Sabbatical Support: A Model for Congregational Care and Wellness

The pastor’s voice was filled with a mixture of anticipation and concern.  

The night before, the board of elders agreed to a three-month sabbatical for their pastor of 23 years. His energy had been noticeably lower for some time. At first, they thought it had to do with his youngest child heading off to college. But as the weariness persisted, they began to see something deeper. 

The impact of the pandemic had taken its toll. 

COVID forced him to reimagine ministry—learning online platforms, adjusting worship and caring for members from a distance. He poured himself out daily to reassure others, even as he wrestled with questions of his own.  

Despite handling everything admirably, his strength was fading. 

Some elders wondered if age was also a factor. He had come to them right from seminary. Now, he wasn’t just tired; he was drained. They feared losing him if something didn’t change. 

A Simple Podcast Sparked a Big Idea
One elder had listened to the Grace Place Podcast about sabbaticals. The episode resonated, and he shared with the board and congregational president. They all agreed this might be a blessing for the pastor, his family and their ministry.  

When they approached the pastor, he was caught off guard. At first, he worried he had done something wrong. Their reassurance made the difference: they wanted him to rest—not because he had failed, but because they cared. 

A Pastor In Need of Renewal
The pastor loved the congregation deeply, but he had nothing left to give.
Streaming worship services, learning new tech, coordinating communion logistics and fielding hours of emotional phone calls had left him physically, mentally and spiritually exhausted. 

Even as restrictions lifted, attendance stayed low. Longtime members didn’t return. The ministry he loved suddenly felt unfamiliar. He wasn’t ready to leave—but he needed time to recover his vision and passion. 

Planning a Sabbatical that Blesses All
This would be the pastors first sabbatical, and he was excited for several reasons. First and foremost, the idea came from his board of elders, without his request. He was on the receiving end of love and concern from God’s people.  

Certainly, there were questions to be answered.  

The pastor turned to Grace Place Wellness for help. Their resources and coaching helped him realize a sabbatical isn’t a solo effort—it takes a team. 

With their guidance, he formed a planning group, outlined a purpose and thought through how the sabbatical could benefit the entire congregation. They discussed funding, set expectations and built a path forward. 

Over the next year, conversations would continue so that when the sabbatical arrives, it will truly be a time of renewal for all. 

Why This Matters for Ministry Health
Caring for church workers is essential.

Yes, church workers must take responsibility for their own wellness. But when congregations take intentional steps to support them—especially through sabbaticals—it leads to healthier, longer-lasting ministries filled with joy and purpose. 

Grace Place Wellness is here to help.

We’re your partner in church worker wellness. From coaching and planning to encouragement and education, we walk with ministries every step of the way. 

Contact Greg.Walton@lcef.org to learn how your ministry can provide intentional care for your church workers.