A Sabbatical Primer for Churches: How to Love and Honor the Pastor God Has Given You

By David C. Alves

Book Overview

Healthy churches need healthy pastors-but many congregations wait until exhaustion or crisis before creating a pastoral sabbatical plan.

How can a church give its pastor meaningful time for spiritual renewal while maintaining ministry, managing finances, preparing the congregation, and supporting the pastoral family?

A Sabbatical Primer for Churches is a practical guide for elders, deacons, church boards, personnel committees, denominational leaders, and congregations that want to plan a successful pastoral sabbatical.

David C. Alves and Marcy Devers Alves combine biblical teaching, pastoral experience, family perspectives, and ready-to-use planning resources to help churches move from uncertainty to a thoughtful renewal process.

This guide will help your church:

Understand the biblical and practical reasons for pastoral sabbaticalsRecognize the effects of ministry fatigue on pastors and their familiesAnswer common congregational concerns and objectionsDevelop a realistic timeline, budget, and coverage planSupport the pastor's spouse and familyPrepare the congregation before the sabbatical beginsPlan a healthy launch and thoughtful ministry reentryCreate a lasting sabbatical policy for future leaders

The book also includes pastoral-spouse stories, sample letters, a pastoral renewal proposal, congregational materials, and practical resources for church leadership teams.

A Sabbatical Primer for Churches is the companion volume to A Sabbatical Primer for Pastors. Used together, the two books can help pastors and congregations prepare for renewal, strengthen their partnership, and build healthier ministry for the years ahead.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1497438748
• ISBN13: 9781497438743
• Release Date: December 2014
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"