BRB...
Paul Norton
April 25, 2026
Last week, one of our deacons announced to the church that they have graciously extended me/my family a sabbatical after 10 years at Faith (over 20 years total as a vocational pastor in some role). I wanted to publicly say thank you to them and what they have elected to do on your behalf as a congregation.
The other pastors (starting a few years ago) had encouraged me to take one, and then they started the discussion with the deacons last Spring. The consensus was to accomplish it last Fall. Due to the staff transition, we needed to defer it to 2026. Now, its time...yet, I still find myself struggling with the concept (though very grateful).
I get it...there is no shortage of data discussing the importance of this practice, not only for pastors but for many other situations or vocations.
Studies show several reasons for pastors, in particular, to take sabbaticals:
- The emotional demands are unlike any other profession.
- The lack of "off switch" for pastors in the course of a day or week.
- Long-term pastors fare better at long-term ministries due to sabbaticals.
- The need to reflect, assess, and reassess.
- The need to let a church develop and mature without one of the pastors present.
There are about 5 to 10 others that frequently get mentioned including rest, study, family time, counseling, etc.
Beyond the studies, I have found (antedocteally) that when I have asked pastor mentors about how they pastored well for decades or what they wished they had done different, I have been surpised how often, "I took sabbaticals", "I wish I had realized earlier that I needed to take a sabbatical", or "I wish I had taken a sabbatical" has been the immediate answer.
Yet, I have struggled to accept this kind offer.
Thoughts like:
Beyond the studies, I have found (antedocteally) that when I have asked pastor mentors about how they pastored well for decades or what they wished they had done different, I have been surpised how often, "I took sabbaticals", "I wish I had realized earlier that I needed to take a sabbatical", or "I wish I had taken a sabbatical" has been the immediate answer.
Yet, I have struggled to accept this kind offer.
Thoughts like:
- Other hard working folks I know do not typically have such an opportunity.
- The apostle Paul didn't take one.
- Does this show I am weak or deficient?
- Do other leaders in our church see something I don't about me?
- What kind of undershepherd isn't around the flock and abandons his responsibilities?
- I am creating a greater burden for the other pastors.
- I may create a temptation for weaker believers to be tempted in their thoughts towards pastors or in their maturity in Christ.
- I am abandoning the folks I am currently discipling or counseling.
- I do not want to assemble somewhere else for weeks on end.
- I will not get to use my gifting as I normally do for weeks.
- What if someone dies?
On I could go with the amount of ideas that have flooded my mind, ranging from thoughtful to foolish. Ultimately, I have just had to submit to what I know is a gracious, factually based decision by the church, that is also backed by the wise counsel of older pastor brothers.
"So, what are you going to do?" has been the #1 question. In all the reading I have done on the subject, two aspects stand out: you want structure but not necessarily an agenda. The point is to reflect, pursue something spiritually healthy, rest, and return.
"So, what are you going to do?" has been the #1 question. In all the reading I have done on the subject, two aspects stand out: you want structure but not necessarily an agenda. The point is to reflect, pursue something spiritually healthy, rest, and return.
One aspect I look forward to the most is the opportunity to go see a counselor. I do not have any imminent issues that I or others are aware of, but I value this aspect of counseling: sitting across from someone trained and proficient at drawing out what is going on in one's mind by utilizing thoughtful questions.
I also anticipate reading or listening to books on the Gospel's influence among Native American tribes (maybe it will lead to a dissertation in the future, maybe not).
I will conclude by saying, "THANK YOU"! I am grateful for the other pastors, the deacons, and you all as a congregation granting me this opportunity as a show of care & love. I also look forward to returning and hearing what God has done in your hearts and lives during the 5 weeks.
I would be remiss if I also did not caution us about the devil's desire to tempt us and create disunity during such a time; whenever there is spiritual progress, there is always a ramp up in temptations to stymie it.
I look forward to preaching my "final message" tomorrow and then setting my status to "be right back".
Serving together,
Pastor Paul