Sabbaticals Sabbaticals 101

FAQProcessBenefits

Sabbatical PlanningGuidelinesPreparation Rest Re-entry

PoliciesYFC/USACentral Minnesota YFC

AppendixGreater Cleveland YFC

Resources Retreats and Counseling Centers

The following resources will help your chapter develop appropriate Sabbatical Policies and provides resources and tools for you and your staff to utilize in planning for them to meet the intended sabbatical goals. For additional resources or assistance contact leadershipdevelopment@yfc.net .

What is a Sabbatical?It is a time to disengage from normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow a time of rest, spiritual renewal, personal growth, serious evaluation of life and ministry, or professional development and/or research. It is not the same as a leave of absence or vacation.

How long are Sabbaticals?Depending on the purpose and your length of time in ministry, it can be from 1 to 6 months

When should you take a Sabbatical?The NSC suggests their staff take a 2 to 6 month Sabbatical every 7-10 years. Other instances might include a change of ministry location or direction, burnout, family or marital difficulties.

What do you do during a Sabbatical?All Sabbaticals should include a time of physical rest, soul care, renewal with family, and re-evaluation of current ministry roles. The specific activities of this rest look differently depending on the individual.

How do you begin the process?The long answer can be found in the Navigators Sabbatical Guidelines. A summary can be found below under “Sabbatical Process”.

Where do you take a Sabbatical?It is beneficial to spend some of the time away from your normal physical location. This could include time at a retreat center, visiting distant friends or family, camping – some place that facilitates filling up your soul.

How would my responsibilities be met while I’m gone?It is recommended that planning for a Sabbatical begin 6 months before the projected start date. That allows time to discuss with your supervisor, Board of Directors, or Ministry Director which of your responsibilities will be picked up and by whom. It is also recommended that your Sabbatical be taken during a “slower” time of your ministry calendar.

Sabbaticals - FAQs

What if my chapter doesn’t currently allow for Sabbaticals?The concept and value of Sabbaticals is now becoming more recognized as essential soul care. Take time to educate your board on the value to staff and the chapter. Examining the resources here and speaking with others about their Sabbatical can help.

How can I explore further what a Sabbatical might mean to me?The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan is highly recommended reading. Other books include Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordiero and Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton.

This all sounds good to me, but is it really Biblical?While “Sabbatical” is not used in the Scriptures, regular periods of rest from work are part of God’s plan since the beginning of Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). Obviously God didn’t need to rest but was establishing a pattern for all of His creation. He reiterated times of rest in Leviticus. In fact He set up the Sabbath just for us (Mark 2:27) and Jesus called His worn-out disciples to a time of rest with Him (Matthew 11: 28, 29). Isaiah 30:15-17 reminds us, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”, but it was as hard for the Hebrews to accept God’s rest as it is for us, so we will “flee and be pursued” (by our driven-ness and our ‘enemies’), “yet He longs to be gracious to us” (v.18).

Pre-Sabbatical – In the 6 months prior to Sabbatical

Obtain permission for Sabbatical Submit written request if mandatory Determine the purpose of your Sabbatical Line up Advisor/Mentor, Liaison to Supervisor (if necessary), and Sabbatical

Support Group Determine how current job responsibilities will be handled while you are away and

by whom Write Sabbatical Plan (see SAMPLE RRR Worksheets). Include time for rest, family,

spiritual listening.

Sabbatical – Journal major lessons learned and insights gained

Rest, Renewal, Recovery – “Doing something you want to do”Get away from current location (includes lots of physical and mental rest) May

include counseling or spiritual healing if necessary Reflection – “Lord, is there anything You want to say to me?”

Include extended time alone (meditation, quiet space to consider what God wants to say about your current job responsibilities) Refocus, Realign – “Lord, am I doing what I should be doing? What changes in life

and ministry should I make?”

Re-entry – Slowly enter back into work responsibilities. (Depending on length of time gone this might look like part time for the first week or two)

Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened in you Meet with supervisor and key staff to debrief what has happened at work while you

were gone Make changes in personal schedule and work responsibilities to align with insights

gained Arrange an accountability partner to make sure alignment is followed

Sabbatical Process

YFC Staff Experiences

“Very refreshing. Great time to reflect and refocus. Haven't solved all of life but made good decisions and several changes.”

“It was such a blessing to have the space to spend extended time each day with Jesus so I could really be filled and challenged. I came into my sabbatical really tired and in need of a break and I came back refreshed and ready for another year of ministry. After the sabbatical I felt more in love with Jesus and knew him in some very new ways.”

“The luxury of no schedule is a rare treat that I am still grateful for.”

“A new commitment to Sabbath rest every week and Sabbath moments every day; I never understood this before.”

“A deeper intimacy with Jesus and a love of silence and solitude.”

“I came back to a mess in the office. I don't think I would have made it had I not had a sabbatical prior to this. God knew what I would need even more than I did.”

“Perspective. New social media habits. Greater commitment to not overdoing it. And maybe a heightened sensitivity to the signs.”

“Rest! Re-ignited passion and confirmed commitment to the mission. Family that gets all of dad and husband for extended time. Home projects done. Memories made. Hopefully insight from the training time.”

“Scored huge points with my family. It gave me the energy and renewed purpose to do this another 7 years. It gave me time to think big thoughts and not just go 90 miles per hour.”

Sabbaticals - Benefits

Paul Nurmi Sabbatical Jan 7 to July 8, 2013

Dec 2012 Prep Read Navigator Sabbatical Guide. Use guide during SabbaticalRoyal cover World Link; Virginia cover Missionary Care emailsPlanning Days meetings Devotional Sharing (1-5-13)Letter to donors and Missionary Care peopleSet up people to write donor letters during leaveInvite sabbatical advisors: Jerry Wheeler & One otherEstablish a support group: Meet monthly over coffee.

Rest

Get-a-way trip with VirginiaProjects around the house & with family.Play with new hobbies... Harmonica/PhotographyFocus on the LordJournalingScripture readingUnplug: Watching News, Emails, YFC Contact.

Renewal

Reading planListen to DVD PlanSelf evaluationSessions with counselorPossible couples retreat w/counselor.Monthly contact advisorsMonthly smeetwith support team.

Re-entry July 8 to 21

Check in with YFCEstablish Job DescriptionPlan out the following ministry year.

Return

Sabbaticals – Sample Prep Rest Renewal Re-entry Sheet

(Name) Sabbatical (Dates)Rest

RenewalRe-entry (Dates)

Return

Sabbaticals – Blank Prep Rest Renewal Re-entry Sheet

Sabbatical Leave Policy

Version #: 1.0Last Revision Date: 10.12.2011 Effective Date: 6.1.2003Last Author: L.Downey Classification: Personnel

Sabbatical Leave

Sabbatical leave is defined as leave for the purpose of rest, spiritual renewal, personal growth, professional development and/or research on a subject benefiting both the individual and YFC. It is not the same as a leave of absence and may not be in correlation with any other leave of absence.

Eligibility

Sabbatical leave is only considered for Missionaries, Professional II and III, Managers, Directors and Executive employees who have worked full-time at YFC for at least 7 years, including work at the National Service Center for at least the last three years. Employees must also have been performing at an acceptable performance standard. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Procedure

1. Application for a sabbatical should be made in writing at least six months before the planned time. The supervisor will submit the application with his/her recommendations to their department head, who will present it to the Executive Cabinet for approval. A sabbatical “plan” must be submitted, detailing what the employee intends to do while on the sabbatical. Sabbatical types include study, projects or possible YFC overseas or other assignments, but cannot be used for outside employment or extended vacations.

2. Sabbaticals are typically scheduled after the first 7 years of YFC employment, and then every 7 years subsequently, based on eligibility criteria above. Time allowed is as follows:

Vice Presidents and Above Directors, Managers and Professional II Up to 2 months Up to 6 weeks

3. Staff members who are granted a sabbatical leave must agree to return to YFC/USA for a minimum of one year after the end of the sabbatical period.

4. The employee will be paid at his/her regular full time salary with benefits during the defined sabbatical time period.

5. The employee must work out with the supervisor how his/her workload will be covered while away. If undue hardship would occur for YFC due to the request for sabbatical, an employee may not be given approval until such concerns are addressed and resolved to the employer’s satisfaction.

6. Progress will be monitored and at the conclusion of the sabbatical the employee will submit a final report to their supervisor summarizing the accomplishments of their sabbatical plan.

Attachments# Date Attachment Name # of Pages

Change History The following table tracks the changes that have been made to this document:

Version #

Change Date Change Description Changed by

1.0 6/1/2003 Original1.5 10/12/11 Minor Edits to Job Grades & Approval

ProcessLaura Downey

ApprovalDate Person Name Initial

10/13/11 Department Point Person Laura Downey LD10/13/11 Board Member (Cabinet) Debi McCusker DMC10/13/11 Human Resources

Gatekeeper Laura Downey LD

Central Minnesota Youth For Christ Sabbatical Policy

Purpose:Biblically, taking a sabbatical is an application of the scriptural principle of rest. It is a time to deliberately trust God with the unfinished. As an act of faith, there is disengagement from regular work for the purpose of worship, rest, renewal and repair.

Who:Sabbaticals will be considered for full-time ministry staff members at Central Minnesota Youth for Christ (CMYFC).

Timing and Length:The timing of a staff sabbatical will take the following information into consideration.

1. Seven to ten years of full-time ministry staff commitment to CMYFC.2. The ministry staff member and the CMYFC Executive Director will determine the

timing of the sabbatical by taking the following into consideration (this is not an all inclusive list):

a. Needs of the individualb. Needs of YFCc. Current staff duties/commitmentsd. Other pending staff sabbaticals

3. The timing of the sabbatical will require Board approval.4. The length of the sabbatical will be between two and three months5. A sabbatical should not be taken by a staff member who is already planning a

transition out of CMYFC. The purpose of a paid sabbatical would not be to plan that transition.

6. Upon completion of the sabbatical it is expected that the staff member will continue employment at CMYFC for two years, barring any extenuating circumstances.

Funding:A sabbatical will be a paid leave of absence. Other funding for workshops, etc. during the sabbatical need prior planning and approval (see 3.m. and 8.a-d. under “Process”) Process:

1. The staff member will meet with the CMYFC Executive Director (the CMYFC Board chair will serve in this role when the CMYFC Executive Director is scheduling a sabbatical) and the SEED representative to discuss the timing of the sabbatical.

2. This group will also work with the staff member to identify a sabbatical advisor. The following should be considered when selecting a sabbatical advisor:

a. Someone that has successfully completed a sabbaticalb. Lives in the same geographic locationc. Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisord. Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve in the

role

3. The staff member should work with the CMYFC Executive Director (the CMYFC Board chair will serve in this role when the CMYFC Executive Director is scheduling a sabbatical), the SEED representative and the sabbatical advisor to develop a written plan for the sabbatical. It should take into consideration the following important components (not all are required but they should be considered- required components are marked with an *). Appendix A to this policy provides some excellent guidance and direction for planning a sabbatical.

a. Sabbatical timing*b. Choice of sabbatical advisor*c. Monthly meetings with the sabbatical advisor*d. Mid-sabbatical report*e. End of sabbatical report*f. Goals for the sabbatical*g. Sabbatical care interview/inventoryh. Sabbatical support groupi. Marriage retreat (if married)j. Consider how to include your spouse/family in the sabbaticalk. Spiritual transformationl. Personal contribution assessmentm. Budget (details should be shared with the CMYFC Executive Director or the

sabbatical advisor but need not be shared with others)—any anticipated reimbursable expenses during the sabbatical need to be reviewed and approved by the CMYFC Executive Director and the Board.*

n. Consider the different sabbatical phaseso. Sabbatical debriefing questions (this could be used as your end of sabbatical

report to the Board)4. The written sabbatical plan will need Board review and approval. It should be

presented by the staff member with support from the CMYFC Executive Director and the SEED representative. The purpose for Board review and approval is to assure that sabbatical preparation has been well planned and according to guidelines. The specific sabbatical plan will be different for each staff member. While the Board will provide oversight it will be careful to allow the staff member, CMYFC Executive Director, SEED representative and the sabbatical advisor to prayerfully develop an appropriate sabbatical plan without undue interference.

5. Once approved, the sabbatical may be scheduled.6. Monthly meetings must occur with your sabbatical advisor.7. A mid-sabbatical and end of sabbatical report needs to be provided to the CMYFC

Executive Director and the SEED representative. The report will be shared with the Board. The mid-sabbatical report can be verbal. The end of sabbatical report should be written and should be presented to Board by the staff member within two months of return from the sabbatical. The contents of the report are left up to the individual staff member but should include a summary of how your goals for the sabbatical were met.

8. Sabbatical Expense Guidelines- need prior discussion and approval by CMYFC Executive Director/Board:

a. You may raise extra ministry funds to meet additional ministry expenses expected during sabbatical.

b. Expenses for rest, relaxation and recreation are considered personal and not ministry related.

c. Expenses for retreats, workshops, etc. may be ministry related expenses. This may also include meals and travel expenses for you and your spouse.

d. When reporting sabbatical ministry expenses, fill in the ministry purpose with the “why” of the expense (spiritual/prayer retreat, met with sabbatical support group, professional development, etc.). Include comments on how this relates to your sabbatical.

Central Minnesota YFCSabbatical Policy

Appendix A

Why take a Sabbatical? – Biblically, taking a Sabbatical is an application of the scriptural principle of rest – times we deliberately trust God with the unfinished. As an act of faith we disengage from our regular work for the purpose of worship, rest, renewal, and repair.

Definition of Sabbatical: When using the word “sabbatical”, we’re not talking about a vacation but a guided process where we deliberately trust God for the unfinished as we disengage from our normal ministry and leadership involvement to allow for serious evaluation of life and ministry, Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase on Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message captures this thought:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and learn to live freely and lightly.

This is a time to quiet the noise of life and hear the voice of Jesus.

What should be done during a sabbatical?1. Release & Relinquish - Disengage & establish a plan for the sabbatical – initial

framework for direction reflecting priority needs.2. Rest & Recovery – not the ceasing of activity but stopping ministry activities

and, where possible, other areas of stress. You consider what restores you emotionally and feeds you spiritually. This phase requires sensitivity to feelings of isolation or lack of significance. One should be out of regularly scheduled ministry activity but not out of fellowship.

3. Reflect & Refocus – In this phase you are asking, “Lord, is there anything you want to say to me?” Consider how God has spoken to you in the past and posture oneself to hear His voice. Scheduling extended time alone with God is a priority.

4. Realignment and/or Reassignment – This doesn’t necessarily imply a change of roles. During this phase it is important to review and reaffirm calling. The goal is to experience maximum contribution in this next season of life.

5. Re-Entry/Re-Engagement – In this phase you transition back into ministry. Expect emotional stresses, pace issues, spiritual warfare, and struggles in working out desired changes in life and ministry. Also expect the joy of being refreshed physically, reaffirming His vision for you, and gaining renewed perspective!

Sabbatical Guidelines Established

Establish Primary Players

1. SEED Team Sabbatical Director2. Supervisor 3. Sabbatical Advisor4. Sabbatical Support Team5. You

Initial Discussion – Discussion with staff person, supervisor and the SEED Sabbatical Director to determine the timing of the Sabbatical. This is also where the discussion begins and plan is developed to secure the Sabbatical Advisor.

Plan Development – Supervisor and Sabbatical Advisor help to identify the direction and focus of the sabbatical.

Sabbatical Journey – the staff person and Sabbatical Advisor interact with the Support Team for feedback and community during the journey.

Selection of Sabbatical Advisor

This is a collaborative effort between the supervisor, staff person and SEED Committee Sabbatical Director. Where possible, a sabbatical advisor is selected from someone who:

Has completed a sabbatical Lives in the same geographic region Understands the critical role of a sabbatical advisor. Is willing to take the initiative and commit the time necessary to serve.

The role of the sabbatical advisor is to shepherd the staff through the sabbatical process.

PLANDEVELOPMENT

INITIALDISCUSSION

SUPERVISOR

SABBATICALADVISOR

YOUSABBATICAL

JOURNEY

SEEDSABBATICA

LDIRECTOR

SABBATICAL

SUPPORTTEAM

Sabbatical Care Interview

When the sabbatical is confirmed, the Sabbatical Care Interview should be set up with a pastoral care specialist. Just as one takes an annual physical to check the body, the beginning of sabbatical is a great time for a spiritual and emotional checkup. The pastoral care specialist meets with the staff person and, where applicable, with the spouse. The interview takes 2-4 hours per person. Before the sabbatical care interview, the staff (and spouse) complete and turn in inventories as follows:

Role fit inventory Burnout Inventory Personal & Marital Survey

All inventories and surveys are kept confidential, and seen only by the pastoral care specialist. The interview will result in suggested “priority needs” (typically 2-4) and a list of possible resources to help meet the needs. The staff person is presented with a copy of these suggestions.. The staff person and sabbatical advisor then take the suggestions and create action steps that are incorporated into the sabbatical plan.

Sabbatical Support Group

Anyone taking a sabbatical is in danger of experiencing lack of community, loss of perspective, and a sense of isolation. While we all need times alone, we live and minister in community. To meet this need for community, everyone on sabbatical is encouraged to establish a sabbatical support group.

Ideally, this group consists of 3-5 couples for married staff or 3-5 people for singles (both YFC and non-YFC where possible) who have a good relationship with the staff person. This group meets with you (and your spouse) each month to help process your journey in a safe environment. The staff person facilitates the meetings, sharing first their current progress and then asking for input. (When possible, the sabbatical advisor will participate in the group.) Ideally, people in the sabbatical support group should meet the following criteria:

Have the staff person’s best interest at heart Willing to speak the truth People who the staff person is willing to be transparent and vulnerable.

(Transparent = open and honest about yourself. Vulnerable = invite others to speak into your life.)

Willing to meet monthly for the duration of the sabbatical.

Marriage Intimacy Retreat

People in ministry often become so involved in giving to others that their personal lives are neglected. They focus on the biblical principle found in Matthew 10:8, Freely you have received, freely give, but may not experience another principle from Galatians 6:6 – Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with him who teaches.

An intimacy retreat is designed to help couples better understand and meet each other’s emotional intimacy needs, is a time of personal renewal and encouragement exclusively for

ministry couples. It’s a time to freely receive and to be reminded that the Great Commandment to love others begins at home. (YFC pays for the cost of the retreat; transportation is the staff person’s responsibility.)

- Ideas for Intimacy Retreat options include:

Example of Sabbatical Orientation Workshop

To help staff make the most of their sabbatical a 3 & 1/2 day workshop is conducted for those starting a sabbatical. The workshop might include:

Listening Prayer – the simple but profound process of hearing from God Healing Prayer – allowing God to heal our wounds and speak truth into lies

we’ve learned to believe about life. Establishing a Sabbatical Support Group: how to benefit from this lifeline of

friends who will help keep you on track. Developing a Sabbatical Plan: those who report a positive sabbatical also

report having begun with an accurate assessment of priority needs and a realistic sabbatical plan.

Learning God’s Lessons from Life’s Experiences: through instruction, group dynamics, time alone, and sharing with a group facilitator, you crystalize life experiences into life lessons that will instruct and motivate you in life and ministry. (More time is devoted to this in Phase 3 of the sabbatical.)

Personal Contribution Assessment Process: discovering the importance of understanding, developing and employing your God-given design and desires.

Soul Care: practical suggestions for nurturing your soul.

A Word to Spouses

“When do I get my sabbatical?” is a sentiment often expressed by spouses of staff on sabbatical. This is especially true for a wife whose main ministry is mothering and maintaining a household. Her work continues and may even increase when her husband is at home. Her opportunity to rest, reflect & refocus is often limited.

When putting together the sabbatical plan, a sabbatical advisor should acknowledge the spouse’s workload, encourage the husband and wife to examine parental and household responsibilities, and consider how the load can be lifted or shared during this sabbatical so both can participate as much as possible.

Spiritual Transformation

Spiritual transformation is a major focus during the sabbatical. Experiencing inner freedom and more Christ-like character occurs as we allow the Holy Spirit, the Word, and others to speak to our inner person.

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost parts. (Ps 51:6)

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. (Proverbs 18:15)

Spiritual growth does not occur by changing our behavior, but by changing what we believe. Dallas Willard

As we come to understand what we believe about God, the world, ourselves, and others, and as we allow Jesus to touch those beliefs, we become more transformed into the image of God and experience more of the freedom of the Gospel.

The Reflection Phase is a good time to look at issues like lack of brokenness, false identity, unresolved sin and woundedness, addictions, hiddenness, shame fear, guilt, pride, anger, etc. Dealing with these below-the-line issues in our lives helps us move from living from the heart of flesh to living from the heart Jesus gave us.

Personal Contribution Assessment

Make careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your life. Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

Assessment Part 1 – Discovering Your Designo Question – How has God designed me?o Topics

What are my preferences? What are my personal values? What are my spiritual gifts? What are my primary roles?

o Desired Results = A Personal Design Profile Assessment Part 2 – Defining Your Contribution

o Question – How has God directed me?o Topics

What are my circles of concern? Ministry Focus Assessment Life Lessons Personal Mission Statement

o Desired Results = Personal Contribution Summary

Assessment Part 3 – Developing Your Capacity:o Interpersonal Relationshipso Vocational Fito Team Buildingo Personal Growtho Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Sabbatical Expense Guidelines

General Principle: Only ministry-related expenses will be allowed during a sabbatical. Some sabbatical expenses (meals, recreation, etc.) are personal expenses. For tax purposes, a sabbatical is a leave of absence with pay and is a self-defined benefit in and of itself.

General Guidelines

1. You may raise extra ministry funds to meet additional ministry expenses expected during your sabbatical.

2. Expenses for rest, relaxation, and recreation are considered personal and not ministry.

3. Going someplace local alone is a personal expense ( a movie, local coffee shop for prayer/reading/reflection).

4. Expenses when you or your spouse travel overnight for a prayer/reflection retreat are ministry expenses.

5. Expenses for meals alone are allowed only when you are away from home overnight on ministry business. (Meal-Travel).

6. When reporting sabbatical ministry expenses, fill in the Ministry Purpose with the “why” of the expense (spiritual/prayer retreat, met with sabbatical support group, professional development, etc.). Include comments on how this relates to your sabbatical (part of approved sabbatical plan, approved by ______, went by myself, also spent 2 nights doing ____, etc.)

Examples of Reimbursable Sabbatical Ministry Expenses1. Counseling for ministry-related issues2. Overnight prayer retreats3. Professional development books/seminars/courses4. Sabbatical support group meetings5. Sabbatical Orientation Workshop6. Marriage Retreat7. Meeting with Sabbatical Advisor

Helpful Tips and Lessons Learned

1. If you have school-aged children, consider taking a sabbatical during the school year rather than summer

2. It’s okay to sleep more3. This is not a sabbatical from life. Expect to spend time on family responsibilities,

expense reports, updating your supervisor, etc.4. Expect to feel stress as you transition into the rest phase – change is stressful.

Sabbatical Phases (Explained on page 1) Release & Relinquish Rest & Recovery Reflect & Refocus Realignment and/or Reassignment Re-entry & Re-engagement

Sabbatical Debriefing Questions Personal Questions

o How are you feeling about your ministry assignment?o What major lessons did you learn and how do you anticipate these

lessons making a difference in your future?o How would you rate your sabbatical from 1-10? (1 is low, 10 is high)o How has God spoken to you during your sabbatical?o Do you have any emotional healing or relational healing issues you

want to work on? What’s your next step? Process Questions

o What activities were most helpful during each phase of your sabbatical?

o What activities were least helpful during each phase?o What would you do differently?o Would you consider being a sabbatical advisor to another staff?o Do you have ideas, suggestions, or comments to help us improve the

sabbatical process?

Benefits to YFC and Staff1. Healthy Staff2. Empowering emerging YFC leaders to “fill the gap” raising their level of

leadership while others rest, recover, and regain a new vision for mission.3. Promotes longevity in professional ministry versus a “sprint, crisis, recover”

culture.4. Avoids burning out5. Spiritual Growth: passion, wisdom, humility, and understanding.6. Vocational gifts developed and enhanced.7. Family’s health and commitment to mission enhanced or restored.8. Witness to the community of the love and trust YFC has for its leadership.

SABBATICAL POLICYGREATER CLEVELAND YOUTH FOR CHRIST

 

After 7 years as a full-time ministry staff member with Cleveland Youth for Christ, the Board of Directors authorizes a two month leave, with pay. 

The purpose of this leave is to: Recognize and acknowledge a major contribution to the Cleveland YFC ministry Provide an incentive to keep up the demanding pace of this job Provide the staff person with an opportunity to totally get away from the burden

and responsibility of ministry Provide a time for staff to hear from the Lord in a special way concerning ministry

and direction 

The following conditions apply: The staff must take all leave in the year offered; it cannot be banked into the next

year without Board approval. The staff member must be raising 100% of his personal support to take advantage

of this opportunity. No ministry responsibilities will be expected of the staff member during sabbatical,

with the exception of personalizing his/her donor receipts. The staff member is required to receive some type of formal spiritual input, of their

own choosing during the sabbatical period. The Board will make it their responsibility to try to raise the cost of any such training or education. 

The staff member is encouraged to have an outside mentor during sabbatical time. 

 Last approved by GCYFC Board, 10/15/2012

Creative DisruptionNONPROFIT SABBATICALSIMPROVE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY

slow down, you move too faststewarding rest and marginSteve Brown and Dave Legg, People Resources Team

Imagine you wake up one morning and feel so weighed down that the thought of preparing a Bible study is just too much. Or perhaps you are beginning to resent your calling. What happened to that energy you used to experience? The answer may lie in how you are stewarding rest and margin in your life.

the principle of restIt is interesting to note that the third thing God blessed in creation was rest (Genesis 2:2,3) and the third thing God cursed after the Fall was the work of man’s hands. (Genesis 3:17–19). In our fallenness we often get the ways of God backward. Today we curse rest and exalt work.

the precedent of the Sabbath (read more…)

Navigator’s Sabbatical Guidelines

You’re holding in your hands a copy of The Navigators’ Sabbatical Process, which over the last ten years has been shaped by hundreds of Nav staff who experienced life-changing sabbaticals. We’re aware that if you think it might be time for a sabbatical, you’re probably already tired. Instead of saying joyfully, “Oh, how nice of these people to send me all this information!” you’re likely leaning more toward, “Do I have to read the whole thing?”

We created these suggestions to give you both the big picture and some details as you consider a sabbatical. (Click to download)

Sabbaticals – Resources

highly productive capacity-building tool that yields measurable results. Creative Disruption: Sabbaticals for Capacity Building and Leadership Development in the Nonprofit Sector provides emerging evidence of the benefits to nonprofit organizations, leaders, funders, and the sector. Read more…

Retreats & Counseling CentersSonscape - Counseling intensives in group setting for pastors and ministry personnel in Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia - Contact

Shepherd’s Heart - One on one counseling intensives for full-time Christian workers in Colorado and Michigan - Contact

Potter’s Inn - Counseling intensives and week-long retreats in Colorado - Contact

Alongside Ministries - 2-3 week intensive counseling sessions - Contact

Caring for the Heart – Marriage counseling sessions - Contact

Hilltop Renewal Center – Private retreats, spiritual guidance available - Contact

A'nesis Christian Retreats & Counseling Sabbaticals – Exclusively for women in Colorado and Tennessee - Contact

Monasteries and ConventsMarytown Retreat House – Private Retreats in Illinois - Contact

St. Meinrad’s Archabby – Private Retreats in Indiana - Contact

Abby of Gethsemani – Private Retreats in Kentucky - Contact

Independent Christian CounselorsDr. Michael Cuzak – Private practice counseling in Colorado - Contact

Dr. Ron Rickner – Annual YFC Institute speaker, private practice in Florida - Contact

Sabbaticals – Retreats and Counseling Centers