Secondary Benefits of a Priest’s Sabbatical
Seven years ago, as I was completing my sixth year as rector of Church of the Resurrection in Starkville, I had the opportunity to embark on a three-month sabbatical. I presided at the services on Easter Day and then, come Monday morning, I was in flight to the College of Preachers in Washington for a period of study and reflection. My time away from parish responsibilities also included a first-time pilgrimage to England and Scotland as well as some time at the beach.
There was some consternation, I suspect, in the congregation as my parishioners anticipated the rector being gone for such an extended period, though it was never really articulated. There seemed to be an understanding that I had given my best for six years and that this time away for relaxation, restoration, and renewal was well-earned. And what’s more, provision had been made for full-time clergy services.
My experience of that sabbatical, and I think the experience of the folks at Resurrection, were that the time apart was constructive and helpful on at least three levels.
First, I was able to take time to do things that normal parish ministry did not allow. Some of that was very productive – extensive reading and thoughtful writing – and some was just plain fun – like attending opening day at Camden Yard. It allowed me the opportunity to just be, which was enormously restorative.
The second level of impact was the opportunity the parish had to thrive and function absent my presence. While we may opine that “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” such an intentional, planned clergy absence also allowed laity to step into new leadership roles.
The final benefit the congregation received was a truly invigorated rector; one who returned from sabbatical with greater energy, a renewed spirit, a fresh perspective, and new approaches to teaching and preaching.
A sabbatical is enlightened self interest for the parish. As Linda Nelson would note, it is a win-win situation.
