By now, you will have heard that Rev. Tim will be taking a sabbatical starting July to December 2010. This small leaflet will hopefully clear up what a sabbatical is and what a sabbatical is not. If it doesn’t and you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask any of the leaders or staff about anything. We hope that this can be a great time of celebration and blessing together as an entire community.
What is a sabbatical?
There are obviously non-faith definitions and uses of this word but in our context a “sabbatical” comes from biblical teachings on intentionally “ceasing” every seven years. The Mosaic law outlined that land was not to be tilled and debtors and slaves released. It also pertains to the “Sabbath” – the day of rest God designed out of seven for our well being. (Ex. 20:8-11; Lev. 25:2-7; comp. Ex. 23:10, 11, 12; Lev. 26:34, 35).
Even in non-faith organizations, the “sabbatical” year is widely accepted; some say originating back to the 1880’s when Harvard University first instituted it for its faculty.
Why take a sabbatical?
Some say that “ceasing” even for one day out of the week is the toughest of all commands.
But beyond just being a biblical teaching, amongst the many reasons for stopping for a given time for a pastor include: taking time to refresh one’s calling and vision for ministry, to gain perspective on the greater kingdom beyond our own church, to intentionally develop personally through rest and prayer.
What will Rev. Tim do during that time?
On top of rest and prayer, as some of you know, Tim has begun doing his doctoral work in leadership over the last little while. Taking this time off during this year will help focus time on the readings and research required to get this underway.
What will ministry look like at ETCBC?
Rather than simply having Pastor Janet take on all of Pastor Tim’s duties as well as her own, this time will be a great application to what we have been talking about especially in the English congregation – that church is the people and not the building or simply the paid staff.
Ministry leaders and other congregation members are already in place to take on different roles and will step up their involvement in various areas. But that doesn’t mean more help wouldn’t be appreciated!! If you would like to step up especially at this time, please feel free to contact Rev. Tim and/or the other leadership even if you just have more questions.