’s people so as to make room for listening to God and to oneself. Studies, such as the Lilly Endowment’s Sustaining Excellence in Pastoral Leadership, have been conducted showing the correlation of pastoral excellence with extended periods of rest.  

Some Possible Misconceptions About Sabbaticals

A sabbatical is different than a vacation. It is meant to serve as a hinge in my ministry. I am seeking God for new insights into his calling on my life both as a pastor and as a husband and dad. I am stepping back from the strokes of the canvas, so to speak, so that I can see the big picture. This is not a long sabbatical, and the time will go by quickly, so I am putting in place a specific plan for how to use the time. I will share with the church some reflections of my experience upon my return. I hope some of you will be able to see the benefits in tangible ways.  

This is also not a job transition but an intentional time with the Lord. I’m not looking for a new job or using the time to interview at other churches. I do not want to leave. I believe that God has a lot more for me to do at Grace Anglican Church. I have seen what great fruit lengthy pastorates can yield.  

The church will actually be strengthened by a summer without the Senior Pastor. As much as it makes me feel important to think I’m indispensable, it’s just not true. I am excited to see others have an opportunity to share the yoke of leadership. Equipping others and empowering leadership are high values for me. This sabbatical will give our Missional Resident, Curtis Froisland, an opportunity to experience some new aspects of church leadership and grow as a priest. Curtis will be supported by a strong staff and a faithful church body. The summer is already a naturally slower pace for ministry (with the exception of VBS, Soul in the City, and mission trips).   

The Plan

On Sunday, June 11th, Curtis will begin a new preaching series on the Psalms for the summer. I’m thankful that we have many gifted preachers on our team who will share in the pulpit ministry.

Personally, I will be making many small trips to visit and worship with other churches from our diocese and a few others about which I’ve been curious. I will begin with some of the churches in our own southern deanery. The word I heard from the Lord for us this year was “sent.” He has opened a number of ministry opportunities for our church in the wider Florida region. I am curious to see what he is doing in the churches of my colleagues. I am not going in any official capacity or to preach, simply just to worship and look for God at work. At our daughters’ request, our family will also be repeating the bicycle trip from Washington DC to Pittsburgh. We’ll spend a week in late June riding and camping along the C&O Canal Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage Trail (see www.gaptrail.org if you’re curious). 

I want to thank you in advance for this gift. I ask that you pray that this time would be restorative and helpful. While I am away, the church will be on the forefront of my prayers. I pray that God will grow in each of us and strengthen the work and mission of Grace Anglican Church for a broader reach with the gospel. I would be glad to answer any questions you might have about my sabbatical. Feel free to respond to me via email.