Coronation Street is not my personal TV addiction but I caught a piece of "street wisdom" the other day to the effect that the only people who take sabbaticals are "They as don't do owt in the first place". Having just completed a month's hardworking sabbatical I was understandably put out. It was of some comfort, therefore, to read David Fountain, in an interview in Grace, speaking up for the sabbatical, especially as a means to sustaining a long pastorate. My own recent experience has certainly removed any initial cynicism about the idea. I'm sure this can be something of great benefit to pastor and people alike.
The immediate advantages are obvious,
1. It gives the opportunity for some extended project - reading or some more specific study; a visit to the mission field; a pulpit exchange etc.
2. It means a break for both preacher and congregation, banishing staleness.
3. It gives the pastor time to step back for a moment and reassess his work.
4. It reminds the pastor that he is not indispensable, and encourages the people to look to the Great Shepherd, not the under shepherd.
5. There is a temptation in the pastoral ministry to neglect relaxation, the family and even one's personal walk with the Lord. A temporary removal of day to day responsibilities can often give the opportunity to correct any imbalance.
Of course some will ask, "Where is the Scriptural mandate for all this?" I would have thought that even a superficial knowledge of the Levitical Law or, more significantly still, Jesus's attitudes to rest, would demonstrate clearly how important such things are. It does not have to be a "Sabbatical" after seven years. It is apparent from the new biography of Dr. Lloyd-Jones that he had an extended time of leave every summer, into which he fitted not only his family holidays but also his frequent trips abroad, his major reading and the preparation of his sermons for the press.
One is arguing here for a principle, not a method. However, let me finish on a highly practical note. There are, I suggest, a number of essential ingredients to a successful sabbatical.
1. A relatively stable church situation. There are some situations where, for one reason or another, there is tension or the church is weak or not yet formed. These men cannot even contemplate a sabbatical. We ought to be praying for such, and seeing if there is anything we can do to lessen the strain they are under.
2. A sympathetic church. Even where a situation is relatively healthy and strong the "Coronation Street" attitude mentioned above can mean a man will not be given opportunity for leave. He ought to try raising the issue - he may be pleasantly surprised! The best scenario is where the church raises the subject first.
3. Money. We may not like to mention this but we need to reckon with it. Pulpit supply (as it is quaintly put in some circles), travel, alternative accommodation. All this will have to come from someone's pocket. (A sabbatical on-site would be well nigh impossible).
4. A worthwhile project. Whether it is a course of study, a visit to the church missionary or simply to "get to know the family" a definite goal is advisable for all concerned. Aim at nothing ...
5. A place to stay. Access to libraries or whatever needs to be thought out. It is important that something is planned for the rest of the family. What are they expected to be doing while the man of the house burrows through long forgotten folios?
I am thankful to God and to my congregation for my recent month away and to our families in Wales who put up with us descending on them. It was a most valuable time. My hope is that this brief article will lead to it happening for other pastors who would much appreciate such an opportunity.
