January 2026, part 3 of 6
Pastors who go on sabbatical are often asked some common questions. Here are three of them:
I also work hard, so why don’t I get a sabbatical? This is completely understandable, and really every worker deserves a sabbatical to be refreshed and recentered in the callings God has given you. A pastoral sabbatical is granted not because this work is “harder” or more deserving than others but because the challenges are unique—pastors are spiritually and emotionally “on” for long periods of time, and are often working when others are resting. Sabbaticals are one way that churches can model a different way of being to society, grounded in the 3rd Commandment (“honor the sabbath”).
Is a sabbatical just a long vacation? The difference between them is intent. You might go on vacation to relax, or maybe to have an adventure. Instead, a sabbatical is a time of focused renewal, designed to answer less “what to do?” and more “why am I doing it?”: why will the chosen activities renew the pastor’s heart, mind, and soul for long-term ministry in the congregation? The gift of time is precious and needed to live into patterns of rest and refocus.
Will the church survive without the pastor? Yes, and often the sabbatical time helps congregations discover new gifts of service and leadership that they didn’t realize God had already given them. The ministry belongs to Christ, who has a calling for both the pastor and the people of the congregation. There will be guest pastors to preach, preside at the sacraments, and cover pastoral emergencies. Life goes on, and the Holy Spirit empowers the members to respond to needs when they arise. A healthy self-reliant congregation and a healthy refreshed pastor is a winning combination for ministry.