FAQ
A sabbatical is an extended time away from the routines of normal ministry and daily life for enrichment, rest, renewal, and personal growth.
The word “sabbatical” has its roots in the Biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath-keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbath includes elements of rest, disengagement, study, exploration, reflection, and prayer. The concept of a sabbatical is rooted in scripture starting in Genesis when God illustrates His desired rhythm of six days hard work, with one day of rest. Sabbatical is also mentioned in Leviticus 25:1-5, as God commanded the Israelites to let the land rest one year out of every seven. During the seventh year, they are allowed to eat what the land produces, but they must let it grow wild. The sabbatical year of release is also discussed in Deuteronomy 15.
In 2024, the Administrative Team at West Cabarrus Church instituted a Sabbatical Policy for the pastors of our church. Our desire is to create a culture that proactively protects and cares for our pastors in hopes of increasing their longevity and effectiveness as they fulfill their calling in ministry. There are many studies and statistics that point to the negative, long-term effects of Pastors without rest. We believe that one of the most important roles we play as the Administrative Team is ensuring that our pastors are fully able to be used by God to healthily lead this church to fulfill its mission of connecting people to Jesus for life change.
A sabbatical recognizes the often depleting, 24 hours a day nature of full-time pastoral ministry, both on the individual and his family. A sabbatical fulfills the scriptural admonition in I Timothy 5:17 that we are to give double honor to those who labor well among us. Based on our belief that we work hard for the Lord and then rest; we believe it is wise to offer a special time of rest after an extended period of hard work.
Unfortunately, yes. According to statistics from Barna Research, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary, 80% of pastors feel discouraged in their roles. 50% of pastors say they would leave the ministry if they could but have no other way of making a living. 80% of seminary and Bible school graduates leave the ministry within the first 5 years. 70% of pastors constantly fight depression. Only 1 out of 10 pastors retire as a pastor. To see more stats, click here. We desire to create a culture at West Cabarrus Church where these statistics don’t play out.
Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, things are going well at the church. This is preventative maintenance to allow our pastors to have longevity in ministry. There are no moral, financial, or ministry issues that have caused our Administrative Team to give our pastors a sabbatical.
ABSOLUTELY! We are celebrating our pastors’ calling and leadership here at West Cabarrus Church. We know that ministry for a pastor is not simply a “Nine-to-Five” job and pastors are on-call 24/7. Pastors celebrate in life’s joys and yet in the next minute, will be mourning and weeping with those who are hurting. We love our pastors at West Cabarrus Church and we celebrate the ways that God is using them. We celebrate the opportunity to provide a sabbatical for them as it points to how the Lord has used him thus far and will continue to do so. This sabbatical aims to provide an opportunity for the pastor to rest, recharge, and be renewed for the next season of ministry here at West Cabarrus Church. This will also be an encouragement for his family as well as they continue to pursue the Lord in all the great things He is doing in their midst.
During those weeks, the pastor will completely “unplug” from his day-to-day duties at West Cabarrus Church. The Administrative Team and Pastor Ryan agree that this momentary relief of duties will allow a pastor the space to focus solely on rest, spiritual rejuvenation, and personal growth. As a requirement for any pastor planning a Sabbatical, the pastor will submit a written/verbal plan of how he plans to spend his time and the Administrative Team have provided their encouragement and approval for this.
Great question. First, looking at the business world and pastoral ministry is like comparing apples and oranges. We know that ministry for a pastor is not simply a “Nine-to-Five” job and pastors are on-call 24/7. Pastors celebrate in life’s joys and yet in the next minute, will be mourning and weeping with those who are hurting. We love our pastors at West Cabarrus Church and we celebrate the ways that God is using them. We need them and after long seasons of hard, rigorous ministry that doesn’t stop, we need them to take a break for an extended period, so they can rest, recharge, and resume the responsibilities of their pastoral calling.
The other pastors and staff will transition to carry the pastor’s responsibilities while he is away. We are thankful for such a dynamic team and gifted group of leaders that God has given to West Cabarrus Church. They all will play a crucial role in seeing that the Sabbatical is afforded to the pastor without any responsibilities being missed.
The church office will be open during its usual hours, staffed by our wonderful employees and other volunteers. They can direct you to whoever would be of the most help to you. We have a large team of Deacons, Pastors, Staff, and Volunteer Ministry Leaders available to help you. Your Small Group Leader is often the best person to reach out to in times of need.
If you need prayer, please call the church office at 704.455.2590 or email your prayer request to info@westcab.org and our staff will reach out to you
- Pray that this will be a time of rest and refreshment.
- Pray that God will use this time as a benefit to both the pastor and his family.
- Pray that God gives him clear insights into his vision for how God will use him in the next five to ten years of his life and ministry.
- Pray for our pastoral staff, and our staff teams as they share the load / responsibilities.