Sabbaticals• Developing a Sabbatical Policy There is increasing discussion in churches about the value of sabbaticals for pastors—and for good reason. The pastoral vocation seems to be more demanding than ever. Years ago, pastors’ duties were simpler and more focused. Today, pastors are expected not only to preach the Word, visit their congregants, and teach some catechism classes but to lead dynamic churches, sustain creative evangelism programs, excel in administrative skills, plan meaningful worship, possibly manage multiple staff positions, and more. Pastors are expected to accomplish all of this during their normal work week—a week that can be 60-plus hours long. James O. Davis, president of Global Pastors Network, has stated that: • 1,600 pastors in US churches quit or resign from their jobs every month A sabbatical is a change or a break from the normal routine. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, relax, recharge, and renew. Here are some opportunities to do just that. Beside Still Waters: for Canadian and US pastorsBeside Still Waters offers pastors and their families a place of rest, restoration and refocus on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Accommodation is a two bedroom townhouse that is one block from the beach. There is no charge for the townhouse. For more information, visit www.beside-stillwaters.org. Broom Tree Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsBroom Tree Ministries offers five-day spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses. The retreats are offered to pastors and spouses at no cost. It is paid for through donations from those who want to encourage and strengthen pastors. The retreats are held in two locations: Lake Geneva, WI and White Cloud, MI. For more information visit www.broomtreeministries.org. Buffalo Ridge Hospitality & Retreat Center: for Canadian and US pastorsThis retreat center is located on 200 acres of beautiful prairie in northeast Kansas. Pastors and their families can choose between a guest house, which sleeps 12, or camping. Rates are very reasonable and include both lodging and food. For more information, visit www.HisWayMinistries.org. Christian Pastor Retreat: for Canadian and US pastorsPastors and their families can spend a week in the beautiful Cumberland Plateau near Jamestown, Tennessee. Two furnished cabins are available, and include all linens and cooking utensils (food is not provided). A suggestion donation of $150 per week is requested. For more information, visit www.christianpastorretreat.org. Duke Divinity School - Study Leave for Ministry Professionals: for Canadian and US pastorsPastors and ministry leaders are invited to spend one week of study, worship, and prayer on the campus of Duke University/Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC. Participants have full access to the university and divinity libraries, along with opportunities for community worship, lectures, classis auditing, and conversations with the Divinity School staff. A $500 tuition includes meals and accommodations, but scholarships are available. For more information, visit http://www.divinity.duke.edu/learningforlife/programs/studyleave. Eagle Mountain Lodge: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Lodge sits on 40 acres near New Mexico’s highest mountain, Wheeler Peak. Each suite in the lodge has a mini-kitchen. Rates for pastors and their families are based on suggested donations. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.eaglemountainlodge.com. E.L.I.M. (Encouraging Leaders in Ministry) Retreats: for Canadian and US PastorsELIM Retreat Ministries offers six-day renewal retreats for pastors and ministry leaders. The time is focused on spiritual assessment and pastoral care. Two retreat locations are available in Huron City, Michigan and Eagle, Wisconsin. The retreats are free – including all meals. For information, visit www.elimretreats.org. Fairhaven Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsFairhaven Ministries consists of 15 chalets and cottages and a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. Pastors and spouses are able to take sabbaticals at Fairhaven for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of two months at a rate of $200 per week. For more information, visit www.fairhavenministries.net. Fairhaven also has a location in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia near Vernon, BC. For more information visit www.fairhavenministries.org. Faith Mountain: for Canadian and US pastorsTwo and four bedroom cottages are situated on 250 wooded acres in the heart of West Virginia’s beautiful Mountain Lakes region. Pastors and their families are given discounted rates. For more information, visit www.faithmountain.org. Genesee Home: for Canadian and US pastorsGenesee Home is a place where pastors and spouses can go for Sabbath rest for renewal and refreshment of their ministry and marriage. It’s located on a 1,600 acre ranch, surrounded by national forests, in Taylorsville, CA. The cost is $495 per week, however scholarships are available. For more information visit www.geneseehome.org. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary – Spurgeon Sabbatical: for Canadian and US PastorsThe Spurgeon Sabbatical is founded on the idea that the best way to attain new perspectives and renewal for pastoral ministry is through in-depth Bible study within a context of worship, prayer, and fellowship with other pastors. Pastors enjoy a 10-day stay at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary located in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. The cost is $600 and includes all meals and program materials (note that lodging is not included). For more information, visit www.gcts.edu/lifelong_learners/spurgeonsabbatical. Grace Corner Bed & Breakfast Retreat House: for Canadian and US pastorsLocated just eight miles south of Sioux City, IA, Grace Corner offers personal retreat services such as: peace and quiet, spiritual direction, massage therapy, welcoming spaces, and renewal. There are special rates for pastors/pastor couples. For more information, visit www.gracecorner.com. Gull Lake Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsGull Lake (located in Hickory Corners, MI) is a non-denominational family resort and conference center which offers pastors and their spouses opportunities for rest and relaxation. Between Labor Day (September) and Memorial Day (May), pastor couples may stay for a couple of days and only pay for their meals. For more information click here. To visit the website go to www.gulllake.org. Holden Village: for Canadian and US PastorsNestled in the beautiful Cascade Mountains in north central Washington, Holden Village is accessible only by boat from the town of Chelan, WA. Holden invites pastors to enjoy a free one-week sabbatical which is centered on reflection, daily worship, and relaxation. For more information, visit www.holdenvillage.org. Kerith Creek: for Canadian and US PastorsSituated on 66 acres in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, Kerith Creek offers seven-day small group retreats for married or single ministry leaders. The lodge is located 15 minutes from Calgary, Alberta, and provides a tranquil place to relax, reflect, and be renewed. Scholarships are available and meals are included. For retreat dates and additional information, visit www.kerithcreek.com. King’s Fold Retreat & Renewal Centre: for Canadian and US PastorsA variety of accommodations and activities are offered at the King’s Fold Retreat Centre, located in southwest Alberta near the town of Cochrane (about one hour from Calgary). Different retreat options are available which include personal, group, and fasting retreats (three fasting cabins sit apart from the guest lodge). Guests can enjoy rest and renewal along with home style meals, the library, the greenhouse, a walking labyrinth, and the chapel during their stay. For rates and other information, visit www.kingsfoldretreat.com. Lantern Lane Farm: for Canadian and US PastorsThe Log House at Lantern Lane Farm sits on 17 beautiful acres of wooded and open pasture in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. It offers a unique “home away from home” feeling where pastors can experience quiet rest and restoration. Meals are not included but catering is available. For rates and additional information, visit www.lanternlanefarmtn.net. Living Hope Retreat: for Canadian and US PastorsPastors and their families are invited to stay at the Living Hope Retreat in Kerrville, TX where they can experience quiet rest in an old west ranch setting. Couples or families choose from a variety of accommodation options including hotel rooms, RV sites, or camping. Several activities are available such as swimming, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, biking, and more. Rooms start at $55 per night and meals are available at an additional charge. For more information, visit www.livinghoperetreat.com. Magnetawan Retreat: for Canadian and US pastorsLocated 2 ½ hours north of Toronto, ON, the Magnetawan Retreat is surrounded by the Magnetawan River Provincial Park. Rustic, wood-heated cabins amidst the beautiful wilderness provide a rejuvenating retreat away from busy, technology-filled life. Rates for cabins range from $70-80 per night and include all meals. For more information, visit www.magretreat.ca. Mountain Learning Center: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Mountain Learning Center is located in June Lake, CA, beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It offers two-week retreats for pastors and spouses that provide an opportunity for reassurance, renewal, reflection and recreation. For more information visit www.pastor-care.com/home.html. National Clergy Renewal: for US pastorsThe National Clergy Renewal Program offers grant awards of up to $50,000 to Christian congregations and their pastors to design a Sabbath renewal program that benefits and energizes the pastor and the church for their shared ministry. The deadline for applications is generally in May. For more information visit www.lillyendowment.org/religion_ncr.html. Nehemiah Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsNehemiah Ministries offers a natural haven in Owosso, MI where ministry families can withdraw from their normal environment to rest, relax and enjoy God’s creation. For more information, visit www.nehemiahm.org. Oasis Retreats: for Canadian and US PastorsSituated just outside Hope, British Columbia, Camp Hope offers five-day Oasis retreats for pastors and their spouses. The program addresses the many needs of leaders in ministry while at the same time provides plenty of time for fellowship, rest, and spiritual renewal. Personal counseling sessions and ministry tools are provided by the trained leaders on staff. The cost is $1,000 for singles or $1,550 for couples. Meals and lodging are included. For additional information, visit www.oasisretreatscanada.com. PastorCare: For US PastorsPastorCare provides a network of support and encouragement for pastors and their families who serve in the Great Lakes region of MI. They offer a variety of retreat opportunities (locations and rates vary depending on the retreat) and resources that are dedicated to helping pastors navigate through the challenges of ministry. For more information please visit www.pastorcaregreatlakes.org. Pastors Retreat Network: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Pastors Retreat Network is a network of Christian retreat centers that offer five-day retreats to pastors, pastors and spouses, and pastoral staff teams in upscale Bed & Breakfast style facilities in three locations: Delafield, WI, Vanderpool, TX, and New Bedford, OH. There is no fee for the retreat. All costs are paid through gifts from foundations, corporations, laity, previous guests and churches who share a vision for serving the Church. For more information visit www.pastorsretreatnetwork.org. Pine Rest Clinician: for pastors in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI areaHank Bosma, a Pine Rest Christian Health Mental Services(Grand Rapids, MI) outpatient clinician with years of experience, is available to meet with pastors. During the once a month meetings the pastor can process ministry issues, personal and family issues, or receive support and encouragement. There’s no charge for this service. If interested please call Hank at the Pine Rest South Clinic (616-222-3700). Quiet Place Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsThere is no charge for the accommodations at Quiet Place Ministries for pastors and their families. However, the pastor couples are required to partake in a daily four hour program. Quiet Place Ministries is located in Jackson, MI. For more information, visit www.quietplaceministries.org. Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence – Grants for Sabbath Leaves: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Sabbath Leave Program provides self-directed programs of Sabbath leave for pastors. They are hosted on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Sabbatical leaves range from two weeks to three months. Scholarships are available, however matching or in-kind support from the congregation is required. For more information, visit www.samford.edu/rcpe/sabbath_leaves.html. Rocky Mountain Renewal: for Canadian and US pastorsRocky Mountain Renewal offers refreshment and rest to full-time pastors and their families. Nearly 500 acres surrounds the ranch at Rancho Mira Sol, located only 20 minutes from Durango, CO. The houses are available at no charge but the guests must be able to sign the state of faith. For more information visit www.rockymountainrenewal.org. FREE CONFERENCE: Several times a year Rocky Mountain Renewal offers 3-day seminars with various topics of interest to full-time pastors and full-time missionaries and their spouses. (Seminars for women in ministry are also offered.) They provide 4 meals, housing and a speaker for 4 sessions, all at no charge to you. For more information, visit www.rockymountainrenewal.org/seminars.asp. San Francisco Theology Seminary – Pastor Renewal: for Canadian and US PastorsLocated only 15 minutes north of the city, the San Francisco Theological Seminary provides a quiet place for reflection, study, relaxation, and renewal. Sabbaticals last from one week to several months, and include access to many of the seminary’s resources such as counseling services, worship, and seminary courses. Furnished apartments are available for rent starting at $425 per week. For more information, visit www.sfts.edu/programs/sabbaticals.asp. Sandy Cove Ministries: for Canadian and US PastorsSandy Cove offers mini sabbaticals for pastors and their spouses to connect with God and with each other. Situated on the shore of beautiful Chesapeake Bay near the town of North East, Maryland, it’s an ideal place to relax, study, pray, and get away from the busyness of life. Stays typically last Sunday night through Tuesday morning and meals are provided. Rates are $170 for singles and $220 for couples. For additional information, visit www.sandycove.org/docs/shepherdssabbatical.php. SonScape Retreats: for Canadian and US PastorsLocated in the beautiful Rocky Mountains just west of Colorado Springs, Sonscape Retreats provides pastors and pastor couples a unique setting for quiet meditation, rest, and spiritual renewal. Guests stay in private suites and can enjoy many recreational activities. Scholarships are available. For fees and other information, visit www.sonscape.org. The Cottage on Coronado Island: for Canadian and US PastorsPastors and their spouses can enjoy a one-week retreat on Coronado Island in the San Diego Bay. The cottage is available year-round and includes breakfast, lunch, and counseling sessions. For rates and additional information, visit www.coronadocottage.org. The Lodge: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Lodge offers four and five day retreats for pastor couples on an 82 acre French countryside estate in Buchanan, MI. Accommodations include a 19th century French Provincial home and two guest cottages. There is a charge for the retreats but scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.retreatatthelodge.org. The Louisville Institute: for Canadian and US pastorsThe Louisville Institute offers grants through its “Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders” program. Grants are for eight and twelve week sabbaticals. Applications are due September 1st. For more information visit The Mandala Center: for Canadian and US PastorsThe Mandala Center is an ecumenical retreat and conference center which offers spiritual retreats for reflection and renewal. It’s situated at 7,000 feet on the Sierra Grande just west of Des Moines, New Mexico. Discounts are available for pastors and ministry leaders. For fees and additional information, visit www.mandalacenter.org. Westwood Ministries: for Canadian and US pastorsLocated in the beautiful Texas Hill country, Westwood Ministries comes alongside Christian leaders and their families to cultivate vital health, deep renewal and genuine transformation in the Kingdom of God. Pastors and their families can stay in the lodge, the inn or the RV park. For more information, visit www.westwoodministries.org. Sabbatical ResourcesBooks• Bullock, Richard and Richard Bruesehoff. Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning. Alban Institute, 2000 Websiteshttp://www.alleghenysynod.org |
