We gave one of our ministers a sabbatical about 18 months ago. She can back refreshed from her time off!

Not to be too negative but many of my group misuse the sabbatical in the sense they did not do what Martha suggests ( or some form) they tended to be time off not refreshing which means some intense study or spiritual developement.... now there are eceptions but this view comes from a small group I have observed... It is important to take sabbaticals but they need focus--- churches can demand a plan to approve a sabbatical.

Interesting, but I totally and completely disagree with this view of sabbattical. In my opinion, a sabbattical need be nothing more than "I'm taking three months off and I'm going to worship in a different context for those three months and not have to lead."  That would be most "refreshing" and probably more spiritually uplifting than any "plan" or "program."

Just my opinion.

Actually steven studies show directed studies and having a plan of depth intensifies  ones spiritual developement - if we want refreshing let us call it that - We have a history of how deeper spirituallity happens - it is focused.  I think the idea of sabbatical has a history and it maybe that I am influenced by how it is understood in academic circles and the monastic movement.   So we disagree and that is fine - it does lead to a discussion of what it is- and my bias is it is more than refreshing ones world.... Again it comes from my understanding of being a spiritual leader, one who holds open sacred space so the divine slides in - that means some form of spiritual discpline - now your vision can happen when there is also a course to integret the learnings and some extra work rather than just not having to lead.  It is to rediscover what it is we do and why we lead.  By the way when you do a sabbatical we have a nice space in our house to read, walk, reflect and be guided.

Interesting: I did a quick google, review of the definition of sabbatical.

Seems that the original definitions were defined as "sabbath" and hence, rest.

Nowadays, sabbatical refers to an intentional study time or alternate employ.  In current terms, the rest, is a standard leave of absence...(as cmpared to sabbatical)

I wonder how the policy is defined.

However, the rest in sabbath was for spiritual reflection - to move out the day to day events and not be ordered by them.... it has always been more than rest - it goes back to sabbath action which was always in judaism a spiritual discipline and then we carried that over.  Those in the retreat business always understand sabbath events and sabbaticals as spiritual refreshing - note the spiritual determines it.  Intentional study time actually carries the meaning.  You are given respite from the day to day activites that sometimes interfer with deeping ones craft.

Of course we can disagree. That's what makes life interesting, isn't it!

I would question any "study" that tries to show an intensification of one's "spiritual development." How does one come up with the empirical evidence necessary to assess the level of a person's "spiritual development?"

I tend to agree with Pinga on this one. "Sabbattical" comes from "Sabbath" and "Sabbath" is "rest." Specifically, according to its biblical basis in Exodus 20:10 it is a time to "not do any work." It is also to be kept "holy" (verse 8) which implies that it should be a time of spiritual refreshment in which one's relationship to God is a significant matter of concern. Now, of course, we would have to enter into a pharisaic like etymological study of the word "rest" to determine what does and does not specifically constitute either "rest" or "holy", which would be to repudiate the idea of grace and of the image of the law written on our hearts. So, in the end, it is (or should be) a matter of personal discretion as to what constitutes "sabbath" or "sabbattical" which is why I believe it's a mistake to mandate or even expect "programs" or "retreats" or specific "plans" to be a part of the process. I don't even agree that such sabbattical should need to be approved. If "sabbattical" is necessary for a minister's spiritual health, then it should be given as determined to be necessary - no approvals required - and left to the minister to determine how best to use it, and if it turns out to be used as 3 extra months off every 5 years, so be it. Maybe that's what was needed.

Just my opinion.

Of course one can empirically discover a deeper spirituality.  Now we might argue about empirical but as a follower of William James I use it in the sense of deep empiricism.  Of course we tell by self description and by how one is energized and more centered.

I still stand by holy rest - and one cannot have one without the other and this is not a narrow read of the tradition which you almost imply with the word pharisaic read and this read does not deny grace.

One study suggests burn out is related to loss of spiritual centeredness - we have become managers ( or forced to be) rather than spiritual leaders.  We need holy rest to do that.

PS  I am the more traditionalist here - hows that for irony.

Often times that is the cause of burnout in non -religious positions as well.  People not being able to fulfill their life-giving primary mandate due to "white noise" activities or non-primary mandate (ie, higher than normal operation or project work throwing stuff out of balance)

I remember a minister stating part of their working time was a period of prayer, study, spiritual -- and it received a resounding "yes" from me. Why? it is the same as my ability to address my core competencies and requirements of my position.....when the noise and furor gets too much, we often let go of that caring of the core.

I thought sabbatical leave was for study, rest or travel.

Hebrew a sabbatical year being the one year land remains fallow.

I stand by the concept of holy rest as well. I simply don't agree that the form of holy rest should be mandated, or that a specific form should even be expected or that approval for it should be required. When others start to define what "holy rest" is for me, that's when it starts to become pharisaic. Doing 3 months of in depth spiritual counselling might be holy rest for some; sitting by the pool every day getting a suntan might be holy rest for others - and both are valid. For me, the most spiritually refreshing thing about a sabbatical would be having more time with my family and the opportunity to worship without leadership expectations. I'd likely also do some reading on the side.

I always thought there was a bit of fundamentalism in you!!!  

Wait, isn't that a vacation or leave of absence?

Wait, isn't that a vacation or leave of absence?

Sabbatical is a period of at least three consecutive months intentionally set aside by ministry personnel in pastoral relationships as an occasion for reflection, recreation, and revitalization, unencumbered by their usual and customary responsibilities, and yet still receiving their usual remuneration and benefits. Sabbatical finds expression in study, rest, spiritual retreat, and prayer.

This is from http://www.united-church.ca/files/handbooks/sabbatical_policy.pdf

Now, can we get "essential agreement" on what "recreation" or "rest" mean?

 That's the issue, SG. To determine "essential agreement" on any of those things and then to make sabbatical in some way conditional upon that essential agreement is a pharisaic way of approaching "Sabbath," not at all unlike determining how far a person can walk on the Sabbath Day before it's considered work.

So pan suggests that refreshing should mean "some intense study or spiritual development" (structured seems implied.)  Why should it mean that? He also suggests that sabbaticals "need focus." Why? "Study, rest, spiritual retreat and prayer" does not suggest to me that anything must be "intense" or even structured. I was being deliberately extreme in one of my above posts in order to make a point, but in fact I can do all four of those things sitting by the side of a pool. 

Is there a difference between study leave and sabbatical?  I've heard of ministers doing each of these things.

Study leave is professional development. It should be a requirement. that is has not been undertaken seriously is why some churches are left in what many see as theological sinkholes while others have have been led to what others see as extreme radicalism. The UCC has no bishops to enforce dogma which makes it one of the richest expressions of Christianity available in North America and -- to some within and many outside its fold -- the most confusing. A well-led retreat can be a very good way to gain some spiritual refreshment. So could a vision quest alone beside a northern lake. Some take courses to polish particular skills, attend workshops, or do reserach of their own in an academic or theological library... it all feeds back into the pastoral charge.

Sabbaticals come up after five years continuous ministry: a proven, cost-effective break from "stuff" of a pastoral charge that gives a new lease on ministers'  spiritual, pastoral, intellectual and leadership lives.

I'd argue that ministers should be required to take an annual retreat AS WELL as the above.

This brings up the question of one's expectations:

Does the holy spirit works in us even if we do not focus or "work" on "enlightenment"?

What do we expect from a person who makes his calling into a living and gets time off? To forget his calling? I figured that a calling is woven into one's life- as I feel called to do what I am doing. Give me time off and once I am over letting go off the stress, new ideas just start popping up.

If you have heared about "Theological worlds"- there is five different types of living spirituality. What works for one doesn't do it for another.

Good point, mrs. anteater. In some respects, one is always "a minister." I think it's one of the reasons why I've known many ministers who've had marriage problems. It's hard to balance ministry with marriage, and the church's expectations don't always help. I've shared on WC before that a couple of years ago my wife almost died from a serious condition that wasn't diagnosed until after she went into a crisis. I was given a leave by my congregation which they respected beautifully. I also took leave from my role as Chair of Pastoral Relations for my Presbytery. In a little over a month - while my wife was still in hospital recovering - I was being asked by people in the Presbytery to take back my Pastoral Relations responsibilities. That I minded (and my wife wasn't too happy about it either) and refused! I was on vacation once (way out of town!) and we got to know a few people staying in the same place who we told I was a minister. I ended up essentially providing pastoral care when one of them received some unexpected bad news from home. I didn't mind that of course, and neither did my wife. But it all makes having a personal life and a successful marriage a challenge. It's just a reminder that "calling" has to do with personal identity and not just a job. I have a colleague who takes note cards with him when he goes to a movie with his wife. Why? Because sometimes the movie stirs up a sermon idea in his head. I don't think one ever forgets a calling, no matter what one is doing at any given time.

Rev Steven,

I tend to tell people when they are using their cane the wrong way or tell them about the benefits of a carpal tunnel splint....just can't help it. It didn't affect my marriage, though. But I can see that Family doctors do have similar problems, because there is always a great need and they tend to work too much.

There are certain people we have found it easier to have good friendships with over the years - particularly doctors and funeral directors, because there are similar expectations of always being available.

I read a JNAC from a church once. The "terms" included  the fact that the minister would be provided with a cell phone free of charge. Had I been seriously looking that would have turned me off completely. Seems to me that it's a sign of a church that expects easy and immediate access at all times. At the very least I'd have a lot of questions. Can I turn it off? Do I have to carry it everywhere? Does it come with me on vacation? What does "we're giving it to you for free" mean exactly?.

You're going into contentious territory..RevStephen.  Why?  It isn't just those that do human work that have that expectation.  Try being an IT person, when someone is having laptop issues.  I go to  a retreat, and people have asked me to fix their connectivity issues regularly.  Do I mind -- no, usually not, why? if it is important to them, and I can help, then i don't mind or if i do, I defer.  I choose who I share that I am in IT with, and how I define my skillset. Of course, desktop isn't my area of specialty; however, I do have the basic skills.   It also isnt' just ministers or some doctors who are on call 7x24.  We've gone down this path a few times....we cna do it here..if you wish..,....

Why contentious, Pinga? I don't think that I've suggested that it's only ministers or people who do  "human work" who have that expectation. I'm speaking of my own experience - which is as a minister in a thread about ministry. I'm not denying anyone else's experience. So, again - why contentious?

Mike and Pinga have refined my position.  Holy rest includes sitting at the pool, hanging out in a Jazz bar ( which I did and since I was known as a theologican had many good conversations) without the day to day responsibiites.  We need space and time to hear the Holy Spirit, and we need some reflective time, which will and not limited to disciplined reflection - retreats, reading, quiet time, down time.

Yes there many ways to reflect.  The other point is what is the expectation of the congregation. Not going into all the problems both steven and pinga lift up,  is it fair to a congregation when a sabbatical turns into a travel time without any plan of how this is refreshing for ones ministry.... travel does and can open new doors but there is always some learning aspect.  Just heard of one minister's travel to Europe on sabbatical where he took part in some theological events, and spent time in Celtic reflection in England.  He could tell us what this did for him personally and theologically.  Then another ministe,r who spent time in Europe, and while going the usual tourist route had no reflective or insight of how this informed him theologically.  He had a great rest and new experiences but  but no focus.  Which of these two picked up holy rest? Which used well the gift of the parish?

By the way, we can see how the idea of sabbatical emerged and changed.  It did become a spiritual time, rest from the day to day to focus on God.  Much is written on sabbatical time as a deepening of ones spiritual sense.  This allows us to take good naturally the questions at the party here is why I have nothing to do with the church and I am spiritual but not religious, and enjoy the conversation.  ( A little different than help with this IT problem for there is a challenge in the conversation where I have to defend the whole history of christianity.  Having said that many people are called upon when the learn of ones expertise, but it is the defending that is hard.)

Fair, RevStephen...just remembering previous threads...reading the post again, i recognize you were giving examples of those that you have met with similair, not setting yourself apart.  Sorry.

Pan,

What bothers me at the thought that a minister should prove the "spiritual gain" of his/her sabatical, is that this would be a requirement from the "ministry is a job" perspective. Not being a minister, I still can imagine how it would be having a "job" with .......(fill in the # of congregational members) employers and critics and having your performance appraisal done on your "depth and performance of spiritual lfe".

What a horror vision!

If ministry is mainly a call, then a congregation should after wisely choosing the minister to match their needs, mainly trust and encourage him to follow this call.

It is a call and a relationship.  When one is planning such a thing as sabbatical it is decision of both parties.  The sabbatical is done in discussion with the some body in the church.  And it is to benefit both parties.  One does not have to 'prove' the outcome.  I agree that the idea of performance review is counter to a relationship ( as an aside I oppose the M&P idea of yearly reviews).  My point is the church has some investment and it can cause problems if the sabbatical is seen as another vacation.  The sabbatical is holy rest and should be worked out with the cong - so both in one sense benefit.

When I did mine I came back with more energy and ideas..... I had deepened my biblical knowledge and theological reflection and spiritual sense.  Of course this was not different from how I spent my study leave - I worked on my vocation as a theologian and spiritual guide.  All I am saying is this is what a sabbatical is.

In a relationship we are not free to just do what we want... we talk about mutual directions.  Yes trust is part of this... my other point is sometimes trust is broken when we do things that appear to be only in our self interest.  Again if sabbatical is seen as just a holiday then that is can undercut trust.  In times of stress this is even more so.  We are not in a job but a vocation and vocations come with some understanding of our role as a spiritual guide.  We would do well to make that better by time out.

Wow! Leave a thread for a bit and you guys are all over this!  Super!!

A sabbatical is intended as a time of rest, to refresh and renew.  Sabbatical leave, to be approved, needs a plan, and some 'outcomes' to be defined by the ministry personnel, but can take Any Form (sorry Pan, there is no 'requirement' for directed anything in Sabbatical-- only that some thought be put into what it is that is Needed to meet those goals of refreshing and renewal). 

Check some of the examples of Sabbatical plans and reports from some ministers that offered to share online:

http://www.united-church.ca/minstaff/pastoral/leaves/sabbatical/ministry

PS: Interim Ministers--a funding strategy for Interim ministry personnel is now in place. See Connex 25, out early December, for more information!

Actually a minor point Martha what is outlined is what I am saying is what is a requirement... I want thought - now I still think just rest is not thought but refreshment does include some deep thinking.  I quess I am demanding in wanting clergy to be theologically grounded and that theology has to grapple with issue of society - Just reading the NY book review sets out some issues that 'demand' theological reflection and to do that one needs some time.  My bias is the educated ministry that was  and is  part of our history.   So to repeat what is outlined suggests a plan and outcomes - all that I would want.

I have sometimes wondered whether congregations should expect there ministers to take a scheduled amount of time (a day maybe) each week for study, thinking, reflection etc.  No, I don't mean there regular day off - I mean a dedicated day. 

My rule of tumb is yes every day there should be time for study and reading and prayer and it should amount to 20% of the week and then another 20% to do and create the sermon and worship service.