Church Staff and Director Sabbatical Policy

Church Staff Sabbatical Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the management of sabbaticals for paid church staff members or volunteer directors in a fair and structured manner. A sabbatical is a sacred time of rest, renewal, and spiritual rejuvenation for staff members, in alignment with the teachings of Scripture. The church recognizes the importance of supporting its employees in their spiritual journey and understands that sabbaticals are not a form of punishment but a routine part of nurturing their well-being and deepening their connection with God.

Scriptures that affirm the value of rest and renewal:

• "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
• "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." (Psalm 23:2)
• "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.'" (Mark 6:31)
• "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day, you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest, you must rest." (Exodus 34:21)
• "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9)

In light of these teachings, the church's sabbatical policy aims to create an environment where staff members can experience the fullness of God's grace and find spiritual nourishment. The policy includes the following provisions:

1. Sabbatical Request and Approval

Staff members in need of a sabbatical should submit a formal letter requesting a sabbatical time with clear start and end dates to the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor will work with the employee’s manager to determine if this is appropriate. The Senior Pastor can approve sabbaticals for up to 6 months. The maximum duration of the sabbatical will be determined by the governing board.

2. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for a sabbatical will depend on the employee's tenure, status, and overall performance reviews. It has been recognized that taking regular sabbaticals is beneficial for church workers. Sabbaticals are only permitted for staff that oversee religious programming.

3. Funding

Sabbaticals are generally unpaid, with the exception of situations where a grant specifically covers sabbatical time. The governing board may consider exceptions to provide payment on a case-by-case basis. If the sabbatical is unpaid, the employee is responsible for any premiums of benefits during this time.

4. Pre-Sabbatical Responsibilities List

The staff member should prepare an exhaustive list of their commitments during the sabbatical period. This list should be shared with the church leadership along with their letter, to ensure proper delegation or maintenance of these commitments during the sabbatical.

5. Work Restrictions during Sabbatical

The staff member is expected to abstain from all forms of volunteer work at the church, in addition to their employment, during their sabbatical period.

6. Church Attendance

The staff member on sabbatical should assume they should avoid attending specific church services or events where they functioned as a leader that could create leadership strain. However, they are welcome to attend regular Sunday church services or initiatives where they were not in a leadership role as long as it does not cause any distraction to the interim leadership. The Senior Pastor is the final arbitrator of when a person should or should not attend.

7. Transferring Responsibilities

The staff member should ensure all tasks and projects under their purview are adequately transferred to other colleagues for the duration of their sabbatical. This may include sharing necessary paperwork, grant applications, computer access, and passwords to enable the completion of tasks in their absence. Church owned technology should be given to manager for the duration of the sabbatical. Church owned technology maybe formatted so be sure to remove all personal information from the device before turning it in.

8. Communication during Sabbatical

Staff members are encouraged to set up an email autoresponder and voicemail indicating their sabbatical status and who to talk to. They should also provide contact information for a designated point person who can address any urgent matters during their absence.

9. Board Notification

The church leadership will alert the governing board of the staff member's sabbatical so they can offer their prayers and support during this season.

10. Post-Sabbatical Expectations

The staff member is expected to return refreshed and ready to resume their duties, working their scheduled shifts as seamlessly as possible. If the employee is unable to return to their regular work week, they should communicate this with their contact prior to returning to work. The staff member should also express gratitude to colleagues who supported their programming during their absence.

This policy ensures that the church community continues to function smoothly during a staff member's sabbatical, and that the staff member can truly rest, rejuvenate, and return ready to contribute positively to the church community. Any staff member wishing to take a sabbatical should adhere to these guidelines. Exceptions or additions to this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

At our organization, we offer a sabbatical program to support personal and professional growth. However, it is important to clarify that sabbatical leave is not a replacement for short-term disability benefits. Short-term disability benefits are specifically designed to provide financial assistance and job protection for employees facing non-work-related medical conditions, while sabbatical leave is a voluntary period of absence for personal reasons. We encourage employees to utilize the sabbatical program for self-reflection and exploration, but individuals in need of short-term disability benefits should follow the appropriate procedures outlined in our disability policy to ensure proper support during times of illness or injury.

Follow-up Message: Supporting Ministry Departments During Sabbaticals

We understand that employees may have concerns about the well-being of their ministry department while on sabbatical. It is natural to worry about the continuity and decision-making process during this time. We want to assure you that the church is committed to supporting one another and fostering a spirit of unity, even in the absence of a staff member on sabbatical.

During the sabbatical period, when a project or ministry is overseen by an interim leader, it is essential to acknowledge that the interim leader may make different decisions or approach certain situations in a unique way. This diversity of perspectives can bring new insights and fresh ideas to the ministry, contributing to its growth and development.

In the spirit of unity, we encourage staff members on sabbatical to trust their colleagues who are stepping in to provide leadership and maintain the ministry's operations. It is an opportunity for collaboration and mutual learning, as different perspectives enrich the overall ministry experience. While we strive to ensure continuity and stability, we also recognize that the church operates in a dynamic environment, and at times, certain adjustments or changes may be necessary for the overall health of the ministry. These changes, though rare, could include shifts in focus, reductions in scope, or, in extreme cases, the reevaluation of certain programs or departments. We ask for a willingness to embrace and accept these adjustments, trusting that God’s guidance is at the heart of all we do. Please remember that when the sabbatical ends, there needs to be a spirit of thankfulness and appreciation for whatever was done by the interim leader.

The church leadership and governing board are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing any necessary support to interim leaders during the sabbatical period. They will offer guidance and encouragement, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in such circumstances.

Remember, a sabbatical is not only a time for personal rest and rejuvenation but also an opportunity for the ministry department to flourish under the care of others. Trust that your colleagues will act in the best interest of the ministry and be open to new ideas and approaches that may arise during your absence.

By supporting one another and fostering a spirit of unity, we can ensure that the ministry departments continue to thrive and grow, even during sabbatical periods. Together, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and where individual and collective spiritual growth can flourish.

If you have any further concerns or questions about how your ministry department will be managed during your sabbatical, please feel free to reach out to the Senior Pastor or the designated point person overseeing sabbaticals. We are here to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.

May your sabbatical be a time of profound rest, rejuvenation, and spiritual growth, knowing that your ministry department is in capable hands.

Training Recommendation for Sabbatical Leave

During your sabbatical leave, Pastor Lance encourages you to engage in activities that will invigorate your soul and promote personal growth. Consider the following training recommendations to enhance your spiritual development and overall well-being:

1. Spiritual Development

Delve deep into a spiritual devotional to guide and inspire you during your sabbatical. Here are two recommendations:

• a. "Smith Wigglesworth Devotional"*

This book compiles the sermons of Smith Wigglesworth, an old-time healing evangelist, and will fill you with faith and excitement for what God is doing. Link to Amazon

• b. "Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry" by Ruth Haley Barton*

This academic work explores the importance of soul searching in the rhythm of ministry and provides valuable insights for leaders. It also has a supplementary class available on Seminary Now. Link to Amazon

2. Outside Volunteering

Consider volunteering with an organization outside of your usual ministry scope, such as Jubilee Kitchen or The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Engaging in volunteer work where you are not in a leadership role can provide a fresh perspective and a fulfilling way to contribute to the broader community.

3. Rest and Recharge

Prioritize ample rest during your sabbatical. Allow yourself to sleep and rejuvenate, as this will contribute to your overall well-being and spiritual refreshment.

4. Stimulate Your Senses

Engage in activities that stimulate your senses and promote creativity. Explore art, music, spending time in nature, journaling, or any other creative outlets that resonate with you. These activities can foster inspiration and introspection, enhancing your sabbatical experience.

Remember, the purpose of your sabbatical is to rest, rejuvenate, and deepen your spiritual connection. Embrace these training recommendations as opportunities for personal growth and enrichment, allowing yourself to be open to new experiences and insights.